26 September 2019

Team Building Activities For Your Coworkers

By Ellie

There are a variety of reasons why team building is a great idea. It builds trust among employees and encourages them to open up to each other. This can have a positive impact in the office as employees may feel more able to bounce ideas off each other. This, in turn, can increase productivity.

Similarly, these sort of events opens up communication channels with members of the team. This is vital for a healthy workspace. It also gives employees a chance to actually work together on problem-solving, and these skills can be transferred to working life. 

Find out more about why team building is important.

Team building games for coworkers have gained increasing popularity due to their essential role in fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. These activities go beyond the daily grind, allowing colleagues to step out of their comfort zones, communicate effectively, and develop trust in a relaxed setting.  They encourage healthy competition, boost morale, and improve interpersonal relationships among team members through shared experiences. 

With a staggering 75% of staff acknowledging that teamwork and collaboration are crucial to corporate success, team building games have become an indispensable component of modern workplace culture. They promote creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability, skills that are highly valuable in today’s dynamic work landscape. 

1. Classic Races

Classic races offer an excellent work team building activity by taking coworkers back to the spirited and nostalgic atmosphere of school sports days. Games like bean bag race, egg and spoon races, and hula hoops are not only fun but also designed to get participants moving and engaged. 

These simple yet enjoyable activities encourage teamwork, friendly competition, and a sense of camaraderie. When hosted at a venue like Kents Hill Park, all the necessary equipment is provided, making it a hassle-free and memorable experience that fosters teamwork and brings coworkers closer together.

2. Team Building Scavenger Hunt

Team building scavenger hunts are an excellent choice for small and large groups as they combine physical activity with mental challenges. This classic activity can be customised to suit your team’s preferences and can range from simple to complex. 

Tailoring the clues to your business or team members adds an extra layer of engagement and relevance. By participating in a scavenger hunt, coworkers not only get active but also collaborate, problem-solve, and communicate effectively, all while having fun. It’s a dynamic and interactive way to strengthen team bonds and promote a sense of unity among colleagues.

3. Egg Drop

Egg drop is an engaging work team building activity that involves dividing employees into teams and assigning them the task of creating a device to protect an egg from a designated height. 

To play the game, each team is provided with a set of materials, and their objective is to invent a contraption that can safely cushion the egg during the fall. The team that successfully safeguards the egg from breaking wins the challenge. This interactive and creative endeavour encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation, making it an enjoyable and educational activity for coworkers.

4. Blind Retriever

Blind retriever is an effective team building activity at work that promotes trust, communication, and quick thinking. To play, an object is hidden, and employees are paired up, with one person blindfolded and the other acting as their guide. The objective is for the sighted teammate to verbally direct their blindfolded partner to locate the hidden object as swiftly as possible.

This exercise enhances teamwork and communication skills as coworkers learn to rely on clear, concise guidance and develop trust in their colleagues’ instructions. The element of competition adds excitement and motivation, making blind retrievers a fun and educational team-building activity.

5. Jeopardy

Jeopardy is an engaging team building activity for coworkers that combines fun with learning and teamwork. To play, you create five questions for six categories, all of which relate to your team or business. Employees are divided into smaller teams, and they compete to answer the questions correctly. 

Jeopardy not only tests their knowledge but also encourages collaboration as team members pool their expertise to tackle the questions. It promotes healthy competition, fosters a sense of camaraderie, and provides an interactive way for coworkers to gain insights into their organisation.

6. Obstacle Course

This work team building activity promotes camaraderie and a healthy spirit of competition. To play, you can either create your own obstacle course or visit a venue that offers one. Participants engage in friendly races, navigating the obstacles as quickly as possible, with the winner receiving a small prize. 

This activity not only encourages physical activity but also boosts teamwork, as coworkers cheer each other on and strategies to overcome challenges together. It fosters a sense of achievement and shared accomplishment, making obstacle courses a dynamic and memorable team-building experience.

7. Dodgeball

A great game which encourages healthy competition and teamwork. In this exciting game, participants engage in a thrilling dodgeball tournament where healthy competition is encouraged. 

At venues like Kents Hill Park, games are refereed, and the tournament is structured for maximum employee engagement. Not only does dodgeball offer an enjoyable and active way to bond with colleagues, but it also enhances communication, cooperation, and team spirit as coworkers strategise, dodge, and aim to secure victory together. Plus, the opportunity to win prizes adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

8. Solve a Puzzle 

Puzzles make excellent team building activities for coworkers because they encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and effective communication. Whether it’s a physical jigsaw puzzle or a brain teaser, working together to solve a common challenge fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie among team members. 

Assigning a time limit adds an element of urgency and can simulate real workplace pressures. After completing the puzzle, the team can reflect on their strategies, individual contributions, and decision-making processes, promoting self-awareness and potential discoveries about each team member’s unique strengths and perspectives. 

9. Brainstorming Session

Brainstorming sessions are valuable team building activities for coworkers because they foster a collaborative environment centred on common goals and innovation. By focusing on larger team objectives, such as outlining quarterly KPIs, generating fresh campaign ideas, or revitalising strategies, coworkers are encouraged to think creatively and contribute their unique perspectives. 

These sessions not only enhance problem-solving skills but also promote effective communication and team cohesion. In the process, individuals bond over the pursuit of common objectives, making brainstorming an excellent way to combine work-focused activities with team building

10. Host Cooking Classes

Cooking lessons are a fantastic fun team building activity for coworkers as they provide a change of environment, allowing employees to engage in non-work-related conversations and interactions. 

In this relaxed setting, coworkers have the opportunity to connect on a personal level, fostering stronger relationships and promoting empathy and understanding among team members. By collaborating on culinary tasks, individuals learn to communicate effectively, rely on each other’s skills, and build a sense of unity, ultimately enhancing teamwork and camaraderie in the workplace.

Incorporate Team Building into Your Workplace

Team building exercises for coworkers are not just a fun diversion, they are an investment in a more cohesive and productive workplace. By promoting trust, improving communication, and enhancing problem-solving skills, these activities contribute to a positive work environment and ultimately lead to better results. 

Whether it’s solving puzzles in an escape room, embarking on outdoor adventures, or giving back to the community through volunteer work, there are countless ways to build stronger bonds among coworkers and create a thriving work team.

Quick 5 minute team building activities that you can incorporate within the workplace.

At Kents Hill Park, we offer a variety of team building events get in contact for more information or explore our team building page.