Team Building
Team Building Team-building activities have really caught on over recent years and can be especially valuable for small companies. Enabling colleagues to get to know each other and build rewarding work relationships out of the work environment. Some types of team-building are of course closely related to your work. This could include booking a hall or meeting room and hiring a speaker on a related topic, or taking part in a training session or problem-solving workshop where you face the types of scenario you might have to cope with in real life. Many companies choose activities which are less closely related to the working day, but still foster skills such as independent thinking, leadership and working closely with colleagues. Well-known options include rock climbing, canoeing and driving go-karts, but there are also more unusual ideas to choose from such as:
Escape Rooms
After starting in Japan, escape rooms are now proving a hit around the world. The idea is that a small group of people are “trapped” in a room and must look for clues to get out. These scenarios are rather like real-life video games – offering team-mates the chance to work on their problem-solving skills while competing against the clock.
Ropes Courses
If you are looking for team-building in the great outdoors, high-ropes courses in forest settings are an increasingly popular idea. Tackling ladders and zip wires can help to build leadership skills, and if some of the group are less adventurous or don’t like heights, there is usually other activities on offer, such as low-level ropes or exploring the woods on a Segway.
Mixing Cocktails
For those looking for something more sedate than adventure sports, mixing cocktails is a popular option. It is great during the festive season or when your company has something special to celebrate. Various companies organise master classes, where you can learn what ingredients to include and then create your own cocktails. If some team members are non-drinkers, cocktails can be combined with mocktails, which will also reduce the cost of the activity. Chocolate making is another popular option, or you could even opt for a session combining cocktails and chocolates.
Charity Work
Not all team-building has to involve activities which are laid on by external centres. Taking part in a charity project is another option, allowing staff to do something of benefit to the local community which is different from their usual working day. Sometimes this type of team-building initiative can lead to a longer-term relationship between your company and the charity. There are also team building companies which specifically organise charity initiatives, such as building a bike to donate to a local good cause.