Unity is strength- Team building activities for better results

Team building is a process that knits the members as one interdependent group rather than as one individual member. It is essential for the group to be together as one unit. This enhances the combined, as well as individual output.

Activities for team bonding:

1. Use icebreakers in meetings- When teams meet regularly, there is no need for ice breaking. In the case of a new and young team, it is essential that the team meets more often to ensure its smooth functioning. In such meetings, simple activities to break the ice will help build more rapport among the members and also help to serve as a relaxing time between sessions of presentations, discussions, and brainstorming.
2. Arrange activities other than work- Suggest a team outing or a team lunch. Leave the arrangement part to the team itself while ensuring that everyone has some active role to play in the execution of the work. Such activities create bonding as one gets to know his or her colleague outside the work environment.
3. Provide for comfortable relaxing places- Having a separate smoking room in office is not enough at all times. Have a recreation area with comfortable couches, a small library, a pantry, and maybe even a snooker table. When employees would want to relax, they can come here and let their hair loose for a while. Being relaxed and away from pressure of the work help one to get to know the colleague in a better way.
4. Provide group mentoring- One-on-one mentoring is important for employees and is always recommended when a new employee joins the team. But group mentoring by a senior manager or manager is recommended though;it works better if one member is chosen to mentor the new joinee. Employees learn new skills and approaches while furthering their relationships with coworkers. A second form of mentoring involves an employee who has a particular skill set that other employees want to learn. The employee can mentor a group of employees with the same impact as team building.
5. Provide company sponsorship for sports teams and challenges for charity like half marathons. Get a client company to sponsor sports teams for employees that may include baseball, golf, basketball, bowling, soccer, and more. The company can also pay for employee registrations for running and walking events, especially those for local charities. This is terrific for team building.
6. Make arrangements for weekly fitness meets for members of your team. This can either be a session of yoga where all the members work together or a simple get together where one discusses his or her method of keeping fit. Tips can be shared.
7. Promote hobbies at work- Members of the same team may share interest in various outside-the-work activities. Provide the spaceand occasional financial support to promote hobby groups meeting at work. Photography clubs, painting clubs, trekking clubs are all examples that can be encouraged. Team building activities in this space are unlimited.
8. Family Day Activities- Plan a day where the team can bring in their family to the workplace. Team activities and games where the family can participate with the team. This brings about an air of refreshment and can help to foster friendships outside the office too.

Team building activities help to foster friendships, boost morale, encourage performingto one’s potential, and help learn and better one’s own productivity.