The importance of team building shouldn’t be underestimated, especially today when many teams are struggling to maintain the level of efficiency they achieved before the pandemic. It’s a well-known fact that better results are achieved when employees are productive and motivated. For that to happen, apart from other preconditions, they need to feel like part of a team that is set out to achieve great things. One of the most successful ways to ensure this unity and boost productivity is to organize team building events whose aim is to cultivate great interpersonal relationships. However, you need to be aware that there isn’t an activity that everyone likes and enjoys. That is why we’ve prepared the following list of ideas for you to consider and implement, depending on what your employees’ preferences.
Pub trivia
If your employees are not so inclined towards physical activities, you might consider organizing a pub trivia even. See if a local pub can host such an event and make sure you appoint a host who is entertaining to make the most of the event. This isn’t a competition to show who the smartest person or team is, but rather an opportunity for everyone to have fun and work together. Ideally, people should be put in teams with those they don’t know so well, since the point of pub trivia and team building activities is to allow people to get to know each other better while having a great time.
Escape room
Another idea that has become really popular recently is a fun and inexpensive way of giving people an opportunity to work together in order to solve a problem that is seemingly insolvable. Depending on what options there are where you live, you might opt for problems that require combined knowledge to solve or those that will ask people to overcome their fears. The point is that people really need to work together towards a common goal, which strengthens the relations between them. Again, it might be a good idea to create teams of colleagues who don’t know each other so well, who will need to communicate on a completely different level and find out how to maximize everyone’s strength while solving the puzzle. Most challenges will also ask them to trust each other, which is something every team needs if it wants to be successful.
Camping
This is an activity you probably wouldn’t expect to find on this list, but the truth is that numerous companies have already realized the benefits of organizing a camping activity in the open. To begin with, going camping means leaving your comfort zone and having to adapt. This, in turn, requires thinking outside the box and applying skills you have in a completely different environment. Some people might frown upon the idea, but if you provide them all the necessary equipment and gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, food and water, practical otf knives and a first aid kit, they’ll be less reluctant to take the plunge. Just make sure you pick a period when no extreme temperatures are expected, so that people can really enjoy themselves while spending time outdoors. This is especially important to those who have never been camping and you don’t want bad weather to ruin the whole experience. Top of Form
Scavenger hunt
Another popular team-building activity that improves relationships is a scavenger hunt. Again, in order to finish the activity, team members need to communicate with each other and figure out the strengths of each individual in order to complete the tasks. It might also require stepping outside their comfort zone at times, but the most important thing is that those who need to do that feel secure, because they have their team members by their side. Like with most other activities suggested here, it’s usually best to create teams consisting of people who don’t work or spend time together or who might not even know each other at all. Not only will they have fun, but they’ll also be able to learn something interesting about their colleagues. The result will be beneficial for the overall communication in the company.
Board games
The least expensive activity on this list and one that requires the least preparation is an event that can be organized in your offices. All you need to do is provide different board games, as well as some snacks and drinks. People might even bring their own favorite games and teach their colleagues how to play them. Again, the focus is not on the competition, but on people spending time together, having fun and getting to know each other better.
These are just some ideas for you if you’re planning to organize team building activities for your colleagues. As you can see, they don’t require substantial funds and can be organized easily. On the other hand, if you choose the right activities, people will be able to have a great time, which will have excellent effect on their relationships and, eventually, motivation and productivity.