Pre-pandemic, one of the things we definitely miss would be our annual company outings or team building days. Those days were the few times we could really just not think about work and focus on just having fun and spending time with the rest of our team mates. After one year since the COVID pandemic, it seems like working from home and online events are here to stay. However, we can say the same for team building days!
Even though we won’t get to physically meet or come together, it’s still 100% possible to enjoy and have fun in a completely virtual setting. In fact, more than ever, team building programs play a big role in motivating employees and giving them time to breathe and relax before continuing work. Here are 3 reasons why team building programs still matter:
1. Team building leads to increased communication, collaboration, and conflict management
We know that team building activities encourage everyone to meet new people and expand their network. In fact, a 2009 research from the USA published a meta-analysis sharing that team building creates a positive effect on how team members feel about their team and their colleagues, and helps improve communication and collaboration with one another. They also learn how to manage conflicts better.
To add, if team building activities address specific team needs or are linked to a general objective for everyone to achieve, these team building activities are actually perceived as more effective and beneficial.
2. Teamwork can make you happier
Whenever we have team building activities, we can expect fun activities, but also discussions and opportunities to share and get to know our workmates. This is part of what makes these events so memorable! It’s no wonder, then, that team building programs can foster feelings of happiness and joy among its participants.
In fact, a survey by Atlassian states that employees are 80% more likely to have higher emotional well-being if honest feedback, mutual respect, and personal openness were present. That, and being happier actually makes you 20% more productive at work compared to unhappy employees. These can both be found in team building activities, so imagine the positive effect it would have to a company’s employees and overall business!
3. Employees find team building programs valuable
Of course, what other reason do we need than hearing employees themselves say that they find value team building programs? A research from Nulab surveyed employees and shared that according to them, team building experiences improved relationships with each other, encouraged open dialogue, and increased workplace satisfaction and productivity!
Coming from the same research, 31.4% preferred quarterly activities, and 36.5% preferred monthly activities. This tells us that, yes, team building efforts matter, but having plenty of them throughout a year is more effective!
Summer may be over, but it’s not yet too late to have a team building activity with your organization! Luckily, iLeap® offers a variety of team building programs to suit your needs — from our bestselling Amazing Race to our newest Operation: Houdini mystery game, we’re sure to have something for all types of employees. If you’re interested, just send us an email and we’ll get to you as soon as possible!
References Used:
associationsnow.com/2019/09/how-the-right-team-building-experience-can-build-stronger-bonds/
scienceforwork.com/blog/team-building/
www.atlassian.com/blog/teamwork/the-importance-of-teamwork