For most companies, the make-up of the workforce involves diverse people with unique backgrounds and skill sets. They have an array of different experiences, opinions, likes and dislikes. While this all brings benefits to the business, it can also bring friction and conflict if the team isn’t managed well. One of the best ways to help avoid these problems is to carry out team building exercises.
Why team building is so important
Team building is important for businesses and industries of all sizes and has a multitude of proven benefits. Probably the most important of which is that everyone within the team communicates and works better together – a sense of all ‘being on the same page’ can be created. This also creates a sociable and friendly workplace where people get along and reduces the chances of conflict.
Because people form into a team and build relationships, collaboration takes place and often leads to creativity and innovation that one person cannot manage alone. It also creates a team spirit, a shared sense of purpose and focuses on goals that everyone can celebrate and take pride in when reached.
Team building has clearly been shown to increase performance, allow for networking within the team and even collaboration between teams in larger organisations. This benefits the individuals who feel more satisfied in their position and also meant the company will enjoy better results.
Team building ideas
There are hundreds of ideas about team building from small-scale, quick icebreakers that begin the day on the right note through to full weekend events in a non-work environment. Finding the right one involves assessing how much time and what resources your business can spend on team building in addition to other activities.
Short activities such as the ‘two truths and one lie’ activity are a great way for people to get to know one another and therefore start building that sense of team. It also allows for better communication, allows some of the quieter people to speak up and can be good for a laugh, alleviating the stress of the day.
Problem-solving activities have also been shown to be great for team building and have a concrete benefit to the business. By creating a fake problem and making the team find a solution, the manager can see how people’s minds work, where their skills lie and each member can learn about others in the team.
There are also options such as a non-profit campaign run within the business in order to inspire a sense of team. Working towards the shared goal of raising money for a good cause and even having a little friendly competition with other teams within the business can help create that sense of team.
Target groups
Within larger companies, it can often be a good idea to break down departments into smaller teams that allow for target groups to be created. These focus efforts can still build a sense of team on a smaller scale. Again, a little friendly competition between the groups can work, depending on the situation and the people involved. It is also a great way to showcase the abilities of each individual and make sure they are being used to their full potential.
Cintra Payroll provides managed payroll for companies so they can focus on making sure their employees are productive and working as part of a team. We have over 40 years of experience providing quality payroll services for all sizes of business in all types of industries.