We are now entering the Coronavirus post-pandemic world of work and like it or not, we all need to adjust to the ‘new normal.’ For you, it might be a positive change. Perhaps working from home, less commuting, flexible hours or a better home-life balance? For others not so much.
In fact, if you manage a department or lead a team, you may be noticing a steady decline in morale and performance with staff. You’re not alone. H. Gardner in Harvard Business Review identified that: “People suddenly working from home are likely to feel disconnected and lonely, which lowers productivity and engagement.”
Then there are the dreaded burnout concerns with employees who have dealt with increased workloads during the lockdown, combined with home-schooling, health issues and sick relatives; all a recipe for exhaustion.
Of course, regular communication and virtual meetings definitely have their place in helping employees feel connected and supported, but for many individuals, it’s just no substitute for real life social interactions. Trust me, Zoom Fatigue is real people!
However, in a world where social distancing is essential right now and protecting your staff is paramount – is there a way to improve team cohesion, performance and productivity safely and without virtual overload?
Social Distancing Team Building
Bringing people together in a safe, socially distanced environment for fun team building activities after many months of anxiety is sure to act as a great release and social boost to each member of your team.
With the lockdown beginning to ease and groups of 6 being able to meet outdoors 2-metres apart, there are now a number of corporate event opportunities available to help inspire and motivate employees.
We looked at 4 helpful options that allow 6 employees to socialise, bond as a team and be inspired, without any close contact required.
Outdoor Country Pursuits
The English countryside, with plenty of fresh air and stunning views can be a welcome reprieve from the monotony of being stuck indoors.
Activities: Individuals can take part in outdoor, socially distanced team building activities, competing against each other to be the best at clay pigeon shooting, archery, duck-herding and even falconry in a beautiful countryside setting.
Safety Features:
· 2 metre social distancing from all people
· Meticulous disinfecting policy
· Outdoor environment
· Washing and sanitising facilities
· Single-person activities
· Experienced and trained instructor
Benefits: Fresh air, countryside views and warm sunshine; being outside is scientifically proven to boost mental health, lower stress and fight mental fatigue. So this team bonding activity is able to help reinvigorate employees, ignite new enthusiasm and relieve feelings of isolation.
Motor Sports
A great way to release the stress of the past few months, motor sports allow each person to take part in safe treks and races in their own sanitised vehicles, while still joining in a unified team bonding experience.
Activities: There’s no requirement for close contact in this socially distanced team building event, with a quad bike each for trekking across exciting terrains, go-karts for fast-paced fun, off-road karting or even segways to really re-ignite enthusiasm and motivation.
Safety Features:
· 2-metre social distancing at all times
· Meticulous disinfecting and sanitising of all equipment
· Fresh outdoor environment
· Washing and sanitising facilities
· Single-person activities
· PPE provided
· Experienced and trained instructor
Benefits: This non-virtual team building activity brings teams together in a bonding experience without the need for close contact. The fun adrenalin boost helps to motivate, inspire ambition and boost confidence.
Medieval Marvel
Another great outdoor event option that brings together teams in social distancing activities to learn new skills as knights of the medieval realm.
Activities: Intriguing and fun options are available that require just one person, such as axe-throwing, archery, catapults and puzzle challenges.
Safety Features:
· Disinfecting policy
· Fresh outdoor environment
· Social distancing of 2 metres
· Washing and sanitising facilities
· Single-person activities
· PPE provided
· Experienced and trained instructor
Benefits: If employees have been unable to have new experiences, stuck inside for weeks (ground-hog day) then this outdoor escape to relive medieval experiences is sure to shake things up; resulting in improved morale, motivation and a renewed focus on productivity.
The Kubed Challenge
A team building option that lends itself perfectly for social distancing, allowing 1 person at a time in a 2m arena to complete a set task, winning points for their 3 person group.
Activities: Fun individual challenges that simple but high-pressured as the music and lights begin. Includes cerebral puzzles, physical challenges and even VR games.
Safety Features:
· Disinfecting policy
· Social distancing of 2 metres
· Washing and sanitising facilities
· Single-person activities
· PPE provided
· Experienced event host
Benefits: This social distancing game for employees is not just a fun, memorable activity, but it also works to reconnect team members, generate social interactions and improve open communication.
Bounce Your Team Back after Lockdown
As we see lockdown begin to ease, now is the time to consider future options for motivating and inspiring your workforce and get employees out of the home office! Humans are social creatures, and whether your team includes extroverts or introverts, everyone benefits from feeling valued and acknowledged with their work peers.
It is of course important to conduct all non-virtual team building activities within government guidelines and identify reputable corporate team building companies that adhere to strict social distancing, apply sanitising procedures and are willing to support your booking in a flexible capacity should you need to adjust dates or venues.
So whether you have embraced the new normal work-from-home culture or are just looking to show your workforce that you appreciate everything they’ve done over lockdown, then safe socially distanced outdoor team building could be the option for you.
