Having a strong team is critical for a small business. People sometimes need a nudge, however, to get more involved with each other at work beyond what is necessary to complete their tasks. When employees know and respect each other as people, it can go a long way on the business side of things. Team-building activities can help foster positive relationships among employees. Here are five ideas.
1. Volunteer as a Team
Use team building as an opportunity to make a difference in your community. Find volunteer opportunities that you can get involved with as a group. These can make a positive impact on your business in addition to the people affected by the organization you are volunteering with. When you organize a volunteer day, your team gets to work with each other in a different context, which can help build relationships and foster a sense of shared purpose.
Look for opportunities with local nonprofits, community cleanup events, food banks, and similar organizations. When it comes to your team, it is not as much about the cause as it is about working together, but the cause can still benefit, and that is something everyone can feel good about. Volunteering can also improve morale and showcase your company's values, which can lead to more engagement from employees who are glad to see their workplace involved in the community. It can also help enhance a small business's reputation at the local level, which may attract more customers.
Feel free to let your team get involved in choosing the cause. If it is something they are passionate about, they are more likely to show up enthusiastic and engaged, ready to work with the team.
2. One-Word Icebreaker Game
Not all team-building activities have to involve leaving the office. Something as simple as the one-word icebreaker game can have an impact on your team's relationships.
"This game provides an informal avenue to learn employee thoughts on an aspect of work," explains Allaya Cooks-Campbell at BetterUp.* "This could be a
new policy, company culture, or even the methods of a supervisor. The one-word icebreaker game requires a group or groups made of 4-5 people. Within that group, each member is asked to give a one-word description of a work event. For honest conversation, each group has a few minutes to discuss the reasons behind their chosen word. After discussions, each group will settle on a chosen word to be shared with other groups. When these words are shared, they will prompt open discussion between the groups."
3. Escape Rooms
Another team-building activity idea is the escape room. If you are unfamiliar, an escape room is a live-action game where people are placed in a room and must find clues and solve puzzles to figure out how to exit within a set time. There are variations on this concept, but that is the general idea. There are businesses that specialize in these experiences. You can find one for a team outing or work
together on a virtual version online.
"Escape rooms are fantastic for building problem-solving skills, as they require teams to think critically and collaborate under pressure," says IMD Business School.** "By working together to overcome challenges, team members learn to communicate effectively and rely on each other’s strengths. Whether you do this in-person or virtually, it’s a high-energy activity that boosts team dynamics and
encourages communication."
4. Purposeful Team Lunches
Another simple idea is to have team lunches that include some purpose. Include guided conversations or light activities. You can have discussion prompts to encourage the sharing of goals, challenges, and ideas for improvement, or you can take the time to recognize achievements and milestones. Create an environment where your employees feel comfortable speaking openly and connecting more personally than they might during regular work hours. Keep things relaxed and inclusive. Do not pressure anyone, as some people may not feel comfortable sharing their thoughts in a group setting.
5. Friendly Competitions
If it is kept friendly, a little competition can be useful for team building. It can help energize employees and create excitement. You could create a sales challenge, a contest, or a game tournament. You might also consider a week-long challenge where team members earn points for completing specific tasks or hitting certain targets. Consider giving points for teamwork and positive behaviors. When it is over, provide a small reward for the winners.
It is important to keep the friendly element in place. Be positive and inclusive. Do not create situations where people feel stressed or pitted against each other in a
negative way. Emphasize participation and fun rather than just winning.
Team-building activities can vary in size and scope. From coordinated volunteering opportunities and escape rooms to in-office competitions, team lunches, and icebreakers, there are many opportunities to help your team become more connected and work together more effectively.
