Given that we spend a large portion of our lives at work, it’s important that we enjoy that time as much as possible.
Of course, not everyone loves what they do for a living, but there are plenty of people who stay put because they like their colleagues and are happy to see them on a daily basis, even if the nature of the job itself is not particularly engaging.
The key to a harmonious work environment is having a group of people who can also get along together socially.
But how can this be achieved? Here are a few simple team building activities you might like to try.
Bingo and other games
A lot of people shudder at the thought of ‘organised fun’, but the likes of bingo and other games can offer a little light relief from the daily grind.
In this modern world of remote and hybrid working, they can work just as well over video calls – and you might be surprised as to who shows their competitive streak when you get down to the final few numbers!
Escape room
A relatively recent phenomenon, escape rooms have surged in popularity to the point where there are hundreds dotted across the UK. There’s no doubt they can make for a stressful outing, and you’ll soon see who copes well under pressure and who doesn’t.
Above all, of course, they’re meant to be a fun activity, but they offer additional benefits in that they encourage team members to work together and problem solve, much like they would in a professional setting.
Karaoke
Getting together and belting out a few classics may not be everyone’s idea of fun, but karaoke can be a great team building activity for those who fully commit.
It can help to break down barriers and encourage colleagues to let their hair down – just watch out for those who get a taste for being centre stage and won’t let go of the microphone!
Go-karting
An activity that can help to breed some healthy competition among staff members. Tracks can usually be hired out for a couple of hours or even longer, and the break from the office routine can enable the team to reset and blow off some steam. All within the health and safety guidelines laid down by the circuit organisers, of course…
Two truths one lie
Another game that can be played in person or remotely, two truths one lie encourages people to unleash their creative side and get to know their colleagues a little better. Perhaps it might just be worth setting some ground rules first, to prevent anyone from straying into inappropriate territory!
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
