by Lisa Lawrence | Jul 15, 2023 | Corporate Events, Corporate Icebreakers, Corporate Icebreakers For Small Groups, Corporate Retreat Games, Employee Engagement, Team Building Events
Teamwork games may be just what your company needs to rally the troops and help employees refocus.
Downsizing and layoffs happen. Sometimes it is unavoidable. Teamwork games can help refocus and energize your core employees. Find out how here!
Layoffs are understandably devastating to the employees who find themselves out of work, but they can also be demoralizing to those who are left behind.
After a company lays off workers, the remaining employees might be nervous that the same fate will befall them. This anxiety can lead to productivity issues, a decline in collaboration, and flagging morale.
Teamwork Games & Activities Get A Bad Rap
Say “team building” or “teamwork” to any office worker, and they’re likely to respond by rolling their eyes.
Sometimes supervisors who want their team to bond (or worse, who has been told by a higher-up to implement bonding exercises) turn to Google for ideas. This leads to silly activities like trust falls, enforced sharing of personal topics, or even dangerous events like rock climbing or bungee jumping.
…and Rightfully So, In Some Cases
The problem? These activities violate employees’ personal space, dignity, or sense of safety. It’s one thing to push people out of their comfort zone, but it’s another thing altogether to embarrass them or put them at risk.
Another issue is that team days sometimes infringe on workers’ free time. Most junior- and mid-level employees don’t want to visit a ropes course on Saturday or spend Thursday night at a casino event.
It may seem counterproductive, but holding team building activities during office hours is actually smart. This gives employees a break from the day-to-day routine. If they don’t enjoy the activities, then at least they’re being paid; if they do have fun, so much the better.
What Kind of Teamwork Games Work Best?
game shows for team building
It’s important to level the playing field, if you’ll pardon the cliché (and the pun).
Any kind of athletic competition will alienate those who aren’t active by nature, not to mention any disabled employees. Karaoke, role-playing, and other performance-type activities are a nightmare for introverts.
Enter game-show style team building.
Popular television game shows, like Minute to Win It, Family Feud, and Wheel of Fortune — adapted for the workplace — are an ideal option for teamwork activities.
These types of games are much more egalitarian in nature. Anyone can play Family Feud or Wheel of Fortune, and anyone can win. They also lend themselves to collaboration, wherein gregarious team members can be spokespeople for the group, while shy folks can hang back but still contribute.
Teamwork Activities & Games for Small & Large Groups in NJ, NYC, CT & PA
We will walk you through the best indoor and outdoor teamwork games, activities and ideas for small and large groups in NJ, NY, PA & CA. These teamwork games help with bonding. Usually, the announcement of an upcoming teamwork event is meet with groans. But is doesn’t need to be that way.
Balloon Teamwork Game
Don’t Let the Balloon hit the Ground. The idea is simple. First, have your group stand in a circle (for larger groups you might want to have a few different circles).
Now add a balloon. The team must now keep the balloon off the ground with only one touch allowed. Once someone touches the balloon, someone different must be the next person to touch it. Add more balloons and watch your team frantically try to keep up.
Teamwork Blind Geometry Activity
Give everyone a blindfold and have them circle up. Provide them with a rope that they must shape into a certain geometric shape in a given amount of time. This indoor teamwork activity helps promote communication and trust within your group.
Popular TV Game Show Game
Game shows such as Family Feud, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune are easy adapted for groups of all sizes and make for some of the best teamwork games. One of the great things about using game shows as a teamwork game is that people are encouraged to work together with the clock ticking. This means that people aren’t going to be as shy as they might otherwise be as they work together.
Game shows are also very versatile. If you’re tech savvy, you can make versions of these games in animated power points. If not, you can always have good old fashion adaptations with a dry erase board and markers.
Host a Murder Mystery Dinner
This is such a great idea because it combines three great things: food, suspense, and teamwork. Each table works together to solve the mystery over a nice meal. The rest of the logistics are up to you. You can follow along with the board game Clue or write your own script to have an experience tailored to your group.
Team up for Charity
Not every indoor teamwork game has to be a competition. Another great activity that will bring your team closer is working together a project for charity. It can be as simple as organizing a canned food drive, or as involved as creating care packages.
There are lots of worthy charities who would love to be the beneficiary of your teamwork, so find a charity that fits well with your company. Are there products you work with that could be the basis of a project? Now that you have a few ideas for indoor teamwork games, you can turn your next award dinner or holiday party into a learning experience for everyone.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to playing games as a team: fostering collaboration, encouraging creative problem-solving, and boosting trust among a group of employees. Perhaps most important of all? Having some laughs together can help your workers blow off some steam, which exactly what’s needed after layoffs.
Ready to have some fun? Give us a jingle! You can also call us directly at 201-357-2979 for more details.
by Lisa Lawrence | Jul 8, 2023 | Corporate Events, Employee Engagement, Event Planning, Team Building Events
So, the question is?
Is Team Building a Waste of Time?
As team leaders, have you ever asked yourself, is team building a waste of time? We understand the critical role that teamwork plays in the success of an organization.
We have seen firsthand how team building activities can have a profound impact on the dynamics and performance of our teams.
In this article, we will provide some insights from our perspective on why team building is not a waste of time.
Also, we will delve into the benefits it brings, the importance of fostering collaboration, and how it contributes to a positive work environment.
boost-morale
The Value of Collaboration and Cohesion
Enhancing Team Performance
When team members collaborate effectively, it leads to enhanced team performance. Through team building activities, team members develop a better understanding of each other’s strengths and working styles.
This knowledge enables them to allocate tasks more effectively, leverage individual expertise, and work cohesively towards shared goals. Improved productivity, efficiency, and overall team performance are the outcomes of effective collaboration.
Contrast: However, some may argue that team building activities take away valuable time that could be spent on actual work.
They believe that focusing on tasks and deadlines is more important than participating in team building exercises.
This perspective suggests that team building activities are a waste of time and resources, diverting attention from core responsibilities.
Encouraging Innovation and Creativity
Team building activities create an environment that fosters innovation and creativity. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, team building provides a platform for unique perspectives and ideas.
Collaboration in these activities stimulates creative problem-solving and encourages individuals to think outside the box. Embracing this innovative mindset helps organizations stay competitive and adapt to changing market dynamics.
Contrast: On the other hand, some individuals argue that team building activities are unrelated to innovation and creativity.
They believe that these activities are merely recreational and do not contribute to the actual work environment.
This perspective suggests that team building activities are not valuable in fostering innovation and creativity.
Boosting Employee Engagement and Retention
Game shows for Team Building
Investing in team building activities demonstrates a commitment to employee engagement and retention.
When team members feel valued, connected, and supported, their job satisfaction and loyalty increase.
Team building activities create a sense of camaraderie, promote positive relationships, and foster a strong sense of belonging within the team.
Contrast: However, skeptics argue that team building activities have no direct impact on employee engagement and retention.
They believe that engagement and retention are primarily influenced by factors such as compensation, career growth opportunities, and work-life balance.
According to this perspective, team building activities are not effective in boosting employee engagement and retention.
Cultivating Trust and Communication
Building Trust among Team Members
Trust is the cornerstone of any successful team. Team building activities provide a structured and safe environment for team members to build trust and develop stronger bonds.
Through activities that require collaboration, problem-solving, and open communication, individuals learn to rely on one another, overcome challenges together, and trust in each other’s abilities.
This trust translates into enhanced teamwork, better decision-making, and a supportive work culture.
Contrast: However, critics argue that trust-building cannot be achieved through organized team building activities.
They believe that trust is built over time through day-to-day interactions and shared experiences in the workplace. This perspective suggests that team building activities are ineffective in cultivating trust among team members.
Improving Communication and Collaboration
Communication-stats
Effective communication is paramount in any team setting. Team building activities provide opportunities for team members to practice active listening, express their thoughts and opinions, and learn to communicate more effectively.
By engaging in these activities, individuals become more aware of different communication styles, improve their ability to convey ideas clearly, and foster an environment where open dialogue and constructive feedback are encouraged.
Is team building a waste of time?
Contrast: Nevertheless, there are those who argue that team building activities do not significantly impact communication and collaboration.
They believe that communication skills are developed through real-life work scenarios rather than structured activities.
This perspective suggests that team building activities have limited value in improving communication and collaboration.
Breaking Down Silos and Fostering Collaboration
Team building initiatives play a crucial role in breaking down silos that can hinder collaboration and innovation within an organization.
By bringing together individuals from different departments or teams, team building activities create opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Breaking down these barriers fosters a sense of unity and collective purpose, leading to improved problem-solving, increased efficiency, and a more agile organization.
Contrast: However, critics argue that team building activities cannot address the underlying organizational issues that cause silos to exist.
They believe that structural changes and clear communication channels are more effective in fostering collaboration.
This perspective suggests that team building activities have limited impact in breaking down silos.
Developing Essential Leadership Skills
Nurturing Effective Leaders
Team building activities provide an ideal platform for identifying and nurturing future leaders within an organization.
As team leaders and HR directors, we can observe and assess how individuals lead, delegate tasks, and motivate their team members during these activities.
This firsthand experience helps us identify individuals with strong leadership potential, allowing us to provide tailored development opportunities to further enhance their skills.
Contrast Nevertheless, some argue that leadership skills cannot be effectively assessed or developed through team building activities alone. They believe that leadership development requires formal training, mentorship, and on-the-job experiences.
According to this perspective, team building activities have limited impact on nurturing effective leaders.
Enhancing Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills
Effective problem-solving and decision-making are essential leadership skills. Team building activities often involve complex challenges that require individuals to think critically, analyze situations, and make informed decisions collectively.
Through these activities, employees can enhance their problem-solving and decision-making skills, enabling them to tackle challenges more effectively in their day-to-day roles as leaders.
Contrast: However, critics argue that the problem-solving and decision-making skills developed in team building activities may not translate directly to real-life work scenarios.
They believe that the complexities and pressures of actual work situations cannot be replicated in artificial team building exercises.
This perspective suggests that team building activities have limited impact on enhancing problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
frequently asked questions
Q1: How often should team building activities be conducted?
The frequency of team building activities may vary based on organizational needs and constraints.
However, it is recommended to incorporate team building initiatives at regular intervals, such as quarterly or semi-annually, to maintain the positive impact and continually reinforce teamwork and collaboration.
Q2: Can team building activities be tailored to specific organizational goals?
Absolutely! Team building activities can be designed to align with specific organizational goals and desired outcomes.
Whether the focus is on enhancing communication, fostering creativity, or improving problem-solving, tailored activities can address these objectives and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
Q3: What if team members are resistant to participating in team building activities?
Resistance to team building activities can occur for various reasons, such as time constraints or personal preferences.
As team leaders, it is crucial to address any concerns and clearly communicate the purpose and benefits of these activities.
By creating a safe and inclusive environment and offering diverse options that cater to individual preferences, we can encourage greater participation and engagement.
Q4: How can team building activities be effective for remote teams?
In today’s remote work environment, team building activities can be adapted to virtual settings. Online collaboration tools and platforms offer a wide range of options for remote team building, including virtual team games, online workshops, and virtual escape rooms.
These activities enable remote teams to bond, build relationships, and develop essential teamwork skills, despite the physical distance.
Q5: What is the role of team leaders in facilitating team building activities?
Team leaders play a crucial role in planning and facilitating team building activities.
They provide guidance, set expectations, and ensure that activities are aligned with organizational goals.
Additionally, they create an inclusive and supportive environment, encourage participation, and foster open communication throughout the team building process.
This article discusses the pros and cons of hiring an outside facilitator, you may want to check it out.
Q6: How can team building activities benefit newly formed teams?
Team building activities are especially valuable for newly formed teams as they help establish a solid foundation for collaboration and trust.
These activities provide an opportunity for team members to get to know each other, understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and establish clear communication channels from the outset.
This sets the stage for a more cohesive and high-performing team.
Key Takeaways
Team building activities have their proponents and critics, but from the perspective of team leaders and HR directors, they are not a waste of time.
While there are contrasting opinions on their effectiveness, team building activities offer valuable opportunities to enhance collaboration, develop essential skills, foster trust, and create a positive work environment.
It is important to approach team building activities with clear goals, align them with organizational objectives, and continuously evaluate their impact.
By doing so, organizations can maximize the benefits of team building activities and drive sustainable success.
Overall, this article discusses the benefits of teamwork and encompasses the main aspects related to why team building is not a waste of time.
you’re never too old to play
Need Help
We can help. Book a live game show experience!
Contact us for further details.
For Immediate assistance by text – 917-670-4689
No deposit required. We look forward to hearing from you.
by Lisa Lawrence | Jul 8, 2023 | Corporate Events, Employee Engagement, Team Building Events, Team Communication
In any successful team, communication plays a vital role. It fosters collaboration, strengthens relationships, and ensures everyone is on the same page.
This article explores the significance of effective communication in team building and introduces how team building activities can improve communication skills.
Let’s dive right in and transform your team dynamics.
How Team Building Enhances Communication
Team Building – winners
Understanding the Role of Communication in Team Building
Effective communication serves as the foundation for successful teamwork. It establishes a shared understanding, facilitates information exchange, and promotes synergy among team members.
Conversely, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a breakdown in collaboration. By recognizing the link between communication and successful teamwork, teams can proactively address communication challenges and foster a healthy and productive work environment.
Benefits of Team Building to Improve Communication
Teamwork – Communication
Team building activities are powerful tools for enhancing communication within teams. They provide opportunities to develop and practice essential communication skills that are crucial for effective teamwork.
Let’s explore some of the key benefits that team building activities offer in improving communication.
Enhancing Interpersonal Relationships Among Team Members
Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of strong interpersonal relationships. Team building activities create a safe space for team members to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns.
By encouraging open communication, team building activities help build trust and rapport among team members.
This, in turn, strengthens collaboration, improves problem-solving capabilities, and fosters a positive team dynamic.
Improving Active Listening Skills
Team Communication
Active listening is a fundamental aspect of effective communication. Team building activities provide opportunities to practice active listening, promoting attentiveness and understanding.
By actively listening to their teammates, individuals can minimize misunderstandings, clarify information, and identify shared goals and objectives.
This improved listening skill set leads to better collaboration and minimizes conflicts within the team.
Enhancing Non-Verbal Communication
non verbal communication
Non-verbal communication, including body language and facial expressions, plays a crucial role in conveying messages and understanding emotions.
Team building activities help develop awareness of non-verbal cues, enabling team members to interpret and respond appropriately.
By honing non-verbal communication skills, teams can create a more inclusive and empathetic environment, fostering effective collaboration and understanding.
Team Building Activities for Communication Improvement
teamwork quotes
Team building activities come in various forms and can be tailored to meet specific communication improvement goals. Here are some effective activities that promote better communication within teams:
1. Collaborative Problem-Solving Games
Collaborative problem-solving games encourage teamwork, information sharing, and decision-making.
These activities simulate real-life scenarios that require effective communication and collaboration to reach a solution.
By working together to solve problems, team members strengthen their communication skills, learn to listen actively, and develop a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives.
2. Communication-Based Games and Simulations
Games and simulations designed to improve communication skills offer a fun and engaging way to practice effective communication techniques. These activities involve tasks that require clarity, active listening, and articulation.
By participating in these games, team members can develop their communication skills while enjoying a lighthearted and interactive experience.
3. Trust-Building Activities
Corporate Team Building Exercises
Trust is the foundation of effective communication within a team. Trust-building activities create an environment of openness and vulnerability, allowing team members to share their thoughts and ideas freely.
These activities foster open and honest communication, reduce barriers, and strengthen the bonds between team members.
Implementing Team Building Strategies for Long-Term Communication Improvement
To ensure long-term communication improvement, it is essential to implement team building strategies consistently.
Here are two key approaches to consider:
1. Creating a Culture of Communication within the Team
Encourage regular team meetings and open discussions to create a culture of communication. Provide opportunities for team members to share their ideas, opinions, and concerns.
Foster an environment where feedback is welcomed, and idea-sharing is encouraged.
By establishing a culture that values communication, teams can consistently enhance their communication skills and strengthen their overall collaboration.
2. Investing in Communication Skills Training and Workshops
Invest in communication skills training and workshops to provide team members with the tools and techniques they need to communicate effectively.
These training sessions can focus on various aspects of communication, such as active listening, conflict resolution, and assertive communication.
By equipping team members with these skills, they can confidently apply effective communication techniques in various contexts.
Real-Life Examples of Successful Team Building Initiatives for Communication Improvement
Let’s explore some case studies showcasing organizations that implemented team building strategies to improve communication within their teams.
These organizations experienced measurable outcomes, including enhanced collaboration, improved productivity, and a positive work environment.
These real-life examples demonstrate the significant impact that effective team building activities can have on communication dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
frequently asked questions
Q1: What is the significance of effective communication in team building?
Effective communication forms the foundation of successful teamwork. It promotes collaboration, establishes shared understanding, and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Q2: How can team building activities improve communication skills?
Team building activities provide opportunities to develop and practice essential communication skills. They enhance interpersonal relationships, improve active listening, and refine non-verbal communication cues.
Q3: What are the benefits of team building in improving communication?
Team building activities enhance trust and rapport among team members, improve problem-solving capabilities, and foster a positive team dynamic. They also promote active listening skills and enhance non-verbal communication.
Q4: What are some effective team building activities for communication improvement?
Collaborative problem-solving exercises, communication-based games and simulations, and trust-building activities are effective ways to improve communication within teams.
Q5: How can creating a culture of communication within the team contribute to long-term improvement?
Encouraging regular team meetings, open discussions, and providing opportunities for idea-sharing creates a culture that values communication. This consistent focus on communication enhances skills and strengthens collaboration over time.
Q6: What role do communication skills training and workshops play in improving team communication?
Investing in communication skills training equips team members with tools and techniques to communicate effectively. These training sessions focus on aspects such as active listening, conflict resolution, and assertive communication.
Q7: Can you provide real-life examples of successful team building initiatives for communication improvement?
Yes, several organizations have implemented team building strategies to enhance communication within their teams, resulting in enhanced collaboration, improved productivity, and a positive work environment.
Q8: How does effective communication impact teamwork and productivity?
Effective communication improves teamwork by fostering collaboration, minimizing conflicts, and maximizing productivity. It ensures clarity, promotes understanding, and allows team members to work harmoniously towards shared goals.
Q9: What are the long-term benefits of investing in team building activities for communication improvement?
Investing in team building activities for communication improvement leads to improved interpersonal relationships, increased trust among team members, enhanced problem-solving capabilities, and a more positive and cohesive work environment.
Q10: How can organizations leverage the power of team building to drive success through communication improvement?
By prioritizing effective communication through team building activities, organizations can foster an environment of collaboration, trust, and understanding.
This drives success, improves productivity, and creates a positive work culture. Remember, effective communication is the key to unlocking the full potential of your team.
By investing in team building activities that enhance communication skills, you can nurture a highly productive and harmonious work environment.
you’re never too old to play
Final Key Takeaways
Effective communication is at the heart of successful team building. By investing in team building activities that focus on communication improvement, organizations can foster an environment of collaboration, trust, and understanding.
Through enhanced interpersonal relationships, improved active listening skills, and refined non-verbal communication, teams can achieve higher levels of productivity and satisfaction.
Embrace the power of team building and make communication a priority within your team, as it will undoubtedly drive success and create a positive and cohesive work environment.
Game shows for Team Building
Need Help
We can help. Book a live game show experience!
Contact us for further details.
For Immediate assistance by text – 917-670-4689
No deposit required. We look forward to hearing from you.
by Lisa Lawrence | Jul 6, 2023 | Employee Engagement, Event Planning, Team Building Events
you’re never too old to play
by Lisa Lawrence | Jul 4, 2023 | Corporate Events, Employee Engagement, Family Feud, Game Show Themes, Team Building Events
Indoor team building activities near NYC that are actually fun. Read to take a peek at several ideas for your next team building event.
We’re sharing team building activities to not only help people work together, but have some good old fashion fun as well. Read on for productivity that’s also a good time.
Being able to engage in teamwork and being a team player is crucial for most employees of any kind of business!
Indoor Team Building – It’s Purpose
Fun Indoor Team Building Activities re-energize employees that are tired of working long hours for less pay and better yet, under the threat of termination.
It is a well known fact that many workers have mentally checked out of their jobs since the recession of 2008.
These particular individuals are simply doing what they have to until something better comes along.
Crazy thing is, most businesses today are aware of this and simply needs to come up with a more energetic solution.
So, we’ve created a list of the 3 “R”‘s as a reason why you may want to implement an interactive team building event for your employees to boost morale.
This can be one of the many activities that will encourage your staff and get them back on track to producing again.
Retention
Wouldn’t it be nice if your employees could regurgitate all of the information that was presented at your last training event?.
How to you measure what was retained and what wasn’t?
There are thousands of companies turning towards a “brain stimulating game” like Jeopardy?
This particular game show is proven to be one of the most fun and effective ways to measure retained information.
Motivate your Team
Getting more employees re-energized and motivated to finish deadlines or last minute assignments is not an easy task?
Let’s face it, several companies have lost their employees psychologically due to the after effects of the infamous recession of 2008.
Now that it seems that we are coming out of darkness economically speaking, one thing is for sure, the loss of employee engagement is huge.
One of the most dreaded tasks is to figure out a way to engage your employees at the next training event? Minute To Win It and Family Feud style games can be a few great ideas to break the monotony while bringing back the spark in a particular department or group.
Rewards and Recognition
After your employees participate in some interactive entertaining activities, why not reward them with great prizes such as free gift cards, trips and/or comp days! Everyone loves a friendly competition and a chance to WIN great prizes!
Consider having a LIVE GAME SHOW activity for your next employee training or workshop?
It’s truly an ultimate icebreaker that co-workers the opportunity to enjoy solving puzzles, company trivia questions and/or answering our wacky survey questions.
As the saying goes, a group that PLAYS together, STAYS together.
Fun Group Activities
While many of us have had to participate in team building activities at some point in our life, the majority of these games can be a major snooze. If you’re looking for a way to make your next corporate event more enjoyable, keep reading to learn how to build camaraderie all while actually having fun!
1. Humpty Dumpty Race
This indoor team building activity starts by having all attendees partner up.
Direct them to stand back to back. Place an egg between their backs.
The goal of this game is to have the partners work together.
They have to maneuver in a way that gets their egg to the ground without breaking it.
The first team to accomplish this wins the round!
If you want to avoid the use of a breakable egg, you can also swap it out for a small rubber ball.
With the rubber ball, the object of the game is to put the ball on the ground without it bouncing too high or rolling off.
2. Watch Where You Step
If you’re looking for a more elaborate game and one that will take up a little more time, give “Watch Where You Step” a try!
This game begins on the floor, where you will create a large, enclosed shape.
The shape should be about twelve feet long and seven feet wide.
Inside the shape, place squeaky toys (such as dog toys), and twice as many sheets of paper as the toys.
These papers act as landmines. The goal for this indoor team building activity is for pairs to make it from one side of the polygon to the other.
But here’s the catch—they are blindfolded. Players inside the polygon, who are wearing the blindfolds, are only to use the vocal guidance of the players on the outside of the shape that are not blindfolded.
If a player steps on a “landmine,” they become frozen and must wait for their partner to step on a dog toy to continue.
If both players become frozen, the team is then forced to restart.
3. A Cappella Karaoke
The human voice has the power to trigger human emotion.
So, instead of having traditional karaoke, get your singing voice ready as a team building activity with absolutely no music.
This activity is designed to turn down the music and turn up the laughs.
First, select popular songs by age group and have everyone partner up. Have each guest sing 3 to 7 lines from the chorus.
His or her partner has to attempt to sing the last line.
4. 60 Seconds of Fame
Yes, ladies and gentlemen of all ethnicity and ages, It’s Playtyme Game Shows will come to your workplace, event space or venue to set up our very own version of the hit game show “Minute To Win It”.
We have at least 25 crazy and insane games or physical challenges that should appeal to any kind of group.
The goal is to finish a particular task within 60 seconds using household and office supplies.
The time clock is set for only (1) minute and the team that finishes first within that time-frame first, will win the challenge.
Groups of at least 30+ people are highly encouraged to book this activity for their next team building event instead of the usual awkward office gathering.
Don’t delay, contact us by filling our form or call us direct at 201-357-2979 for more information.
How do you increase employee engagement at meetings? What indoor team building activities near NYC or NJ have you engaged recently?
Tell us in the comments below which ones you’ve enjoyed, and which should be kicked to the curb for good!
by Umer Qureshi | Jul 3, 2023 | Corporate Events, Employee Engagement, Event Planning, Family Feud, Game Show Themes
Are you thinking of hosting indoor team building activities and don’t know where to look?
Usually, the announcement of an upcoming team building event is meet with moans and groans, but there are a few activities that may pique your interest.
Team building can be a highly successful method for collaboration and strengthening bonds and in the workplace. It also promotes cooperation and encourages employees to be more interactive and engaged with one another.
Tailor the activities to fit your team’s size, preferences, and goals to ensure maximum engagement and effectiveness. Customization and variety is key.
This article presents five fun indoor team building activities that will help strengthen bonds among your team members while avoiding the monotony of traditional approaches.
Top 5 Fun Indoor Team Building Activities
Key Considerations for Indoor Team Building Activities
When planning indoor team building activities, several factors should be taken into account to ensure their success.
Here are three key considerations to keep in mind:
- Relevance to Team Goals: The activities should align with the specific goals and objectives of the team. Whether it’s improving communication, or enhancing problem-solving skills, choose activities that directly contribute to the team’s overall development.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Indoor activities should cater to the diverse needs and abilities of team members. Ensure that they can be customized or modified to accommodate different skill levels. Also consider physical abilities, and preferences, allowing every participant to contribute and feel included.
- Fun and Engaging: The success of indoor team building activities relies on participants’ enthusiasm and engagement. Incorporate elements of fun, excitement, and variety to make the activities enjoyable and memorable. This can include interactive games, challenges, or even incorporating props to create a captivating atmosphere.
Maximizing the Impact of Indoor Team Building Activities – The Value of Teamwork
team-building-impact-statistics
To ensure that indoor team building activities have a lasting impact, it’s essential to focus on their implementation and follow-up. Here are three strategies to maximize the effectiveness of these activities:
- Debriefing and Reflection: Allocate time for debriefing sessions after each activity to facilitate reflection and discussion. Encourage participants to share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned. This reflection helps reinforce key takeaways and promotes continuous learning and improvement.
- Transferable Skills: Connect the skills developed during
- to real-life work situations. Emphasize how the skills of communication, problem-solving, and collaboration learned during the activities can be applied in the workplace to enhance productivity and teamwork.
- Follow-up Actions: Encourage participants to apply what they learned from the activities to their daily work routines. Set clear action steps or goals that team members can work towards collectively. This helps ensure that the lessons and positive changes resulting from the team building activities have a lasting impact on team dynamics and performance.
By focusing on communication, problem-solving, team goals, flexibility, engagement, reflection, transferable skills, and follow-up actions, indoor team building activities can be a powerful tool for enhancing teamwork and achieving organizational success.
The most successful indoor team building activities are the ones that encourage employees to work together and learn something new without forcing thinly veiled leadership lessons on employees. Communication is key.
The results of a study published in the April 2012 edition of Harvard Business Review revealed just how important communication is for group success.
In fact, the study found “patterns of communication to be the most important predictor of a team’s success.”
You don’t have to fake an illness on “team building day” anymore.
If you’re ready to see these positive results in your team, continue reading. We listed a few solutions below for your consideration.
1) Don’t Let the Balloon hit the Ground – Icebreaker Game
Employee turnover
This is a highly engaging, light hearted and effective team building game that can significantly boost team morale and foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.
This game is designed to encourage communication, problem-solving, and teamwork among team members in a fun and interactive way. According to Teamstage, teamwork is very important to 37% of millennials in the workplace today.
The idea is simple. First, have your group stand in a circle (for larger groups you might want to have a few different circles).
Now add a balloon. The team must now keep the balloon off the ground with only one touch allowed. Once someone touches the balloon, someone different must be the next person to touch it.
Add more balloons and watch your team frantically try to keep up like when they were kids.
This game requires constant communication and collaboration among team members. They need to coordinate their movements, anticipate each other’s actions, and strategize to ensure the balloon stays airborne.
This brings effective communication, trust, and understanding within the team.
2) Blind Geometry Game
Give everyone a blindfold and have them circle up limiting their vision and relying solely on verbal communication and guidance from their teammates.
Incorporating blindfolds or sensory limitations challenges participants to rely on alternative methods of communication and fosters trust within the team.
The game can be played indoors with teams of 4 to 8 participants, depending on the available space and resources.
Provide them with a rope that they must shape into a certain geometric shape in a given amount of time.
This indoor team building activity helps promote communication and trust within your group. The specific implementation and rules of “Blind Geometry” may vary depending on the organizer or facilitator.
3) Face-2-Face Feud – Live Game Shows
game-shows-for-team-building-NYC-METRO
Game shows such as Family Feud and Jeopardy are easily adapted for groups of all sizes and make for some of the best indoor team building activities.
Not many companies in the country perform offer these type of shows for corporations.
One of the great things about hosting live game shows, in-person, as a team building activity is that people are encouraged to work together in a timely manner,.
Game shows are also very versatile. If you’re tech savvy, you can make DIY versions of these games in animated powerpoints.
You can always have good old fashion adaptations with a dry erase board and markers. If you want to host one for your group, there are a few companies in your area.
4) Laser Tag Tournament
Organize a laser tag tournament as players must rely on each other to achieve victory, making it an engaging and effective team building activity. Teams compete against each other in a thrilling and action-packed game.
The objective is to score points by “tagging” opponents’ vests with lasers while avoiding being tagged yourself. Laser tag requires strategy, coordination, and effective communication to outmaneuver opponents and achieve team objectives.
Players may be divided into teams, usually with an equal number of participants on each side. Teams compete against each other in a free-for-all format or team-based missions and objectives.
Laser tag equipment typically consists of lightweight phasers or guns and wearable vests with sensors. The guns emit harmless infrared beams, and the sensors on the vests detect and register hits.
It’s a high-energy and exciting activity that brings out the competitive spirit and fosters teamwork
5) Team up for Charity
Not every indoor team building activity has to be a competition. You can create an activity that will focus on giving back to the community.
Here’s another great indoor team building activity that will bring your team closer and working together on a project for charity. It can be as simple as organizing a canned food drive, or as involved as creating care packages for the military.
There are lots of worthy charities who would love to be the beneficiary of your teamwork, so find a charity that fits well with your company. Are there products you work with that could be the basis of a project?
Now that you have a few ideas for indoor team building activities, you can turn your next team builder into an unforgettable experience.
Team building activities that involve charitable initiatives create a sense of purpose and promote teamwork while making a positive impact on society.
Frequently Asked Questions
frequently asked questions
Q1. How many participants are ideal for these activities?
The number of participants depends on the specific activity. For Don’t Let the Balloon Hit the Ground and Blind Geometry, teams of 4 to 8 members are recommended.
Laser tag tournaments can accommodate larger groups, while game shows can be adapted for groups of all sizes depending on the longevity of the show.
Q2. What is the duration of these activities?
The duration varies based on the specific activity and your team’s preferences. Games like Don’t Let the Balloon Hit the Ground and Blind Geometry can be completed within 15-30 minutes.
Laser tag tournaments and game shows can be designed for longer duration based on the number of rounds or episodes. Usually, 60-90 minutes are max times recommended.
Q3. Where can these activities be conducted?
The activities can be conducted in indoor venues with sufficient space, such as conference rooms, sports facilities, or rented event spaces. Ensure the location is safe and suitable for the chosen activities.
Q4. How do these activities benefit teams?
These activities enhance communication, collaboration, problem-solving skills, and team bonding. They promote trust, creativity, and a sense of purpose among team members.
Fun and engaging activities create a positive atmosphere, boost morale, and strengthen team bonds, ultimately leading to improved collaboration and productivity in the workplace.
you’re never too old to play
Key Takeaways
- Indoor team building activities provide valuable benefits, require careful considerations during planning, and can be maximized for long-term impact.
- Offering a diverse range of activities ensures that everyone can find something engaging and enjoyable based on their interests and preferences.
- Engage the senses: Incorporating sensory limitations, like blindfolds in Blind Geometry, encourages alternative communication methods and builds trust within the team.
- Friendly competition fuels engagement: Activities that include friendly competition, such as laser tag tournaments or game shows, motivate active participation, teamwork, and a sense of excitement among team members.
- Customize for success: Tailor activities to your team’s size, preferences, and goals for maximum engagement and effectiveness.
- Make a positive impact: Charitable initiatives in team building activities create purpose and teamwork while giving back to the community.
Enjoyment breeds success. Moreover, by incorporating fun and engaging activities mentioned above, one creates a more positive work environment, boost team morale, and strengthen bonds which ultimately breeds success.
Teamwork – Communication
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