Whether you’ve got a HR budget itching to be spent, or a modest team in need of a midwinter boost, there are many marvellous methods to support effective team building. Simple innovations can make a big difference, whilst grand gestures can make for a memorable and motivating adventure.
Take a look at our top 7 tried-and-tested solutions to support a happy and healthy work environment.
Small ideas for big impact
1. Disco afternoon
Build a Spotify playlist over the week, sourcing everyone’s music taste into an eclectic reflection of your office culture. Then, when Friday afternoon arrives and the weekend rolls into view, a thoroughly unique (yet work-appropriate) disco can see your team through to 5pm. Music can be a borderless space – you’ll be surprised how quickly people can bond over something as simple as a favourite song or band.
2. Start a book group
Unite like-minded people with this super simple but remarkably effective way of building a community conversation.
Select fortnightly themes, bring food and enjoy the chat – it’s the perfect Friday afternoon primer for the weekend ahead, and ideal for encouraging better communication across teams. But if reading isn’t your team’s thing, try knitting, board games or fantasy football – you’re sure to find something that your team have in common.
3. Make a difference
Community volunteering can bring your business into the heart of its community, building local relationships that can be of mutual benefit far into the future. Wherever you’re based, there are youth and community schemes that are in real need of support from corporate partners, through the volunteering of time and practical help – a worthwhile and bonding task for team members to undertake together.
Getting out and about
4. Try a new sport together
You take on big challenges together every week, so why not try something totally new as a team? Quidditch started out on the college campuses of America, but is becoming increasingly popular in the UK as a fast-paced and tactical sport with a healthy dose of wit and magic on top. For something a little more traditionally ‘cool’, head for an indoor skatepark or trampoline centre to catch some air in a number of thrilling ways. For newbies or experts, it’s a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy a bit of competition and comedy.
5. Create a mystery
Murder mystery parties have long been a popular staple of dinner parties – so why not broaden the scope and enjoy a murder mystery day in the office? This is your chance to construct a hilarious mystery, packed with workplace in-jokes and costumed cameos from senior staff. Split your team into detective duos and challenge them to find the clues and crack the case – it’s great for collaboration, a change of pace and a guaranteed giggle.
6. Jailbreak!
48 hours to get as far away from the office as possible – without spending a single penny! Fundraising for charity is a great way to bring teams together, and a Jailbreak weekend unites team members in a truly unique hitchhiking adventure. Encourage teams to raise sponsorship money for every mile they get away from the office – maybe even offer a prize to the team who makes it the furthest!
7. Plan your Summer Summit
Whatever your budget, find a getaway suitable for your team at the apex of the year. Mix creative, energetic discussion and team building sessions with relaxing social activity. It’s all about breaking up the 9 to 5 and giving the team a chance to connect and collaborate in a new environment, free of the usual patterns and constraints. Whether it’s just a weekend away, or longer, let your team enjoy the sunshine and build those all-important bridges for long-term success.
Featured photo credit: ‘Team Building and Leadership Favorites 2012’ by Michael Cardus via flickr.com
