Are team building activities worth it? Are they cost effective? Are they really that essential?
Let’s face it, team building can get a bad rap if done incorrectly. Despite its mixed reception, team building is actually one of the most important investments you can make for your staff.
Evidence suggests that effective team building can result in your employees being more engaged, productive and cohesive in the workplace. Team building is essential if you want to build a strong, collaborative workforce. Here are 5 reasons why I think team building is important in the modern workplace.
Hidden Potential
Some employees, particularly those working in a large office space, may feel undervalued and that opportunities to shine are few and far between. One of my favourite parts of team building is seeing my employees reveal hidden skills and watching them develop as an individual and within a team.
As a manager myself, I know that effective leadership requires trust and respect from my employees. Team building is a great opportunity to gain that trust and to get to know my own team better in a more relaxed environment; allowing talent to shine through.
Strengthens Communication
A lack of communication in a workforce can be very detrimental to productivity and is likely to cause unnecessary unease and concern. Communication is the foundation of any successful business. Colleagues may feel comfortable communicating with others in their immediate team, but what about others who work outside their department? I know that people are more likely to be reserved about approaching others they aren’t familiar with. Team building bridges that gap. It provides the opportunity for colleagues to interact with others and enhance communication skills which can then be translated back into the workplace.
Motivates staff
Despite it being said time and time again, team building really does motivate and engage staff. It strengthens and builds relationships and ignites enthusiasm in a fun and unique way.
I always stress it’s important not to fall into the trap of doing the same old, same old when it comes to choosing a team building event. Do you really want to motivate your staff? If that’s a yes, then I recommend you ditch the company picnic and choose to do something that’s exciting and inspiring. Take a look below at my personal favourite motivating team building events:
- iPad Treasure Hunt – Excellent for those looking for an interactive adventure; a modern approach to engage your colleagues
- Escape Rooms – The perfect indoor team building event where your colleagues will have their problem-solving skills put to the test.
- Crystal Maze Challenge – Guaranteed to motivate your staff, regardless of age or ability, the Crystal Maze Challenge team building event has a variety of fun and exciting challenges, making it the ideal team building activity for a company away day.
Builds Trust
“A team is not a group of people that work together. A team is a group people that trust each other.” – Simon Sinek
Some businesses think it’s a waste of time and resources investing in team building events. What they fail to understand is that team building provides leaders with an opportunity to strengthen trust within their workforce. The benefits of a strong sense of trust within an organisation include:
- Increased productivity
- More effective collaboration
- Improved morale
Further evidence on the positive effects of team building, including building trust with colleagues, can be read here.
It’s GREAT fun
If only there is a fun and exciting way to improve productivity without having to endure endless, monotonous meetings and company briefings. Oh wait, hang on, there is! Contrary to popular belief, team building events are one of the most fun and creative ways you can reward and connect with staff. It’s also a great opportunity to try something new, like CSI, Murder Mystery or a Soap Box Derby. The goal should be to get out of the office and have some fun!
So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at our great selection of team building events because team building is more than a day out, it’s an investment in the future of your people and one you can’t afford to miss.
