Today’s people leaders deal with a highly dynamic and unpredictable work environment. The number of workplace changes has grown fivefold since 2016. These changes—good or bad—affect your team. As a leader, you can use team-building to create space for your team to process their work life and build relationships with their peers. Regular team-building events also give your team something to look forward to. These “in-between-work” moments can make or break your team’s culture.
We’ve collected the reasons why teams come together and great team-building activities that match your team-building goals.
You launched something new
Team-building goal: to celebrate
Launching a new product or campaign is a great cause for celebration. But a lot of times, as a leader, you’ve moved on to figuring out what to do next a long time ago. But your team deserves a celebration. Closing out this chapter will help prepare your team for the next one.
New members joined
Team-building goal: to get to know each other and regroup as a team
One new team member gives you a whole new team. First impressions matter, and you have only a few days to make the newcomer feel welcome. Take your team out for a laid-back activity, where you can chat.
A team member is leaving
Team-building goal: to celebrate their achievements
It’s a bitter sweet moment when a team member leaves. Let them know that you will miss them and that you are happy for them. Celebrate their achievements. Look for an activity that’s fun but won’t get in the way of chatting.
Layoffs just happened
Team-building goal: to process what’s going on
Layoffs are not a cause for celebration. But team-building is not all about fun. When your company just went through layoffs, your team needs space to process. If you are the manager, let your team take the second half of their day off. If you’ve gone through layoffs before, you’ll know that no one will work that day anyway. The next day, hold office hours. Find a way to support those who are leaving. Say thank you with a postcard. If you are have a close relationship with your coworkers, sponsor light lunch. Anything lavish would be inappropriate.
Team morale has been low
Team-building goal: to process the past and look to the future
Has your team been feeling “meh” lately? This could be because they perceive their work as too hard or not interesting enough . Another reason could be that they simply don’t have friends at work . In a situation like this, team-building is not just some fun activity. It’s a necessity. Your team-building event should consist of two parts: a fun activity and a sit-down “town hall.” Take 15 minutes to recognize your team. Remind them of your mission and how they are contributing to it.
Quarterly planning
Team-building goal: remind everyone of the North Star goal
Quarterly planning is a lot of work. As someone who spent a decade in the corporate world, I also know that a lot of team perceive planning sessions as absolutely useless: they already know what they should be working on. Why waste time? But as a leader, you know that your boat goes faster if everyone rows in the same direction. These team-building outings will remind your team of their north star. Spend an hour walking your team through your company’s priorities, then take your team out for a fun activity.
Just-for-fun monthly outings
Team-building goal: to build informal bonds
Make team-building a tradition and treat your team to something new every month. Here are some fun ideas for you regular events!
