- The pros of team building exercises are improved communication and leadership development.
- The cons of team development are things like time commitment and the cost of the activities.
- The activities at Shiloh Adventures are great for your team to foster engagement and productivity.
No matter where you work, how you work, or when you work, your team could benefit from team building activities. Team building entails structured efforts to improve collaboration, trust, and morale among all workers. The activities done can range from casual outings and meals to structured problem-solving tasks. Companies use team building to boost engagement and productivity among coworkers.
What Are Examples Of Work Team Building Activities
Team building entails a variety of things, from obstacle courses and problem solving, to more simple things like going out to eat and playing a board game. Collaborative games like scavenger hunts or escape rooms can help to foster team work. Office based activities like trivia contests or themed dress days can also improve morale in low cost ways. There are many examples of work team building activities that improve a team’s bond and overall strength as a team. We will go through the pros and cons of team building together, but here is a list of ideas for you to get started:
- Office based activities
- Volunteer events
- Strategy workshops
- Obstacle courses
- Zip lining
- Scavenger hunts
Pros of Work Team Building Activities
There are tons of ways to build up your team, and they all come with their own set of pros and cons. Pros of team building include things like increased productivity and improved communication. Each activity should be tailored to your specific team but there are so many options to choose from.
Increased Productivity
The first pro of work team building activities we will touch on is increased productivity. Team building activities are known to help productivity because the employees are learning more about each other, making relationships better and stronger. Employees who trust and understand each other collaborate more effectively and efficiently on projects. Fun and motivating team activities can refresh workers and improve focus afterwards. The shared goals make for a pro of team building because it can mirror effective task alignment at work.
Improved Communication
The next pro of team building we will go over together is improved communication among coworkers. Icebreaker games and group activities can help to teach clearer ways to express thoughts and feelings. Employees can quickly become more comfortable sharing ideas in both casual and professional environments through team building. An aspect of this pro of team building is that nonverbal communication skills are often strengthened in silent or fast paced challenges. All of these work in tandem to create better communication skills for employees.
Leadership Development
Another pro of team building we will discuss is leadership development. Team building activities are a great way to build connections to the leadership team as well as develop into leaders themselves. Observing a team’s behavior can help to identify leadership potential among quieter employees. Decision making exercises highlight strategic thinking and accountability. As for this pro of tea building, the reflection after the activity builds self awareness and emotional accountability. Leadership workshops can’t train future management as well as team building activities can.
Conflict Resolution Practice
The last pro of work team building activities is the fact that it fosters conflict resolution practice. In some work team building activities, role playing conflict will be helpful to know how each employee might handle certain situations. Neutral environments that are made by team building activities may make it easier for employees to practice listening and compromising skills. The shared challenges of work team building activities can help to reframe coworkers as allies instead of opponents. These team building activities can help learn how diverse perspectives in the workplace can be helpful.
Cons of Work Team Building Activities
Like most activities, there are a few cons of team building that we need to go over. Cons of work team building activities include things like cost, the potential for exclusion, and the time commitment. The one-size-fits all may not appeal to all personalities in the workplace. It is important to note that not every team is the same. Below we will go over a few cons of team building to keep in mind.
Time Commitment
The first con of team building is the time commitment. Time away from work may delay ongoing projects. Planning and coordinating events takes time and effort from HR or the leadership. Some activities during work hours may not be welcome by all team members. With that, events outside of work hours can disrupt employee family and personal time. Which in turn may impact the mood of some workers. This makes for a con of team building, because some team members may feel pressured to attend and that can reduce overall enjoyment.
Cost
The next con of team building activities we will talk about is the cost. Office venues and facilitators can be expensive when looking at work team building activities. Some activities may require transportation, catering, and materials, which will most likely increase overall costs. Cost-effective activities require more creativity and planning in order to happen. This may be a major con of team building for your company, but it’s all about exploring your options to see the best fit.
Potential for Exclusion
The last con of team building we will go over is the potential for exclusion. Physical or social limitations may make some team building activities inaccessible for some. It is important to note the comfortability of your team when thinking about team building activities. Cultural and language differences may make finding a suitable team building activity challenging. If cliques form during team events it may reinforce the distance between coworkers, which make for another prominent con of team building. Managers must be intentional to ensure inclusivity and fitness in all activities.
Are Work Team Building Activities Worth It?
For most teams, some sort of team building is needed to foster engagement and productivity. After all, isn’t it easier to work with people you know on a semi-personal level? With thoughtful planning, work team building activities can lead to improvements in communication and productivity. The pros of team building heavily dampened on the alignment of company culture and goals. At Shiloh Adventures we offer many different activities to best fit your team and your team’s goals.
The Best Type of Work Team Building Activities
Depending on your team’s values and needs, activities that align with company and employee interests are likely to succeed. For diverse teams, outdoor options may help to foster team work and communication rather than indoor. Hands-on activities and tasks often offer high engagement. Outdoor activities are helpful when you need teamwork, conflict resolution, and collaboration. The activities at Shiloh Adventures will be one of the best team building places you’ll find. With outside and inside options, the engagement required to partake is bound to yield communication and effort. Taking feedback after each event will let you easily see what events worked the best, so you can find your own personal pros of team building activities.
Work Team Building At Shiloh Adventures
The best team building activities at Shiloh Adventures are special. You can find everything from kayaking, canoeing, and rope courses to zip lines and hikes. In case of rain, there are plenty of indoor options thanks to the multiplex and covered pavilion. All of the activities at Shiloh Adventures are crafted to be beneficial to your team! Build your team while having fun with Shiloh Adventures. Visit us and choose your favorites!
Contact Shiloh Adventures
Reserve an event to get started today. If you have any questions, contact us and our friendly team will be more than happy to assist you. Also, check out the volunteer opportunities at Shiloh. We rely on volunteers to make our camps and special events successful. Contact Shiloh Adventures today to learn more about group bonding activities.
Address
448 NE 70th St, Oklahoma, OK 73105
info@shilohcamp.org