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Team-building events are important for promoting culture and giving employees some much-needed respite from the monotonous nature of work.
As the end of financial year approaches, employers may be considering what strategies to implement to reward teams and support wellbeing.
According to Funlab’s chief people officer, Chelsea Mannix, the benefits of team-building activities go beyond the individual and can promote efficiency.
“Team activities are a great way for different areas of the business to come together and connect. Whether it’s an intimate or large group, getting staff outside their usual office environment is important in driving out-of-the-box thinking, encouraging curiosity and, of course, the benefits that come with having fun,” she said.
“We believe that fun is essential in boosting staff morale and driving workplace wellbeing. It can have a huge influence on staff retention, no matter what industry or sector you work in. We also believe team activities that include friendly competition can make for a happier workplace. We recently commissioned some research and found more than two-thirds of Aussies enjoy healthy competition with their colleagues, and almost half of respondents said they perform better when they’re in a competition. It shows that a bit of competitive fun can go a long way.”
Building connection – especially in a post-pandemic workplace where remote and hybrid work is common – is a great way to engage workers and drive positive culture.
Mannix said: “There are lots of benefits to team activities. To start with, competitive socialising creates an opportunity for people to connect outside of the office. It’s a great way to really get to know your colleagues and helps bring people together in a fun, friendly, and collaborative environment.”
“Team activities are also great icebreakers for new starters, where people can meet without the awkward office after-work drinks … Activities that encourage collaboration are effective team activities.”
RELATED TERMS
Your organization's culture determines its personality and character. The combination of your formal and informal procedures, attitudes, and beliefs results in the experience that both your workers and consumers have. Company culture is fundamentally the way things are done at work.
The goal of team building is to instil a culture of interdependence and trust among employees so that they feel appreciated for the work they do and appreciate what others bring to the table. Although this may be implemented as a training programme, it mainly depends on morale and company culture to develop a long-lasting, maintained feeling of team.
Jack Campbell
Jack is the editor at HR Leader.
