Building Stronger Bonds Among Employees: Creative Team Building Activities

Even though there are more people on Earth today than ever, isolation remains a massive problem in the workplace.  Gallup (2024) has found that one out of every five employees feels isolated and depressed in the workplace.  Regardless of whether on-site, remote, or hybrid, isolation happens in every workplace.

Even so, isolation affects the employee’s demeanor and output.  Workers who feel alone may not be as productive since nobody holds them accountable, nor do they see others work with them. Leaders can fix these issues with good old-fashioned team-building exercises, albeit with modern twists.

The Best Team-Building Activities for Employees

Team-building activities allow team members to bond in a more relaxed setting, without the pressure of on-the-clock work.  From beach vacations to board games, these examples are sure to excite any team. 

Beach Getaway

A beach getaway offers the ideal setting for employees to unwind and connect outside of the office. The relaxed atmosphere of the beach encourages casual conversations and strengthens relationships.  The beach can host sporting events, cookouts, swimming contests, and so much more, especially if you’ve planned an itinerary of activities. 

Show and Tell

Show and Tell isn't just for kids. If anything, adults have far more things to show off than kids, thanks to the whole “having a job to buy things” aspect. Bringing this activity into the workplace helps employees learn more about each other on a personal level. Whether it’s sharing a favorite hobby, a unique talent, or a cherished object, this activity opens the door for meaningful conversations and deeper connections.

Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a fun and interactive way to get employees working together. It lets employees use their knowledge of the office in a fun way, especially for longtime retainers. Make the objects relevant to some in-joke within the company for extra fun. Alternatively,  build up to a grander surprise reward for the entire office. 

Escape Room

These rooms encourage employees to solve clues and complete tasks together in a fascinating fictional setting. After all, a group project isn’t all that exciting, but escaping from a 1930s private eye’s locked room awakens the imagination. This activity enhances communication, critical thinking, and teamwork, as each member must contribute to the group’s success.

Two Truths and a Lie

Two Truths and a Lie is a simple yet effective icebreaker that helps employees get to know each other better. Each participant shares two true statements and one false statement about themselves, while others try to guess which one is the lie. This activity encourages listening skills and can reveal surprising and interesting facts about colleagues.

Board Game Gauntlet

Organizing a board game gauntlet provides a playful yet competitive atmosphere where employees engage in friendly tabletop competition. Instead of languishing with long-lasting games like Monopoly or never-ending games of Uno, opt for fast-paced board games like Snake Oil and Codenames.  These ensure a strong variety of games to keep employees engaged throughout the night and challenge the team’s adaptability.

Video Game Hour

Incorporating video games into team building is a modern twist that appeals to a wide range of employees, especially younger folks. Opt for party games such as Mario Party or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. You can also throw LAN parties for squad-based shooter games such as Counter-Strike or survive together in Left 4 Dead 2. The key here is to get as many folks playing together. 

Paintball

The great outdoors has plenty of activities for those who enjoy physically active challenges. Paintball is one of the most thrilling options in that regard. It requires strategic thinking, teamwork, and communication, all while providing an adrenaline-pumping experience that employees are likely to remember. 

You could also give employees classic picnic treats after the event as a breather. 

DIY Pizza Party

A DIY pizza party combines creativity with collaboration. Employees can work together to create their own pizzas, sharing ideas for toppings and learning about each other's preferences in the process. This activity culminates in a shared meal, made by the hands of their fellow employees, making for quite a memorable experience.

Rage Room

A rage room offers a unique outlet for stress relief. Employees can release pent-up frustration in a controlled environment by smashing objects. This unconventional activity can be both cathartic and a great way to bond over shared experiences of stress, workplace or otherwise. 

Let People Vote

There’s no better way to find a fun activity than asking everyone their opinion. Empower female employees, people of color, and people with disabilities by asking them about what they think of potential activities. More often than not, most activities lean towards traditionally “male” ideas. Doing so demonstrates that their opinions matter and increases the likelihood that they will participate enthusiastically. This democratic approach ensures that the chosen activities reflect the interests and preferences of the entire team, leading to more successful and enjoyable team-building experiences.

Final Thoughts

There are countless activities for team-building, but activities are just one part of the process. The leader must organize these events with precise and decisive planning. Don’t flake at the last minute or force employees who don’t want to go. These should all be voluntary and, more importantly, paid for. Fun activities give employees something casual to look forward to in the workplace, a unified hope for everyone involved.

Written by Bash Sarmiento;bashsarmiento.writer@gmail.com

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