To develop a positive and productive workplace, ensure the company culture is inviting and inclusive. Additionally, team-building activities are an effective way to foster relationships between employees. If you know what these things are and why they’re essential, it will be easier to tell which ones will help your business run better. There is no shortage of enjoyable yet meaningful options: from scavenger hunts to trivia games, there are numerous ways for teams to form strong bonds!
What are team building activities?
Team building activities help bring people together by encouraging them to work together. These activities can also help employees trust each other, communicate better, and feel better about their jobs. The goals of these activities range from just having fun to getting better at making decisions and solving problems. Ultimately, the purpose of team building activities is to create a positive work environment by allowing employees to build relationships with each other and learn more about the company.
Different types of team building activities
Company trivia
Why not switch up the classic trivia by adding questions regarding your company? Ask engaging inquiries around coworkers, mission statements, taglines, and anything related to work. It will surely be a fun way of learning more about each other!
Onboarding doesn’t have to be mundane! Introduce some fun facts about the company in an employee’s first month: it helps new employees get up to speed and gives seasoned colleagues a chance to to show off their expertise.
Escape Rooms
For the most adventurous team, why not try an escape room? It’s a great way to bond and also encourages problem solving in a fun and creative way. Plus, it can add some healthy competition between coworkers who want to be the first group to finish! Escape room team building is an excellent way for employees to work together, communicate better, and bond in a unique environment.
Scavenger Hunt
Another fun outdoor activity is the classic scavenger hunt. Like an Escape room team building, this is a great way to encourage communication (by setting up groups) and get everyone working together to find all the items on the list. Plus, it can be tailored to a team’s specific needs and interests. Like Escape room team building, Scavenger Hunt is a great way to get employees out of the office and think outside the box.
Charades
Playing charades is a great way to get your team to communicate without having to say anything! It’s also an excellent way to break up the monotony of everyday office life without too much effort: just try to guess what your teammates are doing! Charades are a fun and silly way to get people laughing and interacting.
Cook-Offs
This one is great for teams who love to cook or just want an excuse to try something new. Have everyone bring a dish they like, and have the team judge who made the best dish. The winner gets bragging rights! Of course, there doesn’t need to be a competition; it could be a fun way of bringing people together over food.
Brainstorming Session
This activity encourages employees to think outside the box and solve problems creatively. It allows individuals to develop new ideas without judgment and encourages collaboration. Plus, the results of a brainstorming session can be used to tackle any issues or projects that need attention.
Slidedeck wars
Put your persuasion and empathy skills to the test with Slidedeck wars or PowerPoint battles! Each person must create a swift presentation on any topic, such as cats vs. dogs, or even something they are passionate about, like their homeland’s cuisine. It is an enjoyable yet competitive opportunity that can help hone your persuasive arguments and empathetic approach toward others.
Storybuilding
If you have ever been a camper or relish in the warmth of a bonfire, chances are that you’ve taken part in some version of story building. The premise is quite simple: start with an idea/prompt and then progressively add to it sentence after sentence as each participant continues to build upon what has already been written down. Often when playing this game, hilarity ensues due to its absurdity! Storybuilding can spark creativity (even amongst those who don’t typically consider themselves “creative”), get people laughing together, and show off personality quirks.
Local volunteer opportunity
With all of the entertainment, you might wonder what this is for. Let’s make it count by planning something that will help people, like helping at a neighborhood charity run or collecting items to give to a holiday adopt-a-family program.
Volunteering for an important cause or charity can be incredibly rewarding. Not only does it benefit the community and raise collective morale, but it also provides a shared goal that brings people together from all walks of life. Working hand in hand on something meaningful is its reward!
Team building activities effectively foster relationships between employees and help create a more positive work environment. They can range from fun and lighthearted activities like charades and a scavenger hunt to more meaningful activities like brainstorming sessions and volunteering. By taking the time to plan out a few team building activities, you can ensure that your employees will be more connected, engaged, and productive!