The pandemic played havoc with so many aspects of our lives, including the team cohesion that was far easier to achieve in the days when everyone worked at the same site.
Now that more of us are returning to in-person workspaces, it’s more important than ever to provide creative ways to encourage bonding among your employees. Such activities foster enhanced communication and employee morale, leading to a more productive workforce.
So here are a few team-building exercises you can offer.
Happy hour
The classic team-building event is the after-work meet-up at a nearby watering hole. Find one with separate space you can reserve, and let your team kick back, relax, and get better acquainted.
If they need a few icebreakers to facilitate social interaction, you can offer board games like trivia, typical bar games like darts or karaoke, or even do a corporate take on speed dating, in which people have two minutes to introduce themselves to other employees, then switch partners.
Competition
It might sound counterintuitive to engage your workforce in competitive activities when you’re trying to bring them together, but a little healthy competition between teams can foster camaraderie as they work to solve challenges. Prizes add even more incentive beyond just team pride.
Send each team on a scavenger hunt, or try such problem-solving games as a locked-door or murder mystery.
Hands-on activities
One of the best ways to get people out of their heads is by giving them something to do with their hands. So bring in local artists or craftspeople to teach your team how to make something they’ll be able to take home as a keepsake.
Ideas here include floral arrangements or bonsai trees, decorated mugs, Hawaiian leis, holiday decorations, or drawing, painting, or cooking classes.
Retreats
This is another one of those team-building exercises that’s been used forever. But that’s because it works! Get your employees away from the office environment and into a different one altogether. A long weekend offers a break from the day-to-day routine and gives your team more time to bond.
Unlike a conference, which revolves around work topics, instead provide discussion groups, lectures on health issues or sustainable practices, and yoga or tai chi lessons, along with leisurely meals and perhaps even team sports.
For the ultimate in meeting or conference luxury, be sure to check out the Historic Alfred I. duPont Building in downtown Miami. Its elegant setting provides the ideal place for a corporate getaway.