Information and definition of team building
Team building is a proactive method used by organizations to improve team cohesion. Originating in the USA in the 1980s, the concept quickly gained international popularity. The main aim of team building is to develop team spirit, improve communication and strengthen professional bonds. Through a variety of playful group activities, it is possible to create an environment conducive to collective efficiency and collaboration.
What better way to boost employee morale than with an activity that combines fun and skill-building?
Why organize corporate team building?
If you manage a team, you’ve probably already heard about the incredible benefits of team building. Here’s why it’s essential to organize this type of event:
- Improved team cohesion: Team building activities are designed to strengthen bonds between colleagues, creating a more harmonious atmosphere.
- Increased productivity: By fostering better communication and cooperation, these activities enable employees to be more efficient in their daily tasks.
- Team-building: Learning to work together in a non-professional context strengthens the company’s human capital.
- Increased motivation: Employees are more motivated when they feel part of a close-knit, dynamic team.
- Reduced conflict: By working together in a fun way, participants learn to understand each other better and to manage stress, thus reducing the risk of conflict.
Karen Hudson, Human Resources Manager at a Paris-based technology company, regularly includes team building activities in her programs. She testifies that these activities have considerably improved employeecommitment and sense of belonging.
Types of team building activities
Face-to-face activities
Face-to-face activities are the most common, allowing participants to meet physically and interact. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next event:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Dubbing workshop | Participants lend their voices to movie scenes, enhancing creativity and cohesion. |
| Lego Mania | Construction challenges using Lego structures, promoting collaboration and creativity. |
| Constructive Destruction | A creative outlet where participants break objects to create art. |
| Team Haka | An introduction to the All Blacks’ famous Haka dance to awaken esprit de corps. |
| Samba Batucada | Learn to Samba with percussionists, perfect for releasing collective energy. |
Sophie Dupont, Human Resources Manager in Paris, often uses activities such as Atelier doublage and Lego Mania to boost collaboration and creativity among her teams.
Remote activities
In times of telecommuting or for geographically dispersed teams, remote team building activities offer excellent alternatives:
- Escape Game Visio: An online escape game where participants solve puzzles as a team.
- Home Party: A videoconference party hosted by a DJ to strengthen social ties.
- Mad Burger: An online quiz inspired by the Burger Quiz, perfect for a moment of relaxation and friendly competition.
- Mini Jeux Digitaux: A series of online mini-games for entertaining breaks.
- Rallye 3.0: Digital treasure hunt that engages teams in a collective adventure.
These activities are ideal for keeping employees engaged, even at a distance. For more creative ideas, visit our page on the best ideas for team-building group activities.
How to find original ideas and make your team building a success?
Organizing a successful team building event requires following a few simple but essential steps:
Setting objectives
Set clear objectives before choosing your activity. You may want to strengthen team cohesion, improve communication, or simply offer a moment of relaxation. This will guide you in selecting the most appropriate activity.
Choosing an activity
Activities should be in line with your company’s values and participants’ tastes. Remember to vary the types of activities to reach a wide audience:
- Creative activities like graffiti or pop sculpture.
- Interactive games such as an interactive rally orescape game.
- Ecological initiatives such as plant-based frescoes.
Organization and logistics
Anticipate logistical needs: venue, equipment and timetable must be carefully planned. Employee participation is also vital. Post-event feedback can be used to adjust future initiatives.
Call in the professionals
To ensure the success of your event, don’t hesitate to call on team building experts. They can help you organize activities tailored to your team’s specific needs.
Need more inspiration? Take a look at our catalog of 90 team building activities designed to strengthen your team in 2024.
Ideal occasions for team building
Opportunities to organize team building activities are varied and play a crucial role in group dynamics:
- Changes in corporate structure: Mergers or acquisitions, changes in management, or team restructuring.
- Integrating new recruits: Facilitate the integration and sense of belonging of new arrivals.
- Launching new products or services: Boost motivation and creativity around new projects.
- Employee appreciation: After a busy period, celebrate your team’s efforts.
- Stress reduction: Offer a moment of relaxation after a stressful period.
Limitations and considerations
Although team building is an excellent initiative, it won’t solve your company’s major problems on its own. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Tailor activities to participants’ specific needs.
- Choose a period that takes into account constraints (vacations, back-to-school, etc.).
- Combine team building activities with good human resources management practices.
Adopt a pragmatic approach to maximize the benefits of these initiatives. Sophie Dupont, for example, used these methods to build a close-knit, high-performance team in her technology company.
Ready for your team building?
Finally, team building activities are a valuable investment for any company looking to improve group dynamics and collective efficiency. With a multitude of ideas and options available, it’s easier than ever to find an activity to suit your team’s needs.
Explore our wide selection of the best team-building group activity ideas today!
