Are your employees feeling a little lack-luster? Do your team need to get to know each other better? A popular way to address such issues is with a team building event. It could be something that takes place over a couple of hours, a day or possibly even longer. This type of exercise has been shown to increase the overall performance of employees, improve cooperation and make employees feel part of the organization. It is also possible for them to do nothing at all, apart from make some of your employees very embarrassed. However long you decide to hold such an event, there are certain dos and don’ts you need to be aware of, in order for your event to be a success.
Tips for Organizing a Successful Team Building Event
It has become very common for such events to be held for a reason, and it’s vital this is laid on the table during the planning process. If there are some major issues with the company, a day out at the zoo is not going to solve them. Choosing the right kind of event will make all the difference, and the choice will be much easier if you know what problem you are trying to solve. Set goals for the event and be clear when communicating them.
The Planning Stage
Two heads are better than one don’t they say? This certainly applies when organizing a team building event. Involving more people in the organizing stage will also mean they are more likely to be engaged on the day. Gaining support from the top tier in the business is vital, as is encouraging them to participate too.
Picking an Activity
The sky’s the limit with this kind of event. There are literally hundreds of different ideas that can be incorporated. Try and make it something that’s different and fun. The Escape Room Pittsburgh is one example. It involves solving mysteries and using clues to help you escape from an adventure of your choice. Give your employees the chance to try something out of their normal comfort zone and push the boundaries, interacting in new ways. Canyoning, caving, quad biking, paintballing, white water rafting and bushcraft activities are all good ideas.
Organize it Yourself or Hand the Reins Over to a Professional?
When you’ve clarified the reason for the event and decided when and where it will happen, you then have to put your organizing hat on. There is a lot of work involved, but it is possible to let someone else stress over the details. A number or event organizing companies will do the hard work and make sure everything runs like clockwork.
Team Building Faux Pas
Certain things should always be avoided if you want your team building event to be a success. It’s likely that a significant amount of money will have been spent, so you want a good return on your investment.
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Avoid activities that will be too demanding.
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Don’t choose activities that are mindless or too taxing.
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Don’t leave anyone out.
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Don’t think of it as a one dose cures all.
Team building is a concept that has been researched, and as with many things, there are two sides to the story. It has been shown that a well-organized event can have a far-reaching positive effect on employees. However, a badly organized one will have the opposite effect. With the right amount of thought and planning your event will be a success.
