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Best Ice Breaker Games for Work

Meeting-friendly, inclusive activities that build trust and engagement without awkwardness.

For Team Meetings (<=10 min)For Onboarding & Intros (10–20 min)For Remote/Hybrid Teams

For Team Meetings (<=10 min)

Desert Island

#1Desert Island

Participants share the three essential items they'd bring to a deserted island.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Ask the group: 'If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you bring and why?'
  2. 2.Go around the circle and have each person share their three items.
  3. 3.Encourage follow-up questions to understand the reasoning behind their choices.
Quick Questions

#2Quick Questions

A rapid-fire question game that keeps energy high and helps people learn fun facts about each other quickly.

3+ Players5 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Prepare a list of simple, fun questions (e.g., 'What's your favorite pizza topping?', 'What was the first concert you attended?').
  2. 2.Go around the room and have each person answer a different question as quickly as possible.
  3. 3.Keep it moving to maintain a high-energy and spontaneous atmosphere.
Materials:Pre-prepared list of 10–15 quick questions
Rose, Thorn, Bud

#3Rose, Thorn, Bud

A thoughtful sharing activity about a recent positive (rose), a challenge (thorn), and something to look forward to (bud).

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Go around the group and have each person share three things:
  2. 2.A 'Rose': a positive thing or highlight from their day/week.
  3. 3.A 'Thorn': a challenge they faced.
  4. 4.A 'Bud': something they are looking forward to.
  5. + 1 more steps...
Theme Music

#4Theme Music

Pick a personal ‘theme song’ for different scenarios (win, focus, superhero) and share why.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Offer 3–5 scenarios (celebration, focus, motivation, etc.).
  2. 2.Each person names a track for one scenario.
  3. 3.Invite short reasons or 5-second snippets if feasible.
This or That

#5This or That

A quick and easy game of preferences that gets people moving and making choices.

5+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.The host calls out two related options (e.g., 'Coffee or Tea?', 'Beach or Mountains?').
  2. 2.For in-person, designate two sides of the room for each option and have people move to the side they prefer.
  3. 3.For virtual, have people use a specific emoji reaction for each choice.
  4. 4.It's a great way to see who shares similar tastes.
Two Truths and a Lie

#6Two Truths and a Lie

Players guess which of three statements is false, revealing surprising facts about each other.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Each person prepares three statements about themselves: two that are true and one that is false.
  2. 2.Taking turns, each person shares their three statements with the group.
  3. 3.The rest of the group votes on which statement they believe is the lie.
  4. 4.The person reveals the lie after everyone has voted. It's a great way to learn surprising facts about each other!
20 Questions

#720 Questions

Guess the secret person, place, or thing by asking up to 20 yes/no questions.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Facilitator (or a player) thinks of a person, place, or object.
  2. 2.Others take turns asking yes/no questions to narrow it down.
  3. 3.Guess anytime—but you have at most 20 questions as a group.
  4. 4.Reveal the answer and rotate the chooser.
Birthday Line-Up

#8Birthday Line-Up

A non-verbal challenge where the group must line up in order of their birthdays without talking.

8+ Players10 min🏢 In-Person

Steps

  1. 1.Instruct the group to arrange themselves in a line according to their birthday, from January 1st to December 31st.
  2. 2.The catch: they cannot speak or write anything down.
  3. 3.Participants must use gestures, like holding up fingers for the month and day, to figure out the correct order.
  4. 4.Once done, go down the line and have everyone say their birthday to see if they succeeded.

For Onboarding & Intros (10–20 min)

Desert Island

#1Desert Island

Participants share the three essential items they'd bring to a deserted island.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Ask the group: 'If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you bring and why?'
  2. 2.Go around the circle and have each person share their three items.
  3. 3.Encourage follow-up questions to understand the reasoning behind their choices.
Rose, Thorn, Bud

#2Rose, Thorn, Bud

A thoughtful sharing activity about a recent positive (rose), a challenge (thorn), and something to look forward to (bud).

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Go around the group and have each person share three things:
  2. 2.A 'Rose': a positive thing or highlight from their day/week.
  3. 3.A 'Thorn': a challenge they faced.
  4. 4.A 'Bud': something they are looking forward to.
  5. + 1 more steps...
Theme Music

#3Theme Music

Pick a personal ‘theme song’ for different scenarios (win, focus, superhero) and share why.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Offer 3–5 scenarios (celebration, focus, motivation, etc.).
  2. 2.Each person names a track for one scenario.
  3. 3.Invite short reasons or 5-second snippets if feasible.
This or That

#4This or That

A quick and easy game of preferences that gets people moving and making choices.

5+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.The host calls out two related options (e.g., 'Coffee or Tea?', 'Beach or Mountains?').
  2. 2.For in-person, designate two sides of the room for each option and have people move to the side they prefer.
  3. 3.For virtual, have people use a specific emoji reaction for each choice.
  4. 4.It's a great way to see who shares similar tastes.
Two Truths and a Lie

#5Two Truths and a Lie

Players guess which of three statements is false, revealing surprising facts about each other.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Each person prepares three statements about themselves: two that are true and one that is false.
  2. 2.Taking turns, each person shares their three statements with the group.
  3. 3.The rest of the group votes on which statement they believe is the lie.
  4. 4.The person reveals the lie after everyone has voted. It's a great way to learn surprising facts about each other!
Would You Rather

#6Would You Rather

Pose fun and thought-provoking dilemmas to the group, sparking lighthearted debates and revealing personalities.

2+ Players15 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Prepare a list of 'Would You Rather' questions (e.g., 'Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?').
  2. 2.Take turns asking the questions to the group.
  3. 3.Allow for some debate and discussion on why people chose their answers.
20 Questions

#720 Questions

Guess the secret person, place, or thing by asking up to 20 yes/no questions.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Facilitator (or a player) thinks of a person, place, or object.
  2. 2.Others take turns asking yes/no questions to narrow it down.
  3. 3.Guess anytime—but you have at most 20 questions as a group.
  4. 4.Reveal the answer and rotate the chooser.
Birthday Line-Up

#8Birthday Line-Up

A non-verbal challenge where the group must line up in order of their birthdays without talking.

8+ Players10 min🏢 In-Person

Steps

  1. 1.Instruct the group to arrange themselves in a line according to their birthday, from January 1st to December 31st.
  2. 2.The catch: they cannot speak or write anything down.
  3. 3.Participants must use gestures, like holding up fingers for the month and day, to figure out the correct order.
  4. 4.Once done, go down the line and have everyone say their birthday to see if they succeeded.

For Remote/Hybrid Teams

Desert Island

#1Desert Island

Participants share the three essential items they'd bring to a deserted island.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Ask the group: 'If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you bring and why?'
  2. 2.Go around the circle and have each person share their three items.
  3. 3.Encourage follow-up questions to understand the reasoning behind their choices.
Quick Questions

#2Quick Questions

A rapid-fire question game that keeps energy high and helps people learn fun facts about each other quickly.

3+ Players5 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Prepare a list of simple, fun questions (e.g., 'What's your favorite pizza topping?', 'What was the first concert you attended?').
  2. 2.Go around the room and have each person answer a different question as quickly as possible.
  3. 3.Keep it moving to maintain a high-energy and spontaneous atmosphere.
Materials:Pre-prepared list of 10–15 quick questions
Rose, Thorn, Bud

#3Rose, Thorn, Bud

A thoughtful sharing activity about a recent positive (rose), a challenge (thorn), and something to look forward to (bud).

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Go around the group and have each person share three things:
  2. 2.A 'Rose': a positive thing or highlight from their day/week.
  3. 3.A 'Thorn': a challenge they faced.
  4. 4.A 'Bud': something they are looking forward to.
  5. + 1 more steps...
Theme Music

#4Theme Music

Pick a personal ‘theme song’ for different scenarios (win, focus, superhero) and share why.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Offer 3–5 scenarios (celebration, focus, motivation, etc.).
  2. 2.Each person names a track for one scenario.
  3. 3.Invite short reasons or 5-second snippets if feasible.
This or That

#5This or That

A quick and easy game of preferences that gets people moving and making choices.

5+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.The host calls out two related options (e.g., 'Coffee or Tea?', 'Beach or Mountains?').
  2. 2.For in-person, designate two sides of the room for each option and have people move to the side they prefer.
  3. 3.For virtual, have people use a specific emoji reaction for each choice.
  4. 4.It's a great way to see who shares similar tastes.
Two Truths and a Lie

#6Two Truths and a Lie

Players guess which of three statements is false, revealing surprising facts about each other.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Each person prepares three statements about themselves: two that are true and one that is false.
  2. 2.Taking turns, each person shares their three statements with the group.
  3. 3.The rest of the group votes on which statement they believe is the lie.
  4. 4.The person reveals the lie after everyone has voted. It's a great way to learn surprising facts about each other!
Would You Rather

#7Would You Rather

Pose fun and thought-provoking dilemmas to the group, sparking lighthearted debates and revealing personalities.

2+ Players15 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Prepare a list of 'Would You Rather' questions (e.g., 'Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?').
  2. 2.Take turns asking the questions to the group.
  3. 3.Allow for some debate and discussion on why people chose their answers.
20 Questions

#820 Questions

Guess the secret person, place, or thing by asking up to 20 yes/no questions.

3+ Players10 min🔄 Hybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Facilitator (or a player) thinks of a person, place, or object.
  2. 2.Others take turns asking yes/no questions to narrow it down.
  3. 3.Guess anytime—but you have at most 20 questions as a group.
  4. 4.Reveal the answer and rotate the chooser.

Tips for Running Icebreakers at Work

  • Start small: choose activities that fit your agenda and timebox to 5–10 minutes.
  • Be inclusive: avoid personal, political, or sensitive topics; offer opt-in participation.
  • Explain why: tell the team how the activity supports collaboration and outcomes.
  • Debrief briefly: ask 1–2 reflection questions to connect the activity to work.
  • Have a backup: prepare a zero-material, 1-minute option in case time runs short.

FAQs

What are safe icebreakers for corporate meetings?

Pick low-risk prompts (favorites, recent wins) and simple activities (Two Truths and a Lie, Show & Tell). Avoid personal or sensitive topics.

How long should a workplace icebreaker take?

Keep it 5–10 minutes for regular meetings; 10–20 minutes for onboarding or workshops with more context and debrief.

What if my team dislikes icebreakers?

Offer opt-in participation, explain the purpose, start with quick low-pressure options, and let the team suggest future activities.

How do I adapt for remote/hybrid meetings?

Favor chat/poll-friendly formats, set clear turns, and keep prompts concise. Provide pass options and avoid topics that require personal disclosure.