Team building activities are key for any business. For small businesses where everyone works in close proximity, it’s important to nurture those relationships for team morale, positive company culture and to foster collaboration.
We’ve explained why team building for small businesses is important and some activities you can host! Take a look below.
Why are team building activities important?
Team building exercises are key to fostering a positive work environment. In turn, a great place to work will create happy staff and therefore better work output.
Here’s why team building is important:
1. Building trust with colleagues
Shared activities can strengthen colleague relationships. It shows how each individual deals with a situation, meaning that they can get to know each other on a more personal level. This then builds trust between colleagues through shared camaraderie.
2. Improved problem solving
Giving employees a task to complete in a low-pressure environment can help colleagues develop and practice their skills, whilst learning how each other communicates. This can then positively impact problem solving and joint tasks for real workloads.
3. Better team morale
A shared purpose will keep employees motivated. Feeling connected to the team and understanding the way each employee works will keep them engaged in tasks.
4. Increased confidence in collaboration
Building on familiarity will give employees the confidence to collaborate with each other. Breaking down communication barriers in a low-impact environment can encourage open dialogue.
Small company team building ideas
Smaller companies will naturally mean that employees work closer together. This means team building activities for small groups are more important than ever. We’ve listed some team building ideas below.
· Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts will ensure collaboration between colleagues. Working together to work out clues and discover treasure. Plus, it’s competitive, which is also great for team building.
The scavenger hunt could be thematic – either to do with the company or the location of the business.
· Escape Rooms
Similar to a scavenger hunt, an escape room requires colleagues working together to achieve the same goal. It’s a timed environment, so the added pressure will make sure colleagues work together collaboratively and in an efficient way.
There are many escape rooms around the UK but also options to set up in-office too.
· DIY and creative workshops
A relaxed environment for imagination is a great way to unleash employees’ creative side. This could include flower arranging, cooking, painting, pumpkin carving, and much more.
This is a great team building activity as it’s accessible for everyone too.
· Office Olympics or Sports Day
Teaming up and working together in a sporting event is a great way to foster team spirit. The competitive edge will also breed a collaborative side to your employees. Activities like paper toss, egg and spoon race, beer pong and a three-legged race are sure to bring up spirits too.
· Outdoor fun
Taking the team for a day out in the sun is a great way to get out of the office. Being away from the office environment could encourage employees to loosen up and feel comfortable in bringing out their fun side. This could include kayaking, bike rides, go-karting, paintball or football.
These games make sure everyone is working together for a bit of light-hearted competition.
We hope this article on team building activities for small businesses was helpful. We’re proud to offer further help for small businesses. Take a look at our articles, including 10 tips for an efficient workplace here.