We’ve all heard the saying, “teamwork makes the dream work.” This is true both in and outside of an office setting. One way to ensure that your team works well together is by planning enjoyable team outings.
CEO of O2E Brands Brian Scudamore says that team building is one of the most important investments a business can make. His company earned a spot as one of Canada’s best workplaces and he attributes much of that success to team building.
Participating in team building exercises can improve communication skills and problem-solving in the office or with a remote team. It also gives employees a chance to get to know coworkers in a different environment.
Here are 5 team events that’ll be sure to build trust and team spirit in your office.
1. Escape Room
- What It Is: An escape room is a live-themed mystery game in which small groups are locked in a room and have to solve intricate puzzles to get out within a set time limit.
- Why Plan It: It allows teams of all different personality types to work together for a common goal. Those who may not be in top leadership positions in the office are able to “demonstrate leadership abilities to managers at an escape room that the managers never realized they possessed.” What better way to strengthen team collaboration, decision making, and creative thinking than having to solve a diamond heist in an hour?
- Where To Start: Check out The Escape Room Directory to find an Escape Room in your area. You could also plan your own at your office. Make sure to follow up this great team outing with a victory meal! It’s a great way to debrief on strategies and discuss what team members learned about one another during the team-building game.
2. Happy Hour
- What It Is: Happy hour is the time of the day when drinks and appetizers are offered at a reduced price. This is typically right after the work day, and it allows your large group or even entire team to indulge without breaking your team budget. You can hold one at a nearby bar or restaurant or even right at your office in your conference room.
- Why Plan It: Team happy hours are the perfect opportunity to wind down after a hard day’s work. When hanging with coworkers in a casual setting, people have a chance to talk about topics that are not work-related. This builds camaraderie, trust and is a great icebreaker.
- Where To Start: You can search bars close to the office for happy hour deals. Or, you can plan one at the office, and have drinks and appetizers delivered.
3. Professional Sports Game
- What It Is: Rally around a pro sports game – whether that’s with a group outing to the stadium or with a boisterous viewing at the office.
- Why Plan It: Sports are an obvious method of promoting team bonding and company culture. Whether you’re playing or watching, sports involve organization, different skill sets, collaboration, and the thrill of celebrating victory. There are many types to choose from, whether your group is more soccer-obsessed or hockey-loving.
- Where To Start: Many venues allow you to purchase group tickets at a discount, or you can work with company perks sites like TicketsatWork. You can then use that savings to purchase snacks as you cheer on your local basketball, football, hockey, or baseball team. Alternatively, you can even bring America’s favorite pastime straight to your office with sports-themed snacks!
4. Video Arcade
- What It Is: An arcade is an indoor venue filled with coin-operated video games and other virtual reality entertainment. They’re often played at a restaurant or bar, but some fun games can also be brought to the office too. This is a great wat to increase employee engagement.
- Why Plan It: Its a fun way of having friendly competition. Arcades, like Dave & Buster’s, have everything you need for a successful team outing: food, games, and fun! Put your coins where your mouth is, and challenge your boss to a basketball shoot-out, play a game (or ten) of skeeball, and find out who’s the best air hockey player. Arcades are a great way to exercise mental and physical skills. And whoever wins the most tickets can have office bragging rights.
- Where To Start: You can use NearMeFinds to locate arcades in your area.
5. Community Service
- What It Is: This is organized volunteer work done with the intent of benefiting the local community. Groups can help in different areas of their neighborhood and can amplify their efforts by working together.
- Why Plan It: Volunteering is one of the most rewarding team bonding activities. Odyssey Teams Inc. says, “There are a multitude of team building event, activities, and seminars to take advantage of, but if you want to inspire your team to greatness, then there is nothing better than a community service-based team building exercises.” Feeding the homeless, partnering with a local non-profit, or participating in a charity walk/run are a few ideas for your team to bond while doing a good deed. Coming together as a team to finish a project that leaves a lasting, positive impact on your local community is the ultimate reward.
- Where To Start: Sites like Volunteer Match and Create the Good are great tools to find volunteer opportunities in your community.
Extras
- Scavenger hunt
- Board games
- Jenga
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Office trivia
There are a variety of other activities that are perfect for team bonding. Make sure you plan out enough for each quarter to keep your team engaged and morale high. Happy team-bonding!
