“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Henry Ford

This quote by Henry Ford perfectly encapsulates the importance of teamwork in today’s workplace. While individual talent is crucial, a team that functions cohesively as a unit is far more likely to achieve superior results. But how do you foster such a spirit of collaboration and camaraderie amongst your employees? 

Team building activities at the workplace are a powerful tool to  bridge the gap between individual contributors and turn them into a high-performing team.

Statistics show a significant return on investment for companies that prioritize team building. As per the article published in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) by different studies and research revealed that teamwork is on the rise! A 2016 Harvard Business Review study found teamwork has increased by 50% over two decades.

Yet, engagement lags – only 8% of workers feel fully engaged (ADP Research Institute, 2019). Disengaged employees cost companies anywhere from $438 billion to $605 billion annually (Gallup).

The good news?  ADP research shows teamwork can boost engagement to 17%, and to 45% with trusted leadership (ADP Research Institute, 2019). Building strong teams is crucial for business success. 

In this blog post, I will guide you through the importance of team building activities, exploring a variety of options designed to engage employees, improve communication, and foster a positive work environment.

I’ll provide you with practical 20 Team building activitiy ideas and resources to implement team building activities that resonate with your workforce and contribute to the overall success of your organization.

If you’re all set then get ready to unlock the power of team building with us!

What are Team Building Activities?

Team building activities in the workplace are a collection of exercises, games, challenges or events designed to improve team dynamics and effectiveness. These activities aim to foster:

• Trust between team members
• Communication skills
• Collaboration abilities
• Problem-solving skills
• Team spirit

They are distinct from team training, which focuses on improving specific job skills. Team-building activities create a fun and engaging environment where colleagues can learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses, build trust, and develop a sense of shared purpose.

Simply, the idea is to transform a collection of individuals, who may barely know each other, into a cohesive and efficient working unit.

Here­’s the thing – a recent study by TeamStage  found that a fully engaged workforce­ can deliver Twice the­ revenue. That’s a pre­tty compelling statistic, don’t you think? 

Pro Tip: When people­ are truly invested in the­ir work, it can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. This underscore­s the importance of fostering an e­ngaged and motivated team. By prioritizing e­mployee engage­ment, organizations can unlock incredible growth opportunitie­s.

Importance of Team Building Activities at Workplace

Team building activities are crucial for creating a strong team that cohesively works towards a common goal. They help in enhancing communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills among team members. 

Here are some reasons why team-building activities are important in the workplace:

1. Better Communication

Team building activities can help break down communication barriers and foster better communication among colleagues. According to a study by MIT’s Human Dynamics Laboratory, “conversations outside of formal meetings are the most important factor that contributes to team success.

2. Improved Team Morale

Team building activities provide an opportunity for employees to have fun and relax with their colleagues. This in turn increases productivity when they return to their work.

3. Better Workplace Culture

Team building exercises help in creating a more positive and inclusive workplace culture by fostering trust, respect, and collaboration among team members. This, in turn, draws in great talent and increases employee retention.

4. Skills Development

Team building activities can also serve as a platform for employees to learn and develop new skills, such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, and leadership.

5. Employee Engagement and Retention

Effective team-building activities can lead to increased employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention rates. 

6. Uncover Hidden Talents

Team building activities can help in understanding team members better, which leads to trust and respect, ultimately creating a more cohesive team.

Benefits of Team Building Activities with Work Colleagues

Team-building activities with work colleagues can have numerous benefits for individuals and the organization as a whole. Here are some key advantages, supported by statistics and research:

1. Team Cohesion

Team building activities help in creating stronger bonds between colleagues. They allow team members to approach their relationships from a new angle, leading to better quality work and sometimes even friendships.

2. Better Collaboration

They can enhance collaboration and teamwork, which is crucial for achieving organizational goals. A survey revealed that 82% of UK workers want their employers to organize team building activities

3. Motivation and Engagement

Team building activities provide an opportunity for colleagues to have fun and relax with their team members. This can boost morale and increase engagement, leading to better job satisfaction and retention.

4. Problem-solving and Innovation

Team building activities can help in improving problem-solving skills and fostering innovation. They encourage employees to work together to find solutions, which can lead to better decision-making and improved performance.

5. Identifying Leaders 

Team building activities can help in identifying potential leaders and uncovering hidden talents among team members. This can lead to better team dynamics and improved performance.

6. Conflict Resolution

Team building activities can help in resolving conflicts and fostering better relationships among team members. They provide a safe space for team members to express their thoughts and feelings, which can lead to better understanding and improved communication.

7. Boosting Morale and Productivity

Team building activities can help in boosting morale and productivity. They provide a fun and engaging environment that can help in reducing stress and improving overall well-being, leading to better performance.

8. Connecting Remote Teams

There was a nearly 2500% increase in interest in online and virtual team building activities during quarantine in response to the global shift to remote work caused by COVID-19. 

Team building activities can help in connecting remote teams and improving collaboration. They provide an opportunity for team members to interact and build relationships, which can lead to better performance and improved engagement. 

Are Team Building Activities Mandatory in the Office?

Team building activities are not typically mandatory, but many organizations strongly encourage employees to participate to build teamwork, creativity, and morale. These activities allow team members to relax and bond outside the workplace, which can strengthen relationships and boost morale. However, it’s essential to respect individual preferences and not make participation obligatory.

20 Team Building Activities

Here are 20 team-building activities to get you started, categorized by location and purpose:

Indoor Activities

Icebreakers & Fun:

1. Two Truths and a Lie

A classic icebreaker that gets people talking and guessing.

2. Human Knot

A classic team challenge where people have to untangle themselves from a human knot – promotes problem-solving and communication.

3. Telephone Pictionary

A hilarious game where a message gets distorted through a series of whispers and drawings.

4. White Elephant Exchanges

This activity involves team members exchanging gifts in a fun and engaging way. This is a great way to build relationships and promote teamwork.

5. Blindfolded Drawing

One person describes a picture while another draws it blindfolded – guaranteed to produce hilarious results.

6. Charades or Catchphrase via Video Hangout or Skype

This activity involves team members playing charades or catchphrases via video hangout or Skype. This is a fun and engaging way to build relationships and promote teamwork.

Teamwork & Creativity:

7. “Mr. Rogers” Calls

This activity involves randomly pairing two or three team members for a 30-minute call where they can discuss non-work-related topics. This is a great way to build relationships and foster teamwork.

8. Whiteboard Technique

This activity involves placing a blank whiteboard in a central location and encouraging team members to write ideas, comments, and inspiration on it. This is a great way to promote creativity, teamwork, and collaboration.

9. Virtual Book Club

This activity involves team members reading and discussing a book together. This is a great way to promote creativity, teamwork, and communication skills.

10. Building a Storyline

Start a story with one sentence and take turns adding to it, one sentence at a time – sparks creativity and collaboration.

Check out: 10 Fun Activities To Boost Morale In The Workplace

Outdoor Activities

Active & Engaging:

11. Volunteer Together

Give back to the community and build team spirit at the same time. This fosters a sense of purpose and social responsibility.

Virtual Activities

Teamwork & Engagement:

12. Virtual Movie Night

This activity involves streaming a movie through a video conference call and keeping the instant messaging chat box open so that team members can chat about the movie while it is playing. This is a great way to build relationships and foster teamwork.

13. Conference Call Trivia

This activity involves team members playing trivia during a conference call. This is a fun and engaging way to build relationships and promote teamwork.

14. Online Multiplayer Games

This activity involves team members playing online multiplayer games together. This is a great way to promote teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

15. Virtual Escape Room

This activity involves team members working together to solve puzzles and escape a virtual room. This is a great way to promote teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

16. Virtual Scavenger Hunt

This activity involves team members working together to find items in a virtual scavenger hunt. This is a fun and engaging way to build relationships and promote teamwork.

Can be Done Indoors or Outdoors (Depending on Resources)

Competition & Creativity:

17. Chili Cook-Off

A favorite for many companies, this activity involves employees preparing their best chili recipe and sharing it with their colleagues. This is a great way to promote teamwork, creativity, and friendly competition.

18. Guacamole Challenge

Similar to the chili cook-off, this activity involves employees preparing their best guacamole recipe and sharing it with their colleagues. This is a fun and engaging way to build relationships and foster teamwork.

19. Rib Cook-Off

This activity involves employees preparing their best rib recipe and sharing it with their colleagues. This is a great way to promote teamwork, creativity, and friendly competition.

20. Zombie Escape

This activity involves team members working together to solve puzzles and escape a “zombie” in a conference room. 

Key Takeaways from Team Building Activities

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind, focusing on aspects beyond the points already covered:

1. Unleashing Creativity and Innovation

Team-building activities often involve problem-solving challenges or require creative thinking outside the box.  A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition found that teams exposed to humor were 12% more creative in solving problems.

This newfound creativity can translate into innovative solutions for real-world work challenges when team members return to their desks.

2. Building Psychological Safety

Psychological safety is the feeling of being able to take risks and share ideas without fear of judgment or punishment. Team building activities that emphasize collaboration and open communication can foster this sense of safety. 

Research by Google, Project Aristotle, identified psychological safety as one of the key factors behind high-performing teams. When team members feel safe to share their ideas, it leads to a more diverse range of perspectives and ultimately, better decision-making.

3. Identifying Leadership Potential

Team-building activities can be a breeding ground for leadership to emerge.  By observing how colleagues take initiative, problem-solve, and motivate others, you can gain valuable insights into potential leaders within your team. This can be helpful for succession planning and fostering future development opportunities.

4. Strengthening Networks and Building Trust

Many activities involve interacting with colleagues you might not normally work with closely. This creates opportunities to build rapport, discover hidden talents, and establish new connections within the organization. A strong network of trust within a team can lead to better communication, collaboration, and ultimately, improved performance.

5. Boosting Overall Well-being

Team building activities can provide a much-needed break from the daily grind and a chance to relax and have some fun with colleagues. Laughter and social interaction can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. 

Research published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that strong social connections can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Happier and healthier employees are more engaged and productive in the long run.

By keeping these takeaways in mind, you can approach such kind of activities with a more open and positive attitude. Remember, these experiences are valuable opportunities to not only have fun, but also to strengthen your team’s foundation for success.

FAQs

1. What do you learn from team building activities?

These activities help improve communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and trust among team members. They also promote creativity, innovation, and leadership skills.

2. How often should you do team building activities?

Team-building activities should be done regularly, ideally once a quarter or twice a year, to maintain team cohesion and engagement. However, the frequency depends on the team’s needs and goals.

3. How do team building activities improve team processes?

Team-building activities improve team processes by fostering better communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. They also help identify and address team dynamics, conflicts, and leadership issues.

4. What makes a good team building activity?

A good team building activity is engaging, interactive, and relevant to the team’s goals and needs. It should be fun, challenging, and provide opportunities for learning and growth.

5. Who should pay for team building activities?

The company or organization should pay for activities as they are an investment in employee development and engagement. However, some companies may ask employees to contribute to the cost of certain activities.

6. Should team building be hyphenated?

Yes, team-building should be hyphenated as it is a compound adjective that modifies the noun “activities”.

7. What to wear for team building activities?

The dress code for such activities depends on the type of activity. For outdoor or physical activities, comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. For indoor or professional activities, business casual or formal attire may be required.

8. Where to go for team building activities?

On-site venues, your workplace, or even virtual platforms for remote teams.

9. Which activity builds consensus in a group setting?

Activities that involve group discussions, brainstorming, and decision-making, such as Building a Storyline can build consensus in a group setting.

10. Does team building really work?

Yes, it can improve communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, leading to a more effective team.

11. How would you participate actively in team building activities?

Be enthusiastic, participate actively, and contribute your ideas and strengths to the team effort.