The workplace is many things—but fun, easy, and organic are not always adjectives we'd used to describe it. Even if you like the people you work with, there's often some sense of obligation when it comes to being social. Now, this may sound like a bit from HR, but believe us when we tell you that a few fun icebreaker questions can actually help these exchanges go down just a bit easier. They're even more useful when it comes to more mandatory engagements, like a team meeting, or—for those who are still working remotely—a virtual team-building activity.
Below, we've collected a varied list of questions you can use to help get that ball rolling. We've even thrown in a few informal prompts you can use at home or out with your friends.
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Easy Icebreaker Questions for Work
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Virtual Icebreaker Questions for Team Building
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Weird Icebreaker Questions to Use
Shutterstock / Studio Romantic
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Icebreakers for Office Friends
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Travel and Holiday Ice Breaker Questions
Shutterstock / Fit Ztudio
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Funny Icebreaker Questions
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Deep Icebreakers for the Workplace
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Tips for Introducing Icebreakers at Work
Breaking the ice isn't exactly brain science. At the same time, it does require some careful consideration and a general awareness of what your co-workers may—and may not—want to discuss. Below, we've put together a couple of tips to keep in mind.
1. Be creative.
Small talk can be kind of unbearable. Don't double down and bring it into your icebreakers as well. Instead, try to be creative with things. Remember, these prompts are intentionally framed in ways that allow them to be a little bit random, so try to introduce something that may actually catch your co-workers by surprise.
2. Be professional.
While creativity is encouraged, there is obviously a cap on where you can go with things. There are plenty of places to ask deep, personal, and potentially PG-13 questions, but a team-building exercise is not one of them. Just because you are taking a break from business as usual doesn't mean you have the go-ahead to leave all professionalism behind.
3. Be inclusive.
Be mindful of how certain icebreakers only apply to certain people in the office. Asking specific questions about holidays or traditions may come off as exclusive to those who don't share your same background. In general, you should also steer clear of anything related to financial or marital status.
4. Be strategic.
In every icebreaker lies an opportunity. Don't just throw something out there for the sake of contributing—really think about the questions you ask and how they can help you understand your co-workers better. What you learn might just help you form a more productive working relationship.
Wrapping Up
That's it for our list of icebreaker questions, but be sure to check back with us soon for even more work hacks. You can also sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss out on what's next!
