Culture
July 17, 2024
Taryn Hart
X min
Effective collaboration, mutual respect, and a sense of camaraderie are the foundation of a productive and happy workplace. Enter team-building activities—structured events designed to bring people together, break down barriers, and create lasting connections.
But how effective are these activities really, and what are some creative ways to incorporate them into your work culture? Let's dive in.
Whether it’s an impressive mini golf game or an epic scavenger hunt that had everyone talking for weeks, these events are a staple in the corporate world. But do they actually work, or are they just a way to get out of the office for a few hours?
Many studies that go back decades have found a common theme that comes from team building activities, and that is helping create a shared group identity. Team building activities are more than just fun and games; they're strategic tools that foster better communication, enhance problem-solving skills, and build trust among team members. When done right, these activities can transform a group of individuals into a cohesive unit, ready to tackle any challenge.
Companies like Google swear by team building. Their Project Aristotle study found that the best teams are those where members feel safe, valued, and connected—exactly what team building aims to achieve.
When Google embarked on Project Aristotle, their goal was to identify what makes a team effective. They discovered that the best teams exhibit five key dynamics:
Google found that the way a team collaborates and interacts is more important than who is on the team.
“Don’t underestimate the power of giving people a common platform and operating language. Project Aristotle is a reminder that when companies try to optimize everything, it’s sometimes easy to forget that success is often built on experiences — like emotional interactions and conversations of who we want to be and how our teammates make us feel.” - Julia Rozovsky, Director of People Operations at Google
While team building and team bonding are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences in terms of purpose and activities.
The primary goal of team building is to improve team performance and efficiency. It focuses on enhancing specific skills, processes, and dynamics within the team to achieve better collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
Team building examples: workshops or training, strategy games like escape rooms, scavenger hunts and puzzles, and recreational activities.
The purpose of team bonding is to strengthen interpersonal relationships and build a sense of camaraderie and trust among team members. It focuses on creating a positive and enjoyable atmosphere where team members can connect on a personal level.
Team bonding examples: social events like dinners or happy hour, and shared experiences like going to a movie or a paint night.
Sometimes a large, time-consuming team building event isn’t necessary, and a shorter team bonding experience is more appropriate. It’s important to also take note that not everyone enjoys or feels comfortable participating in a team building activity. Offering a mix of both to your team that can satisfy everyone is key!
Planning and managing team-building activities requires thoughtful preparation, clear objectives, and effective execution. Here’s a few tips to keep in mind while planning and managing a successful team-building activity:
Define what you want to achieve with your team-building activity. Goals can include improving communication, building trust, enhancing collaboration, or simply having fun.
Consider your team’s size, preferences, and current dynamics. Tailor activities to accommodate different personalities and comfort levels. What activities are they likely to enjoy and engage in?
Make sure you have all the tools and resources necessary for your activity. If you have a hybrid team, utilize collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack so remote workers can join. Consider scheduling during work hours to encourage participation.
Solicit feedback from team members about what types of activities they would enjoy and find beneficial. What did they enjoy? What could be improved? Use this feedback to plan future events.
Team building activities, when implemented effectively, can indeed have a significant positive impact on team dynamics and overall workplace culture.
If you’re struggling to find a team build activity to spark engagement and give your team a morale boost; here’s 21 team building activities to get you started!
Kudos Office Scavenger Hunt: download this free team building activity.
Kudos Virtual Workplace Scavenger Hunt: download this free team building activity.
Kudos Workplace Bingo Cards: download this free team building activity.
What’s in Your Inbox Game: download this free team building activity.
Team-building activities create a safe space for ideas, foster deeper connections, and improve communication—all essential for a high-performing team. By incorporating a mix of in-person and remote activities, and following best practices for planning and management, you can create memorable experiences that enhance collaboration and trust.
So, next time you’re planning a team building event, go all in! Your team will thank you for it, and you’ll see the benefits in no time.
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Kudos is an employee engagement, culture, and analytics platform, that harnesses the power of peer-to-peer recognition, values reinforcement, and open communication to help organizations boost employee engagement, reduce turnover, improve culture, and drive productivity and performance. Kudos uses unique proprietary methodologies to deliver essential people analytics on culture, performance, equity, and inclusion, providing organizations with deep insights and a clear understanding of their workforce.
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