Team building activities have, unfortunately, become a bit of an eye-roll inducer. They traditionally bring an image of standing in a circle and being encouraged to overshare with your coworkers. This doesn’t have to be the case!
If you’re planning a team-building exercise, you want something that will actually engage the team and get the desired results. Read on for 5 great team-building activities ideas.
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1. Board Games Night
The great thing about board games is that everyone has a favorite. Even those who claim not to be interested can secretly be tempted by the right game.
A board games night is a great way to engage employees in a little casual team building. It’s a lighthearted option that combines morale-boosting with a chance to unwind and get to know each other in a different setting.
It’s also an inclusive option, meaning those with special needs or mobility issues can still get involved. Finally, it’s budget-friendly and can be repeated as often as needed.
Invite a different team member to bring a game from home each week, or simply invest in a selection of office games to keep in the break room.
2. Virtual Events
If your team has remote workers that you’d like to include, consider remote team-building ideas. You could host a virtual ‘Friday drinks’ event. Agree on a time (e.g. 5 pm on Friday) and invite all team members, remote and in-house, to arm themselves with their beverage of choice.
Set a mini-challenge like finding out something you didn’t know about each team member. You could even invite the team to participate in a virtual escape room! This is a great way to get people working together and using different skills while having fun.
3. Scavenger Hunt
If you’ve got a team of go-getters who love to be active and think strategically, a team building scavenger hunt is the perfect activity. Not only does it bring out the competitive edge in your team, but it also encourages them to work together to solve puzzles.
Scavenger hunts are always enthusiastically received, thanks to their playful childhood connotations. They also test a range of skills that may not be otherwise used by your employees. They’re surprisingly easy to arrange in your local area.
4. Charity Fundraiser
Teambuilding, contributing to the community, AND ticking that corporate social responsibility box, all in one day? What’s not to love!
A charity fundraiser is perfect for uniting a team with a common cause. You could ask a different team member to nominate a charity each month and have a brainstorm to come up with some creative fundraising ideas.
Physical events like sponsored walks, cycles, or sports days are always fun. You could contact local homeless charities and animal shelters to find out what sort of practical help they need. Alternatively, you could take part in a national charity event, such as Oxfam’s ‘dressed by the kids’ day.
5. Potluck Day
One of the best ways to bring people together is food. Team building ideas don’t have to be stuffy and corporate! In fact, creating a fun, relaxing atmosphere is far more likely to bring people together.
Arrange a company potluck or barbecue day in a local outdoor space. Encourage team members to bring a dish, as well as their families and partners. You can arrange some simple activities to get people mixing.
This is a simple and effective way for people to get to know each other outside of the workplace environment.
Team-Building Activities Ideas for Company Success
In many cases, simply showing your team that you’re ready to invest in them will boost morale and productivity. Try these great team-building activities ideas to get your employees working together and having fun.
For more great business guides and ideas, check out our other blog posts.