good ice breaker questions help teams bond by allowing them to open up and feel safe in conversations that may otherwise be awkward. Whether you’re onboarding new team members, getting your remote teammates connected for a conference call, or just trying to break up some stale office chatter, these questions are sure to lighten the mood and set the tone for your group.
Some of the best icebreaker questions are silly and fun, while others can be more introspective. The key is to select icebreaker questions that are appropriate for the group you’re working with—do you want to know what the most embarrassing thing ever happened to someone to make them laugh? Or do you prefer to find out which of the Snow White dwarfs describes your personality (Bashful, Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy)?
With workplace burnout at an all-time high, it’s important to find ways to reduce stress and encourage your team to enjoy themselves. Laughing with colleagues not only feels great but it can also lower cortisol levels and boost endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers.
These icebreaker questions without any particular category or theme allow for more open, meaningful discussions on topics like what makes people laugh, what their favorite foods are, and what would they do if they had to choose one condiment for the rest of their lives. These conversation starters are perfect for bringing up during virtual meetings as they’re quick and easy to answer and can be used by anyone in the room.