Sometimes The Best Team Building Is Done Outside of Work

I am sure the topic of ‘team building’ is something you have encountered during your time at most workplaces. For those of you that are unaware of it, team building is commonly used inside an organisation as an intervention to enhance communication across the team, create a better environment to work in or even to create a certain environment for your company.  Team building is used for a range of different things to improve your employees at work. Generally speaking it involves tedious games that get you to work alongside colleagues doing things aside from everyday jobs. 

So, the title team building can be very cliché and when so it often seems disadvantageous and boring. However, throughout my time leading teams and managing several companies’ team building really was one of most beneficial things I did with my employees because I did it outside of the office.

Team building can be slated because the key message of it is defeated; it is way more than being able to lead each other blind folded or run three legged. Good team building is when you start to build relationships and learn how your colleagues work, adapting the way you work accordingly and using that to communicate effectively amongst each other.  I find this to be most effective when you remove the safety net of the work surroundings, as this shows a completely different side to people.

Team building can then be the beginning of making sure you are getting the most value out of different situations with colleagues. It can do this because this can be a great opportunity to communicate with colleagues and interact about non-work related topics. On top of that you get to know your colleagues better and understand them more, leading a more healthy and familiar environment at your workplace.

Although team building exercises do not last long, often they normally take up an afternoon or day, arranging them outside of the workplace gives ample opportunities. Chances are you will not be able to accommodate the whole team, and yes many may not always wish to attend, but often if it is worthwhile and planned in advance you will get a good turnout. For example, a charity bike ride is an excellent way to get everyone together, especially as you can train together to be ready for the big day. Furthermore it requires additional fundraising events to get everyone to work towards the end goal, even if they are not fully participating.

Alternatively, a work football team which involves tournaments and trophies is also a great way to boost morale. Although you may find a divide when it comes to which sports people want to play. Generally, however,  I think creating that kind of sportsmanship energy in a workplace can really transform a company’s communication whilst still building on team relationships.

If sporting activities don’t sound like something your team would enjoy, there are numerous other activities. I have previously used Go Ape, for outdoor activities and corporate days because it really takes your employees out of their comfort zone, and it is great fun! For the less extreme, simply playing board games in a pub after work can really give an insight into how colleagues function.

There are so many different ways to get your team interacting inside and outside of work; the success simply lies in choosing the right activities to suit them. Whether you have a great budget and can afford to take them away somewhere, or you arrange to do something together locally, it is worth investing time in building your relationships and watching your employees thrive.