“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” – Henry Ford
Forming a strong bond within the team is beneficial to businesses and organizations, team building is one way in the workplace that encourages working together towards a common goal. Team building brings people together by promoting collaboration and teamwork, bonds and connections are built through fun activities which help people see each other and connect in a different setting.
Ever since the pandemic happened, it changed our lives in ways that are beyond our norms. We’re all forced to adjust our old routines and habits on how we do things on a daily basis. Even companies and corporations had to do the same, and one area that has been especially affected is team building.
Team building events are critical especially if you’ve ever worked in an office. Whether it’s just a simple happy hour at a local bar or a day full of games and fun activities, these gatherings have a huge effect on how people make friends and learn to work together. So how has team building changed since the pandemic?
Creative ways companies are team building in the age of COVID-19:
Since the pandemic caused many employees to work remotely, traditional or physical team building events are no longer possible. This is also where corporations had to be creative in terms of team building, and even though our workers are at the comfort of their own homes, there are still many ways to build teamwork and companionship.
Here are some of the most creative ways companies have been team building in light of the pandemic:
Virtual happy hours: A lot of companies are now organizing virtual happy hours where employees can get together and interact virtually. Just because establishments are closed doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a drink or two with your workmates.
Group fitness classes: Gyms may also be closed but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your workout or yoga classes in. Companies are now providing group fitness classes online where you can all stay safe, healthy and connect with your team simultaneously.
Scavenger hunts: Scavenger hunt is a classic team building activity that’s perfect for remote teams. There are many online tools that offer creating a scavenger hunt for you and your employees.
Board games: Board games are a simple yet effective way to build teamwork while having some fun. With board games, you can play them online or in person depending on your team’s preferences.
Escape and Unlock: Two different games with the same purpose, these are virtual team building events that challenge your team's creativity, perseverance and teamwork. It generates true progress while being very fun!
Long-term impact of the pandemic on team-building practices within corporations
Will we see a permanent shift to remote work? What does that mean for the future of team building?
While there are many questions surrounding the pandemic and its continuous effect on our companies’ normal activities, many corporations were forced to re-evaluate their team building activities and come up with creative ways that will function in a hybrid or remote environment.
One popular solution that has emerged is the concept of hybrid team. Although this type of team can be very effective, it still requires cautious planning and implementation to guarantee that everybody is on the same page.
Another solution that has gained attention is the use of virtual team building activities. These can be anything from virtual happy hours to online games and events, the important concern is to give your team a chance to collaborate and build connections in a fun but safe environment.
It’s still too early to say what the long-term impact of the pandemic will be on team building. But one thing is for sure, corporations will need to adjust, be adaptable and creative to create successful teams in the new normal.
Final Takeaway
Despite the adversities and no matter how your company approaches it, team building is still essential and it’s more crucial than ever to make sure that your employees are all connected and relationships are still formed. Even with the pandemic and remote working system, you can still create a team building strategy that could work for you and your organization.
“If you can laugh together, you can work together.” – Robert Orben
Join us to boost employee engagement, enhance communication, problem-solving and collaboration using an effective VIRTUAL TEAM BUILDING - Escape and Unlock!
REFERENCE
Anderson, A. (2022). How corporations are handling team building since the pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.netnewsledger.com/2022/03/13/how-corporations-are-handling-team-building-since-the-pandemic/
12 Reasons Team Building Works for Businesses & Organizations https://www.teambonding.com/6-reasons-for-team-building/