8 Team-Building Exercises to Improve the Office Atmosphere

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Every business owner should understand the importance of happy and healthy employees in the workplace. The happier they are, the more eager your team is to get on with work, conjure new ideas, and help others when they need assistance. On the other hand, a toxic work environment can lead to a wide range of issues that affect your employee performance and company success. 

One way to avoid this is by improving the workplace atmosphere. There are plenty of ways to do this, but the most effective one is team building to improve the dynamics between your employees. For some, team-building exercises are outdated and often ineffective, which is why you should think outside the box and consider something bigger and better to help them bond as a team. 

Trivia Nights 

Trivia nights are nothing new, and you have likely attended some with your friends. They may even be a staple of your weekly get-togethers with your nearest and dearest. You already know how fun they can be, so why not bring trivia into the workplace? 

A weekly trivia night, whether at the office where someone new takes the lead each week, or a trip to a local establishment for those who want to go is a great way to connect after hours and learn more about one another. You might be surprised at how much people know and what they are good at, which could help you assign them important projects in the future. 

Sports Sweepstakes 

It’s safe to assume that most people love sports. From football to cricket and even the likes of American Football or hockey, there is something for everyone. 

And, with how perpetual sporting leagues or events are, there is always something going on. A sports sweepstakes, where you pick teams from a hat and anticipate the eventual league winners can be a great way to connect within the office. You can take it a step further and consider resources like NFL futures to get an idea of the chances of certain teams emerging victorious, which could give one lucky employee a profitable return.

Office Workouts 

Staying active at work has been a popular topic over the past few years, and the average employee already knows how tricky it can be to squeeze in some activity when sitting at their desk all day. 

You can overcome this by offering office workouts, whether first thing in the morning to get the blood pumping and free up the mind or at lunchtime before everyone takes their break. This could involve stretches and aerobic exercises or even a quick run around the park for anyone who is interested and needs something to push them to be more active. 

Team Trips 

Many employees will hear about team trips and roll their eyes. There is a certain stigma about these trips, as they are never as fun as they are made out to be. But, this is your opportunity to buck the trend and do something interesting. 

You could take a team trip to something associated with your business or industry, but this is unlikely to garner much interest. Instead, consider something fun for you to do, whether it’s a camping trip or a hike (or both), or going to a match or concert at the local stadium. 

Volunteering in the Community 

If you’re looking for something different, there is always the chance to give back to your community. Not only will this help bring your team closer together, but it will also improve your reputation with local residents, especially if you are a small business trying to establish itself. 

Knowing how and where to set up a volunteer program is a great place to start, and you don’t need to restrict yourself to one cause. There are plenty of options available, ranging from planting gardens to cleaning up the streets to volunteering at homeless shelters. The possibilities are endless. 

Workathons

While the idea of asking your team to stay behind after work to do more work might sound ludicrous, it can be highly beneficial when done right. Workathons can give you the chance to get ahead of your projects while also seeing what some employees can do when not restrained by their department duties. 

For a digital marketing company, you can put several employees into teams and have each come up with a new campaign. For a content company, ask them to write articles and post them. Don’t forget to make it more casual, so bring in refreshments, and you can also offer a prize to the winning team. 

Unusual Collaboration

Every company has departments and these departments rarely mix. This is a common and often unavoidable reason for a disconnected office, so consider how you can change this. 

Unusual collaboration is an excellent way to do this. Rather than have employees work with the same people every day, give them a day each week to work with someone from another department. As they can bring new perspectives, there is a chance that you will double your productivity and even solve problems that have troubled your team for a while.

Monthly Activities

As much as it is important to get the work done, you always want to create an atmosphere that enables your employees to have fun at work and enjoy coming into the office. 

Although many team-building ideas can be expensive, this approach doesn’t need to be. You can encourage your team to bring in cakes or treats, or do karaoke afternoons when the workload has settled for the week. Often, it’s something simple that is most effective, and it will help bring your team closer together when they realize how capable and approachable everyone else is. 

Dynamics 

A strong team dynamic is one of the most important ingredients for success. Without it, you will have a group of employees who are never there for one another. They do not have each other’s backs, and this will become a hindrance to your company’s growth. By embracing effective team-building exercises, you can create a dynamic that is built on support and collaboration to ensure the best results.