—TechRound does not recommend or endorse any gambling, betting, financial or investment advice, practices or operators. All articles are purely informational—
Remote work has changed the rhythm of office life and with it, the way teams bond. In the absence of hallway chats and after-hours drinks, companies are experimenting with virtual games to keep people connected.
Trivia, drawing games, and even casual poker nights are now regular fixtures on remote calendars. In fact, some startups are turning to online poker as a creative team-building tool. Platforms are evolving fast, and sources like Poker Scout expert analysis 2025 may be able to provide up-to-date information on poker sites, helping teams choose safe and accessible options for their digital game nights.
Remote Work Changed How We Socialise
The shift to remote work disrupted informal workplace dynamics that once supported team cohesion. Spontaneous conversations, non-verbal communication, and social rituals were replaced by scheduled video calls, often limited to operational matters. As a result, many organisations noticed a measurable decline in employee engagement and interdepartmental collaboration.
This change occurred simultaneously with growing concern over isolation, digital fatigue, and declining morale. In response, companies began investing in initiatives tied to stress awareness and psychological safety, recognising the need to rebuild casual touchpoints in a virtual setting. Online games emerged as a low-barrier solution – providing structure, interaction, and shared moments without the pressure of productivity.
Why Online Games Can Work For Team Bonding
As companies adjusted to long-term remote work, it became clear that formal meetings couldn’t sustain internal culture alone. Virtual games offered a practical way to support team relationships, creating informal environments where employees could engage without an agenda.
This shift has proven effective in building trust remotely. As noted in a 2025 Forbes article on how to build trust among teammates, well-designed virtual team-building activities, such as casual games can strengthen relationships as they provide an informal setting, promote interaction and cut through the distance. Playing together lets teammates move beyond job titles and roles, making it easier to get to know each other on a more personal level. This creates stronger and more resilient teams.
From Quick Quizzes to Game Nights
As the value of casual interaction became clearer, teams began exploring new ways to make it part of the routine. Quickfire quizzes, mini-competitions, and simple icebreakers were early favourites – lightweight formats that required little time but created a lift in mood and participation.
These small steps soon evolved into something more intentional. Dedicated game nights began appearing on calendars, offering space for longer, more interactive formats. Whether through themed trivia, escape rooms, or online card games, these sessions became a dependable way to connect across time zones. They weren’t just a novelty – they offered teams something to share, enjoy, and remember outside of the workday.
Why Some Startups Are Turning to Online Poker
Not all games deliver the same value when it comes to team-building. Startups with remote teams have increasingly moved beyond casual quizzes and one-off games, favouring formats that engage both socially and mentally. One unexpected favourite among these teams is online poker.
Unlike fast-paced party games, poker as a game of skill and chance offers a slower rhythm that encourages observation, patience, and decision-making. It’s easy to set up using browser-based platforms, and it allows everyone to participate on equal footing. For remote teams that rarely meet in person, poker provides a shared experience that feels different from typical work interactions.
In fully distributed tech environments, where employees often work independently and across time zones, poker nights have proven useful in building trust and engagement. There’s no pressure to perform, but the game naturally brings out focus and interaction. Over time, these regular sessions become more than just downtime.
They help shape how remote teams relate, communicate, and collaborate.
How to Run a Game Night That Works For Team Building
Poker is becoming a favourite, but a game night is only as good as the way it’s run. It needs more than just a link and a time slot. The best sessions are sharp, well-paced, and built around the team – not the game. That means picking formats with simple rules, mixing things up often, and setting a tone where people feel relaxed, not required.
Many remote teams use free poker tools or integrate games directly into Slack or Zoom. A light structure helps, such as setting time limits or assigning a casual host. What matters most is consistency. When game nights become part of the rhythm, not a rare event, they build stronger connections that last beyond the screen.
Measuring the Impact
For many startups, virtual game nights are no longer viewed as side activities, they are increasingly assessed for return on investment. Common metrics include employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS), participation rates, and internal engagement surveys. When these activities are run consistently, companies often report stronger cross-team communication and improved onboarding satisfaction scores.
While poker nights won’t replace performance metrics, they contribute to a healthier team environment; something that’s harder to measure but visible in daily workflow. In fully remote setups, where culture must be built with intent, measurable engagement is not a side effect; it’s the signal that connection is working.
—TechRound does not recommend or endorse any gambling, betting, financial or investment advice, practices or operators. All articles are purely informational—
