Best remote teambuilding tools for small consulting firms in 2026
Remote teambuilding tools are essential for small consulting firms with 5-25 employees to maintain engagement and prevent remote work burnout while boosting team cohesion across Belgium and the Netherlands.
Why remote teambuilding matters for consultancies right now
Hybrid work is the norm. 70% of teams in Belgium and the Netherlands now work partially remote, yet many small consulting firms struggle to maintain team cohesion when people aren't in the office. The challenge is real: isolation breeds lower engagement, knowledge silos widen, and burnout creeps in—especially among consultants juggling client work with limited face-to-face interaction.
Remote teambuilding isn't just about fun activities. It directly impacts your bottom line. Research shows remote teams with strong bonding deliver 15-25% better retention, faster project completion, and higher client satisfaction. For a 15-person consultancy, that's potentially preventing costly staff turnover and maintaining billable hours during quieter seasons.
The good news? You don't need expensive off-site retreats. Tools like GooseChase, Miro, and Zoom combined with low-cost or free options let you build culture without stretching your budget.
What are the best remote teambuilding tools for small consulting teams?
The key is choosing tools that integrate with systems you're already using—most likely Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom. Here's what actually works:
GooseChase remains the top pick for virtual scavenger hunts and quick team games. One Dutch consultancy used it to run a photo-based hunt where teams competed for points via the mobile app. The result? 40% higher engagement in just 15 minutes per week. It's free for small groups and requires no login hassle.
Miro is your whiteboard for brainstorms and workshops. Consultants can collaborate on sticky notes, mindmaps, and visual planning in real-time. Belgian agencies using Miro report faster innovation cycles—teams move from "let's email feedback" to "let's sketch this together" instantly.
Zoom or Whereby with structured icebreakers works surprisingly well for weekly check-ins. Simple 30-minute sessions using prompts like "Rose and Thorn" (one win, one challenge from the week) build genuine connection. No fancy integration needed.
Slack or Microsoft Teams integration is crucial. Embed quick polls, celebrate wins in a dedicated channel, and link teambuilding tasks directly into daily workflow. This reduces friction—people don't need to log into another app.
Locandy or Huntz for location-based hunts are underrated. Teams in different cities or working from home can compete on local challenges around Antwerp, Utrecht, or Amsterdam. One Amsterdam firm organized geo-tagged tasks that let people explore their neighborhoods while building team trust.
How do you actually implement this without it feeling forced?
Start small. Pick one tool and run it twice monthly—not every week, which burns out engagement quickly. Here's a practical roadmap:
Week 1-2: Choose your tool
- Test one free option this week (GooseChase or Whereby)
- Survey your team in Slack: "What would help you feel more connected?"
- Decide: quick fun activities (GooseChase) or skills-building (Miro workshops)?
Week 3-4: Run your first session
- Schedule 30-45 minutes during core working hours (align with Belgian/Dutch office hours if remote)
- Keep it short. Attention spans online drop fast
- Offer a small reward: virtual coffee with the CEO, bonus time off, or just recognition
Ongoing: Measure and adjust
- Track engagement via anonymous polls in Microsoft Teams after each session
- Measure NPS scores before and after a month of activities
- Watch for participation rates—drop below 60%? Your activity isn't resonating
Budget reality: GooseChase costs €0-€50 per session. Miro runs €8 per user per month. Even a modest €100-150/month budget covers robust teambuilding for 15 people. Compare that to one team member leaving (hiring + training costs €15,000+), and the ROI is obvious.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Low participation? Make tasks 15-30 minutes maximum. Announce winners publicly in Slack. Offer small prizes (gift cards, extra break time). Use Zoom breakout rooms to keep groups small and intimate.
Tech headaches? Stick with browser-based tools like Whereby that need no download. Test your Microsoft Teams integration 24 hours before the event.
Timezone chaos? Core hours matter. Run activities during 10am-2pm CET when both Belgium and the Netherlands overlap. Record everything in Google Meet so night-shift or spread-out teams can participate async.
Budget constraints? Trello (free) works for kanban-style teambuilding. Huntz lets you design DIY scavenger hunts with zero cost. Slack's free tier includes all the icebreaker integration you need.
The bottom line for your consulting firm
Remote teambuilding works when it's brief, regular, integrated into daily tools, and measured. You're not trying to replicate office culture online—you're building connection that supports better collaboration, faster decisions, and longer tenure.
Start this week. Pick one tool, test it free, and see what happens. Your team's engagement—and your retention rates—will thank you.
Ready to strengthen your team's connection and culture? The right digital infrastructure makes remote teambuilding easier. At Luniq, we help consulting firms build websites and digital experiences that reflect your team's best work. Whether you're showcasing client wins or building internal culture, we've got you covered. Let's talk about your next steps.