For many organizations, team building has become an integral part of their organizational strategy. Team building is defined as the process of turning a group of separate individuals into one united team.
In order to be effective at the workplace, co-workers need to find ways to work as a single unit to achieve a common goal. In an effort to create collaboration and teamwork, many employers often set aside time to help facilitate team building among their employees.
Let’s be honest, when we hear the term “team building,” most of us begin to cringe. But, despite the awkwardness, there can be some good that comes from team-building activities. Check out these benefits of team building and see if you can implement them at your workplace.
Sparks Creativity
Doing something out of the norm isn’t just fun, it helps bring about new creative ideas. Fun activities help people see ordinary, mundane tasks in a different light, and allows them to connect with it in a different way.
One of our events a few years back was to design a t-shirt and go through the whole printing process at a local screen print shop, Electric Ghost. Being part of the entire creative process from the dark room, to picking ink colors and actually running t-shirts through the machines was so different from our normal daily activities. It allowed us a chance to get out of the office, and think about something fun in a new way.
Work Hard, Play Hard
Oftentimes, we are so busy it may seem like there is no time for fun! Earlier this year, we took a break from the busy month of February for an afternoon of bowling at the Dust Bowl, our favorite Little Rock destination. What started out as an innocent afternoon of bowling turned into team names and team t-shirts—with some stiff competition! Even when you’re busy (especially when you’re busy), it is important to take a break. We let ourselves indulge in queso and chips, friendly competitions and bowling for the afternoon—coming back more refreshed and energized the next day.
Family-Friendly
With such a young group of people working at the Sells Agency, we have a lot of families to consider. With 18 employees, we have more than 20 kids under the age of 10! We love finding excuses to hear about and see everyone’s families. Trick-or-treating at the office is always a favorite. Staff will decorate their offices and stock up on candy, then kids will make their rounds.
This year we had a new event, pictures with Santa Claus! Santa Pete made an appearance at Sells Agency, and Heather took some amazing pictures of the kids! These small but important events throughout the year keep us connected.
One of the most powerful reasons for team building is to get results at the workplace. Through a series of planned team building events that are fun and motivational, your employees can come back refreshed and stronger than ever, which allows for a fresh desire to do their jobs well and help grow the business for many years to come.