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"Relevant professional education opportunities for the Child Care and Early Years community"

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Welcome

What's New

E-Learning Opportunities

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Raising the Bar in Peel

Resource Centre

EarlyON PL

Welcome

The Quality Initiatives program at CDRCP provides innovative, inspiring, and relevant professional education opportunities for the Child Care and Early Years community. Educators and professional in the sector participate to enhance their skills, develop new strategies, and learn best practices from topic experts and other specialists. Quality at CDRCP offer a variety of learning opportunies such as webinars, in person training and communites of practice. By registering for sessions, professionals stay connected to all the learning opportunities CDRCP has to offer!

How to Register

Visit our What's New page for new & current learning opportunities.

Click on the image below to visit the Calendar of events.

Registration Options:

Online Registration

All Professional Learning registrations are to be completed online. Professional Learning administrative support is available over the phone, email through [email protected] or online CHAT for technical issues and complex registration processes. We thank you for your co-operation.

Looking for Additional Support?

Email your question(s) to [email protected] and a member of the Professional Learning team will get back to you within one business day. This includes the following support:

Troubleshooting with accessibility (Ex. logging into your CDRCP account)

Resetting account password

Fee / Membership Inquiries

Credit Users: If you have registered for a Professional Learning workshop and the workshop has been cancelled by CDRCP, a credit has been applied to the account of the payee. Credits will be valid for 3 months unless otherwise specified.

To Apply Credits:

Email [email protected] specifying that you have a credit on your account and you would like to apply the balance to a future session.

Please include the following details: First & Last name of registrant, session you would like to apply the credit to.

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email for your registered course.

Please note if the session indicates that it is sold out, there are no spaces remaining in that session. Unfortunately exceptions cannot be made.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

All registrations must be accompanied by payment. If you are paying by cheque, please fax in a copy of the cheque along with the registration number, your full name and session you have been registered for. Deposit the cheque in the mail by the next business day. Cheques should be made payable to Child Development Resource Connection Peel (CDRCP). Post-dated cheques are not accepted as payment confirms your registration. A Service Charge will apply to all NSF cheques. Cash and Debit payments will only be accepted if paying at the time of registration. CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: If you are  unable to attend a session, it will result in a loss of payment. No refunds are provided once you register. Participants are welcome to send replacement staff if they cannot attend a session.

Arrival Policy:

All sessions will begin promptly at the noted time indicated in the workshop description.Times and locations for sessions may vary. Once you have received confirmation e-mail, be sure to check the location of the session. Please arrive on time to ensure you do not miss valuable information.

Webinar Feedback Form

Please Note:  Completed Feedback Forms can be emailed to [email protected]

Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place - NEW

EarlyON programs in Peel have experienced unprecedented change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As middle management, we are often “caught between a rock and a hard place” with challenges and increasing demands of our staff as well as our supervisors. It is time to stop perpetuating the myth that leaders and Managers must be selfless martyrs! If you are experiencing ongoing stress/pressures, you can be putting your own health and well-being, along with your team’s effectiveness and engagement at risk. It is time to begin developing a self-care strategy that manages expectations, improves communication skills, and promotes well-being.

Duration: 32 Minutes Click here

Coaching Strategies: When to Move from Coaching to Progressive Discipline - NEW

Coach is the most important role that a leader must play in the workplace. However sometimes coaching just isn’t enough. In this webinar, you will learn how to be a great coach and what to do next if and when coaching isn’t working. We will discuss what to do when employees are not meeting job expectations or are displaying inappropriate, unproductive or toxic behaviours in your workplace.

Duration: 52 Minutes Click here

How to Effectively Communicate Virtually - NEW

How we communicate has changed dramatically because of the pandemic but what hasn’t changed is the need to still communicate effectively and to know that important information has been well disseminated and understood. We’ll examine how to communicate effectively in the virtual world and what we need to do differently or better to ensure our information is understood and that staff can move forward confidently.

Duration 48 minutes: Click Here

Trauma Informed Care: Supporting Families and Fostering Resilience - Available until October 30, 2021 - NEW

Is your organization trauma informed? Trauma informed care takes the following into consideration:

It is based on an individual's strengths

It respects the impact of trauma

It provides a holistic view of safety

It builds trust and empowerment

In this webinar you will learn to identify the components to creating a trauma informed organization, and how to support families and foster resilience.

Duration 1 hour and 6 minutes: Click Here

Succession Planning for EarlyON Executive Directors - NEW

Succession planning is often seen as a process which is needed only when the leader of the centre decides to step down. However, for any centre with long-term goals, it is critical to have a well defined succession plan developed way before the actual leadership transition happens. This webinar will cover what the process of succession planning looks like from a shared leadership, sustainability and a risk management lens.

Duration 24 minutes: Click Here

Mental Health and Well-Being for EarlyON Providers - Part 1 -NEW

Tania DaSilva of Behaviour Matters explores how stress is manifested and signs and symptoms to look out for in your team. Participants will learn self-regulation strategies for providers to improve their ability to cope. The webinar will ensure tips and techniques for reducing stress and beating burnout are simple to understand and easy to implement.

Duration 1 hour, 17 minutes: Click here

Mental Health and Well-Being for EarlyON Families - Part 2 - NEW

Tania DaSilva of Behaviour Matters will explore the barriers to accessing support and the stigma attached to seeking support. Participants will learn what signs to look out for that may indicate a family needs help and how to approach them in a non-judgemental way while communicating eﬀectively. Lastly, the webinar provides participants with practical skills to support the families' well-being and readiness to receive support.

Duration 48 minutes: Click here

Understanding the Connection: Racism and Trauma - Available until September 25, 2021

In this webinar you will review the concept and prevalence of trauma, including inter-generational-trauma , and how it impacts racialized communities. You will explore the guiding principles for developing a trauma-informed approach to addressing systemic racism in your organization and community.

Duration 51 Minutes: Click Here

Navigating Challenges and Supporting Well-Being in EarlyON Settings in the Region of Peel

Our world; and more specifically our community in Peel, has experienced unprecedented change in recent months.  The Covid – 19 pandemic demonstrates both our shared “humanness” as well as a significant paradigm shift in our workplaces.  As experienced professionals who work in EarlyON settings being cool, calm and collected is essential for us to be able to think clearly and to de-escalate potentially challenging situations with children and families.   While “keeping it cool”, we also need to ensure that we continue to demonstrate cognitive and emotional empathy which drives the connection in our relationships.  Please join me to consider the workplace we will return to and some practical tools and strategies to support your relationships with children and families during challenging times.

Duration 34 minutes: Click Here

Power, Privilege and Racism (Part 1)

What is social justice and where do the roots of social injustice begin? In this webinar you will explore the root causes of social injustice such as racism, discrimination and oppression that exist in Canada in a colonized context. We will examine issues of social injustice in order to enhance a sense of belonging for all children and families through anti-racist pedagogy.  In this webinar participants will:

1) Explore the root causes of social racism within Canada

2) Examine how power and privilege may lead to racism

3) Distinguish differences between anti-bias and anti-racist pedagogy

Duration 36 minutes: Click Here

Identifying and Reducing Microaggressions in Early Learning and Care (Part 2)

Micro aggressions are verbal or nonverbal slights against minority and racialized groups. They happen causally, frequently, and often without any harm intended. Micro aggressions reveal bias towards others and leave behind uncomfortable feelings.  In this webinar, participants will do the work necessary to recognize micro aggression within the context of working with young children and families in order to create inclusive environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging.  In the webinar participants will:

1. Distinguish between implicit and explicit Bias

2. Become aware of microaggressions

3. Explore the effects of microaggressions on the recipients

4. Reflect on addressing microaggression to foster an inclusive environment

Duration: 29 minutes Click Here

Team Building and Leadership Strategies for EarlyON Managers

This webinar offers leadership and management strategies and tools to support you and your staff as work resumes while COVID-19 remains a factor. Apply best-practice learnings based on effective change management models. You will learn to focus your communication on team building to sustain staff morale and establish a positive learning environment for staff and families.

Duration 54 minutes: Click Here

Data and Social Media Analytics for Online EarlyON Programming

Analyzing your organization’s data to inform programming and operational decision-making is critical to achieving desired outcomes for the families and community you serve. Social media platforms also offer analytics tools to help you understand the effectiveness of your online presence and online programming.  This webinar provides a primer on data analytics and provides information on how to use data analytics features on Facebook and YouTube.

Duration 57 minutes: Click Here

Virtual Facilitation Skills for Online EarlyON Programming

As we respond to the changing needs of the community, and shift to delivering programs virtually, we need to apply our in-person facilitation skills to the online world. This webinar will guide you to becoming a virtual leader and help you create a virtual plan. We will explore virtual protocols and safety practices, how to engage families online, and do’s and don’ts for online facilitation.

Duration 30 minutes: Click Here

Cyber Security for EarlyON Programming

Social media is a great platform for reaching families, community building, and delivering your service.  However, it is important to understand social media security in order to protect your information and programming, your organization, and your clients. This webinar will teach you about cyber security, and review common security issues to watch out for. You will learn how to deliver online services safely on both Facebook and YouTube.

Duration 45 minutes: Click Here

Building and Rebuilding Relationships After COVID-19 in an EarlyON Setting

This webinar explores different ways that program facilitators can support families during and after the COVID-19 pandemic including:

- Connecting with families virtually

- Fostering a sense of belonging as families are welcomed back to EarlyON programs

- Creating a welcoming environment while rebuilding relationships

- How to reflect on our own needs to ensure that we are prepared to support others

Duration 31 minutes: Click Here

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Child Development Resource Connection Peel (CDRCP) connects community and practitioners with the information, resources, training and services that promote quality family life

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A List for Virtual Team Building Activities

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A List for Virtual Team Building Activities

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18 high-impact virtual team building activities and games

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Our list of the best (and most fun!) virtual team building activities for remote and hybrid teams.

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Virtual Team Bonding For Remote and Hybrid Teams

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Virtual Team Bonding For Remote and Hybrid Teams

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As more teams go fully remote, or transition to a hybrid model that includes both in-office and remote workers, it's important to maintain that sense of connection and camaraderie for employees. Working apart from one another can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, so team bonding activities can be incredibly helpful for making people feel like they're not alone.

Finding ways to virtually connect with others is an activity in itself, so we've pulled together some ideas that will help you and your teams stay connected regardless of where everyone sits.

Please note that many of these activities assume the use of video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Slack, or Google Hangouts to facilitate the group participation. There are many platforms like these available for free if your teams are not already using some type of video conferencing system.

Lots of people love to share things about themselves. Bring back the spirit of grade-school with these activities and let employees share a part of their world with the rest of the team.

This Is My Workspace. Round up aerial views of your team's desks and workspaces. Bonus edition? Messy desks (because who doesn't love a good mess that you don't have to clean up?).

Introducing... Everyone's got an item that they've named. Whether it's your coworker's baby blanket or their latest succulent, prompt your team to introduce them!

It's true that not everyone is an artist. But not everyone has to be an artist (or in-office) to enjoy these activities. Get your team to use a different part of their brain with this list.

Paint n' Sip. These classes have become popular over the last few years, but you don't need a class to take part. Participants can round up whatever paint and pinot they have on hand, choose a subject together, and have at it together via Zoom.

Team bonding activities can be incredibly helpful for making people feel like they're not alone.

Sweatpants were all the rage for a while there, but employees might want a reason to dress up again. Having a reason to don their best outfits can help boost employee moods and productivity in addition to making your in-person meetings and video calls fashion-forward.

Full-on fashion show. Get your team to brush the dust off their fancy duds. Choose a theme or designer and watch your employees get all gussied up for a walk down an impromptu runway in the office or their own living rooms.

Dressed-up Pets. Remote employees with pets can attempt a fashion show featuring their furry friends. Those who normally come into the office can take day at home to join in live, or they can prep photos or a video beforehand. Good luck keeping those furry friends on the runway!

Holiday Dress-up Party. This won't be like your typical end-of-the-year shindig. Have employees dress up as iconic holiday figures and decorate their home or office workspace accordingly for a mighty festive Zoom room.

If there's anything that's guaranteed to bring people together, it's food. Take advantage of this fact and use food to drive remote-friendly events and activities that are sure to engage everyone on your team.

Pizza Party. If your employees have ingredients to make a pizza at home, try letting your whole team work remotely for a day and get everyone on Zoom to prepare (and enjoy) homemade pizza together. If your company has the budget, pay for delivery pizza for both in-office and remote employees so you can enjoy it on a video call together.

What's For Lunch? Prompt your employees to share their meals and inspire colleagues to shake things up in their diet. Start a daily thread or custom channel in Slack, or send out a daily email requesting ideas from your teammates.

As people begin to create and settle into new work routines, it can be fun to shake things up with some challenges that hold up over time zones. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a little friendly competition?

Photoshop. Choose a theme like movie posters and watch your team create their own hilarious versions. Award the best or worst one (which could be the same one, honestly).

GIF Wars. This activity might be happening already, but involve your employees in an open GIF war so they can bask in their glory when they fight back with the perfect one.

Employees need to feel connected to their teams, and it's the experiences they share that help them achieve that sense of connection.

Just because your team is distributed doesn't mean you can't enjoy a night out. Show your team a good time by taking advantage of all the institutions offering up virtual experiences that anyone can enjoy.

With online gaming being what it is today, there are lots of options out there for virtual gaming. However, employees might be craving a bit more real-life interaction than online gaming provides. Try these new takes on old-school games.

Whiteboard Pictionary. LIke the classic game, players must guess the keyword their teammate is drawing. Technology like Miro's whiteboard or Zoom's whiteboard feature can help make this possible.

Online Jeopardy. We can thank the internet for creating all of the components one might need to host an online game of Jeopardy. Along with Zoom or some other screen-sharing platform, you'll need the archived Jeopardy games, a buzzer, and a scoresheet. Choose a host and your whole team is ready to play!

Museum Bingo. This activity works really well with the virtual museum tours being made available right now (like The Louvre). Prepare this for your team by creating bingo cards that include features present in one of the tours. Not only will your employees get to enjoy some culture, but they'll also be prompted to look more closely at everything.

Regardless if they're in-office or remote, it's important that your employees take care of themselves. But if your team members are interested in helping others together, they've got a number of options for volunteering.

Making a few simple operational changes can help your distributed team better connect, collaborate, and contribute.

Even standard processes have the potential to be more engaging for in-office and remote employees alike. Making a few simple operational changes can help your distributed team better connect, collaborate, and contribute.

Turn the video on for meetings. Seeing the faces of others can help your remote team members feel more connected, limiting feelings of isolation. Enjoy the benefits of face-to-face interaction on a large scale by having regular company-wide check-ins over video. Seeing everyone in the company can have a big impact on your teams when they're distributed.

Send out a weekly newsletter. When employees aren't all physically together, having a recap of company news and internal updates can help them feel connected and part of the larger team.

For even more ideas, look into virtual event vendors like Breakout, or check out this great list from Museum Hack, one of our customers.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways your team can bond even when they're physically apart. Employees need to feel connected to their teams, and it's the experiences they share that help them achieve that sense of connection. Try some of these ideas to help your team better bond as they work toward their shared goals together.

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Virtual Team Bonding For Remote and Hybrid Teams | Justworks

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As more teams go fully remote, or transition to a hybrid model that includes both in-office and remote workers, it's important to maintain that sense of connection and camaraderie for employees. Working apart from one another can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, so team bonding activities can be incredibly helpful for making people feel like they're not alone.

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How to Plan a Successful Team Building Event in 9 Easy Steps

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How to Plan a Successful Team Building Event in 9 Easy Steps

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Planning a team building event can seem overwhelming, especially if you've never done it before. Here are nine steps you can take to simplify your planning process and organize a memorable and fun event.

Whether this is your first or tenth time organizing a team building event for your group, it can seem like there's never enough time to plan everything out the way you want.

Let's face it, trying to plan an exciting activity by yourself that will run smoothly and everyone will like - on top of your everyday responsibilities - can feel impossible.

If you're feeling totally overwhelmed by all of the details you've been asked to coordinate, you can always contact our team of experts for a free consultation. Our Employee Engagement Consultants have worked with hundreds of groups, and can help you find the best solution for your budget, location, and team dynamic.

Keen to tackle it on your own? We respect that! Read on to find out nine easy steps you can take to make the planning process seem a lot more manageable.

The 9 Things You Can Do to Make Planning Your In-Person Event Easier Than Ever

When planning your next team building activity, follow these nine easy steps to ensure your event is a success.

1. Determine Your Timeline

The golden rule when it comes to planning a team building event? The more time you give yourself to prepare, the easier it will be to plan.

Our team of event planning experts typically recommend at least four to six weeks to plan an activity for less than 100 people. If your event is larger than that, try to have a minimum of four to six months.

Once you've determined your rough timeline, our team suggests creating a task list in Excel to plan your scheduling in more detail. A list like this can help you track when things need to be completed by. For a more visual timeline, you can also try converting your Excel task list into a Gantt Chart.

You can download The Ultimate Guide to Team Building for a free sample Excel task list and Gantt Chart template.

2. Set Up Your Planning Team

As you may already know - or may be finding out - it can be difficult for one person to plan an entire team building event. There are so many moving parts that it would be almost impossible for one individual to take full responsibility for the entire thing.

By setting up a team to help you plan, you can delegate tasks, and easily get the opinions of your colleagues to help you make decisions for your event. Make the most of group brainstorming sessions by using tools like mind maps and flip charts!

Putting together a team also gives you the option of appointing someone else to take the lead if your workload is too heavy, or you'll be out of office during the planning process.

Not sure how to set up your planning dream team? You can start collaborating with your coworkers by asking for help with a simple and friendly email like the below.
Help Wanted! Team Building Event Planning As you may know, I've recently taken on the task of organizing our department's next team building event, and I need your help! Please let me know by Friday if you are available to help me take care of a few planning details, such as:

Selecting the group activity

Booking a venue or location

Creating an agenda for the day

3. Define Your Goal

Having a clearly defined objective or purpose for your team building activity can help ensure it's both fun and effective. But unless your boss has told you specifically what the goal of your team building event is, you may not know where to begin.

The five "W" questions are a great jumping-off point to help you define your goal: Who? What? Where? Why? When?

When answering each question, try to be as specific as possible and answer with as much detail as you can.

For example, here are sample answers to the five "W" questions:

Put that all together, and here's a clearly defined objective for a team building event:
We want to reward our sales team of 45 people for an awesome quarter with a fun activity this August in New York City.
4. Put Together Your Guest List

Sometimes, determining your guest list will be as easy as counting the number of employees in a certain department, as in our above example about a "sales team of 45 people." On other occasions, deciding who will be attending the team building activity may require a bit more effort.

If you're unsure of who will be at the event, here are three important questions to ask yourself when creating your guest list:

Is this a mandatory event? Or can anyone sign up to attend?

What is the maximum number of people the budget and venue can account for?

Will any employees with disabilities be attending? Or will individuals who work remotely be invited?

Based on your answers to these questions, you should be able to put together a rough idea of who will be attending.

5. Create a Detailed Budget

The best way to put together a realistic budget is to talk to your boss. Ask how much money is available for the event, and what the expectations are for the budget.

If your boss doesn't have a concrete number for you, ask about previous team building activities to get a sense of what the budget has been in the past. From there, you can align your costs with prior events.

Try to keep your budget realistic, but leave a little wiggle room for unexpected expenses. Our team recommends budgeting for the following items:

Transportation and parking

Venue booking and permits

Activity providers

Food and beverage

Insurance

Fees - charges for credit cards and eVisas

You can plan out the costs for your activity and keep track of your expenses along the way with a budget table, created in Excel. Find your very own budget table template in The Ultimate Guide to Team Building.

Picking a date and time may seem easy at first, but you want to ensure that you take busy calendars into consideration before finalizing these details.

For example, if you have key stakeholders who need to be at the event, you'll want to make sure that those individuals are free before you commit to a day and time. Depending on the activity you choose, you may be able to run your team building event over a few hours or a few days to accommodate more people's schedules.

It's also important to take seasonality and weather into account. Say your whole team is really set on doing an outdoor activity, it'll be important for you to pick a time of year that traditionally has good weather.

7. Choose a Venue or Location

The right venue or location can make or break your team building activity.

For example, you'll want to avoid venues that won't be able to accommodate your group or activity. You'll also want to find a venue or location that isn't too far away to cut down on travel time and costs.

The following questions can help you find the best venue or location for your event:

Will you be hosting an indoor or outdoor team building activity?

How many participants can fit in the venue?

Are there extra amenities, such as Internet access, audio, or visual equipment?

Do you need a special permit or permission for outdoor areas?

Is parking available, either for employees' cars or a company-hired bus service?

Is weather a factor that you need to consider?

If you take the above questions into account, you're sure to find a venue or location that's ideal for your group's event.

8. Devise a Logistics Checklist

After the larger elements have been decided, you can focus on the smaller day-of logistics surrounding your event. By putting together a detailed checklist, and you can help prevent important things from falling through the cracks on the day.

Here are a few items to consider including on your logistics checklist:

Transportation - Will the company take care of transportation or will participants be responsible for getting themselves to the activity?

Food & Drinks - Will the company provide food or drinks?

Liability Waivers - Will participants need to sign a waiver to attend?

Accommodation - Will participants be staying at an off-site location overnight?

What to Bring - What do participants need to know in advance? For example, should they bring clothing for wet weather?

Special Circumstances - What arrangements are needed for employees with disabilities or injuries?

9. Develop an Event Day Agenda

Your team will most likely want to know what they're doing for your team building activity. An agenda can help you schedule out the day and easily communicate to your colleagues what will be happening during the event.

Your agenda should highlight everything employees will be doing, from arrival and departure times, to the duration of the activity, to meeting points.

Our team recommends distributing the agenda to participants in the weeks leading up to the event, with notice that it may be subject to change. Not only will this help prepare attendees' expectations for the day, it will also serve to get people excited about what they'll be doing.

For a sample agenda template, you can download The Ultimate Guide to Team Building.

The 6 Steps for Planning a Virtual Team Building Activity

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there's been a massive uptick in virtual events as teams move towards working remotely while trying to remain engaged.

But despite the spike in their popularity, planning a virtual team building activity can still seem like a daunting task to those who haven't done it before.

Luckily, it doesn't have to be difficult. Simply follow these six steps for successfully planning a virtual team building activity.

1. Determine Your Timeline for Planning a Virtual Team Building Event

The first step is consider your timelines. For planning a virtual team building event, you can work on a shorter timeline than in-person events, but we'd recommend giving yourself at least two weeks to work with.

2. Create a Budget

Event budgets can often be a challenge given all the logistics you need to cover. Luckily, planning a virtual team building team event means you don't have to worry about how many people will be attending, so you'll just have to decide how much you have to invest.

3. Decide What You Want to Get Out of Your Activity

The next step is to decide your goals and what you'd like to achieve from your activity. This could be a number of things, such as to:

Have fun

Strengthen communications

Build relationships

Experience connection

Boost morale

Equipped with an understand of your desired outcomes, you'll be able to more effectively select the right virtual team building activity to plan for your group.

4. Connect with Your Team to Figure Out What Type of Remote Activity They'd Like

Wondering what type of virtual team building activity will be a hit with your team? Don't guess. Go right to the source! Survey your colleagues to get an understanding of what they'd enjoy.

5. Pick the Perfect Virtual Team Building Event for Your Group

Once you know what type of activity your team will love, it's time to pick something that aligns with their preferences and your goals.

This can be something simple, such as:

Digital Card Games: If you and your team are fans of good old-fashioned card games, check out the website PlayingCards.io which offers virtual versions of classics like Crazy Eights and Go Fish. For an added element of fun, you can connect via a video conferencing platform to chat face-to-face.

Icebreaker Games: Help your team get to know each other even better by working through a list of fun icebreaker questions.

Or something more in-depth, like:

Virtual Clue Murder Mystery: In one of our most popular app-based team building activities, groups connect virtually using the video communications platform, like Zoom, and the proprietary Outback app. From there, coworkers break out into teams to solve who had the means, motive, and opportunity to commit a deadly crime.

Virtual Code Break: In Team Pursuit, your team will need to get their energy levels up in order to tackle a series of mental, physical, skill, and mystery challenges, earning points for each successfully completed challenge.

6. Coordinate Logistics and Get Your Team Organized

Planning a virtual team building activity demands significantly fewer logistics than an in-person event, but it does still require some logistical set-up, including:

Picking the Right Video Conferencing Tool: Most virtual team building activities take place on a video conferencing platform, such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Microsoft Teams.

Ensuring Your Colleagues Have the Right Hardware: It's wise to ensure everyone knows what they'll need to participate in the virtual team building activity. This could include everything from a good WiFi connection to a laptop, computer, or tablet, and a cell phone, if necessary. But it also extends to making sure they're all set up with the selected video conferencing software well in advance so that they can ask questions beforehand, if need be. The last thing you want is people struggling to connect on event day.

Providing Your Team with Access to the Conference: Once you've picked your video conferencing platform, you'll need to schedule your meeting and give your team members access. This generally comes in the form of a link that your colleagues can click to enter into the meeting. We'd recommend putting it all into a meeting request for the day and time of the activity so that everyone has access well in advance. One thing to note: for some platforms, you'll probably need to keep an eye on attendees waiting to join the meeting and grant them entry.

Alternatively, you can simply enlist the support of a partner like Outback Team Building and Training who will handle all the logistics for you. That way, all you and your team need to do is log-in on event day.

If you'd like a more in-depth explanation of the six steps for perfectly planning a virtual team building activity, check out our comprehensive blog post on the topic: 6 Simple Steps for Planning a Virtual Team Building Activity.

Still Not Sure Where to Begin?

Check out The Ultimate Guide to Team Building for step-by-step instructions, examples, and templates that can help you simplify your planning process. For additional support and expert advice, get in touch with our team of Employee Engagement Consultants for your free consultation.

"So, it was a HIT - the team LOVED the activity!!! I would absolutely do it again...the process and planning was seamless, and all I had to do was approve the expense - thank you!"

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How to Plan a Successful Team Building Event in 9 Easy Steps

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Planning a team building event can seem overwhelming, especially if you've never done it before. Here are nine steps you can take to simplify your planning process and organize a memorable and fun event. Whether this is your first or tenth time organizing a team building event for your group, it can seem like there's never enough time to plan everything out the way you want.

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*Includes activities for small and large groups

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70 Insanely Fun Team Building Activities For Work In 2021

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Believe it or not, fun team building activities for work are critically important to the success of your business. In fact, the personal bonds formed between team members actually give your company a competitive edge. How does this work? It's all about engagement.

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12 Reasons Team Building Is Important For Your Company

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12 Reasons Team Building Is Important For Your Company

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Team building is the process of creating a team that cohesively works together towards a common goal. The importance and main purpose of team building is to create a strong team through forming bonds and connections. Creating these bonds through team building is very beneficial to businesses and organizations. The benefits of team building include increased communication, planning skills, employee motivation, and employee collaboration.

Fun activities that help people see each other in a different light allow them to connect in a different setting. People on your team are asked to think about the implications of these activities at their workplace.

One of the most powerful reasons for team building is to get results. Through a series of planned team building events that are fun and motivational, teams build skills like communication, planning, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. These team building activity ideas help to facilitate long-term team building through fostering genuine connections, deeper discussions, and processing.

A close-knit team will ensure productivity and a good work environment. Here are 12 reasons to start team building: motivate your team members and bring them closer together, even in the virtual workplace!

1. Networking, socializing, and getting to know each other better

2. Teamwork and boosting team performance

3. Competition and bragging rights

4. Celebration, team spirit, fun, and motivation

5. Collaboration and the fostering of innovation and creativity

6. Communication and working better together

7. Enhance company culture

8. Create something to look forward to

9. Show employees appreciation

10. Build bridges across departments

11. Unlock leadership potential

12. Improve employee engagement and morale

Learn more about the 12 reasons to start planning team building activities at your company below.

The TOP 12 REASONS FOR TEAM BUILDING

Socializing and making friends in the workplace is one of the best ways to increase productivity in the virtual, hybrid, or in-person workplace. Not only does it increase morale in the office: it will help your team adapt to a virtual work environment more efficiently, solving issues that come up with the "new normal." Holding a team building activity can be short and sweet, or it can be a more complex event that everyone has more time to plan for! Either way, TeamBonding has all the resources you'll need to make it fun. Try one of our virtual team building events to bring your team members closer together and show your appreciation.

2. Teamwork and boosting team performance.

Team building activities also work to improve workplace projects that involve teamwork because it helps the teams understand each other better. After completing team building activities together, employees better understand each other's strengths, weaknesses, and interests. This understanding helps them work even better together on future progress vital to a company.

When everyone is contributing their best, it sets the tone for a positive work culture. Each team is different and every individual has something unique to contribute. Once you can identify and encourage everyone to reach their individual potential, your team will be able to reach its collective potential as well.

3. Competition and bragging rights.

Competition has been shown to increase productivity. By channeling that increased productivity into a fun, inclusive team building activity, teams can bond in a more effective way than by other methods. Learning to work well together can take some time, but you'd be surprised at how fast teams can come together when there is an incentive to win on the table.

4. Celebration, team spirit, fun, and motivation.

After any sports team wins a major championship, they celebrate and have fun, which motivates them to want to win even more. This extreme example shows that the celebration, cheering, and fun that comes with every TeamBonding event can motivate employees to bring their job to the next level!

5. Collaboration and the fostering of innovation and creativity.

People tend to have a larger imagination when they are around people they are comfortable with. Successful team building events not only bring people closer together, but they also contribute to a more successful and creative workplace. Everyday workplace collaboration is key to a successful business. For example, a coach always has assistants to help out when needed.

6. Communication and working better together.

To no surprise, communication and working better together is the top reason why people choose team building. Everybody wants a friendly work environment, where people are comfortable and happy to talk to and work with anyone.

One of the best outcomes for team building is that the activities actually work to improve communication.

Many hold these activities with the specific goal of working on communication and trust. While this is a general goal for every office, you may find certain areas of communication that could be focused on. You can also learn more about the crucial factors of team building success.

7. Enhance company culture

Company culture can be explained as the values, norms, goals, and attitudes that exist within your organization. Simply put, it defines the environment you work in and makes up the personality of the company. According to Indeed, job seekers highly value a company's culture, and 46% of those who considered a job, but did not apply to it, said they ultimately chose not to because they didn't feel it would be a good culture fit.

Regularly scheduled team building events can improve your company culture and provide a space to understand your employees' wants and needs. Sometimes the culture of management doesn't match up with that of the employees, so finding a middle ground is an important step in creating a more positive environment. Team building activities help to cut out workplace toxicity and get everyone on the same page while working together. The benefits will be sure to follow you back to the office.

8. Create something to look forward to

Whether it is once a week or every few months, scheduling team building activities will give your employees something to look forward to other than those project deadlines. No one wants to look at their calendar to see what seems like a never-ending list of tasks. Have your employees get excited about non-work-related events during the workweek, not just on the weekend.

It is also important to recognize that these events give employees a shared goal that doesn't have to do with their work. This much-needed break is good for employee mental health and ties back into the idea of creating a more positive work environment for the people who make your company successful.

9. Show employees appreciation

Along the same lines, team building events let employees feel appreciated for their hard work. Many times, great work can accidentally be swept under the rug due to a sea of other things going on. Prioritizing these events shows employees you care about them and appreciate their efforts by rewarding them with a fun activity the team can enjoy together.

10. Build bridges across departments

The connections between employees within one department aren't the only ones that matter when it comes to building a stronger team. "Team" doesn't have to be confined to the sales team or the marketing team. It is a unified collection of all the working teams that make up your organization. Ask yourself - how well do you know employees in departments other than your own? If the answer is not well or not at all, then team building will surely bring departments closer together to encourage cross-functional collaboration that will benefit your organization as a whole.

Urge employees to familiarize themselves with people in other departments, instead of working in a silo with members of their immediate team. You will likely find that this practice will help everyone to feel more comfortable in the workplace and open doors to new relationships. Bridging those divides allows for positive relationships to form, which leads to a more productive company.

11. Unlock leadership potential

In a more relaxed and creative environment, you may find employees have hidden skills that haven't been discovered in the office. Leaders can arise in the simplest of activities and may surprise you. Regularly scheduled team building events can feed employees' confidence in the workplace. You may discover that the quiet new employee is incredible at inspiring their peers and with the right mentor, development opportunities, and encouragement could be your company's next rising leader.

Consider creating a mentor program or leadership development program to help employees achieve their highest potential. After each team building event, reach out to team leaders and request nominations for these programs based on colleagues that have stood out during these experiences.

12. Improved employee engagement and morale

Committing to regularly scheduled team building events can build comradery, make employees more excited to come to work, more enthusiastic about their work, and more comfortable approaching each other. It also may help employees to feel more encouraged to step away from their desks and have some fun, which in turn will help them return to their work feeling refreshed and re-energized.

Team building activities give employees something common to talk about other than work. They can break down communication barriers and help teams work more efficiently. Most importantly, employees are able to take the skills that they learn from these events and apply them to their everyday tasks, such as creativity, thinking strategically, adapting quickly, and working collaboratively with their peers.

Testimonials all over the TeamBonding website will attest to the importance of team building.

A successful team building activity will surely mean a more comfortable, successful workplace environment for any company, large or small. Are you ready to improve your team's communications, skills, collaboration, and performance, among other abilities?

We've got you covered! We offer a few different program and activity categories designed to fit the structure of your company.

If you're still adapting to the new normal and looking to keep your virtual team engaged, view our Virtual & Remote Online Team Building Activities.

If you have a hybrid company culture and are looking to reconcile your remote teams with your in-person teams, view our Hybrid Team Building Activities.

If you're starting to return to your office space and resuming in-person activities, view our In-Person Team Building Activities.

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12 Reasons Team Building Is Important For Your Company | TeamBonding

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Learn why team building is so successful! Discover 12 reasons team building is so important for virtual, hybrid or in person organizations.

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*Team building helps improve soft skills

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5 Types of Team Building Activities to Boost Your Company Culture (In-Person)

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5 Types of Team Building Activities to Boost Your Company Culture (In-Person)

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What are team-building activities?

Team-building activities are games, meetings or events designed to motivate members of a group to get to know and respect one another. Often, businesses use team-building activities as a way to build trust and communication among people who regularly work together professionally.
Related: Team Building Tips and Activities to Boost Employee Morale and Engagement
Why are team-building activities important?

Even though they look like games, team-building activities are thoughtfully designed to encourage people to work as a team in the workplace. These activities have a number of benefits:
Related: Icebreakers to Improve Communicating in Your Team

Communication: Most team-building activities require thoughtful communication to win the game or solve the problem. Your employees will transfer the communication skills they develop during the team-building activity to their professional relationships.

Motivation: Participation in team-building activities allows your employees an opportunity to try something new and refresh their motivation for work.

Creativity: Some team-building activities require creative thinking to solve problems. The more frequently your employees engage in creative thinking, the more easily they can apply creative solutions to company challenges.

Problem-solving: When your employees have low-pressure opportunities to solve problems as a team, they'll perform better when faced with problem-solving in a real-world scenario.

Trust: Usually, team-building activities involve everyone in the company. Everyone from upper management to entry-level has an opportunity to work together, fostering trust for one another and the organization.

Different types of team building

Team-building activities can take a variety of forms depending on your goals. Some events are designed to foster relationship building while other activities are made to develop a specific skill in a fun way. Consider the five main types of team-building - meeting kickoff, communication, problem-solving, creative thinking and employee bonding.

1. Meeting kickoff

Motivate your employees to enjoy meetings and share ideas by starting professional gatherings off with a quick game or icebreaker.

Human knot: In this team-building activity, the group stands in a circle and grabs the hands of those across from them. Once everyone is connected, the goal is to untangle the knotted bodies into a circle.

Group juggle: This activity begins with one employee holding a ball. They say their name and throw it to someone else in the group who does the same. You can introduce multiple balls that each require employees to share different information.

Group timeline: Place your large group into small groups. Ask them to arrange themselves as quickly as possible in different orders, for example, by age, how many states they've visited, how long they've worked for the company and other facts.

Pair up: Establish lists of famous pairs, like salt and pepper or cat and dog. Write one half of the pair on a piece of paper. Have each employee attach a paper to their backs. Ask the employees to walk around and try to match pairs up without looking at their own paper.

Two truths and a lie: Have each member of your group share two facts and one falsehood about themselves. Have the group guess the falsehood.

Dinner party: Ask each of your employees to share one person, dead or alive, they'd most like to have dinner with and why.

Show and tell: Before a meeting, have every attendee bring something in from home to share, just like in elementary school show and tell.

Achievement sharing: Have each member of the group share their proudest personal achievement with the group.

No smiling: Before starting the meeting, tell the attendees that they are not allowed to laugh or smile. See how long it takes before someone breaks the rule.

2. Communication

Excellent and thoughtful communication is vital for employees who work together. These activities help develop communication skills in a low-risk environment.

Scavenger hunt: Break your large group up into small teams. Provide them with a list of objects to find. The first team who can find them all wins.

Blind retriever: Divide your large group into small groups. One member of each small group is blindfolded. The others in the group work together to guide the blindfolded team member to an object.

Active listener: During a regular meeting, add random, unrelated words or phrases into your presentation. See who notices the most at the end of the meeting.

Perfect square: Secure small groups wearing blindfolds with a large rope. Ask them to create a perfect square without removing their blindfolds. The first team to do it wins.

Office trivia: Play trivia using information about the company and employees as the questions.

Building blocks: Provide pairs with a pack of cards, each with a different question written on it. Have the employees take turns asking and answering questions.

Circle of appreciation: Place your group in a large circle. Have every person share one thing they appreciate about the person to their left.

3. Problem-solving

Every company faces problems it needs to solve. Use team-building activities like these to help your employees quickly and accurately find solutions to challenges.

Egg drop: Working in teams, ask your employees to create a device that will protect an egg when dropped from a second- or third-story window.

Barter puzzle: Provide small groups with jigsaw puzzles, but remove a couple of pieces and give them to other teams. Ask your employees to find ways to barter and trade to get the puzzle pieces they need and to finish their puzzles.

Board games: Give small employee groups a board game to play. They'll have to use problem-solving skills and communication to finish the game.

Business simulations: Break your large group up into teams. Give each team the same scenario - a business problem, resources and deadline. Compare solutions after the deadline passes.

Escape room: Create an escape room in your conference room or go to an actual escape room. See how your employees work together to solve the problems and escape.

Office debates: Ask two employees to debate an issue. Have the other employees provide questions and serve as judges.

Solution day: Hold a meeting in which you ask employees to share creative solutions to real-world problems your company faces.

Water balloon toss: Provide pairs of employees with a water balloon. Have them toss it back and forth, taking a step back between each toss. The pair that can make it the longest without breaking their balloon wins.

4. Creative thinking

Encouraging your employees to find creative solutions to business problems can improve how your company operates. These team-building activities encourage creative thinking.

Office Jeopardy: Make an office version of the show " Jeopardy!" for your employees. Have some team members create questions, others serve as contestants and one play the host.

What's my name?: Give each employee a note card with a famous person's name on it. Have the employees walk around and ask one another questions to try and figure out who they are.

Design battle: Provide small groups of employees with a product or service and ask them to create a poster for that product.

Idea day: Ask your employees to come up with creative ideas for updating processes and procedures, new products or services or other useful business ideas.

Pictionary: Divide your employees into teams. Provide them with a random object, celebrity or event and ask them to draw it for their team. The team with the most correct guesses wins.

Feedback: Ask your team members to provide feedback on a specific scenario or potential company change.

5. Employee bonding
Related: Three Exercises for Team Building You Can Try This Week
Authentic professional relationships help employees feel happy at work and more likely to ask for help and support when they need it. Encourage relationship building with these team-building activities.

Community service: Gather your employees to perform community service together. Ask your employees for input when choosing a cause.

Potluck: Hold regular potluck lunches to bring your employees together for a meal.

Cultural celebrations: If you have a diverse group of employees, consider holding regular cultural celebrations to learn more about employee backgrounds.

Air Band battle: Put your employees in small groups. Provide each group with a song to act out on "air" instruments. Have the other teams vote on the best performance.

Team lunch: Take your team out to lunch every couple of months for a change of scenery.

Go-kart racing: For a fun out-of-the-office event, take your employees out for go-kart racing.

Karaoke: Another excellent out-of-the-office activity is karaoke. Rent out a karaoke bar so your employees can perform for one another.

Team-building exercises are a fantastic way to help your employees improve vital professional skills like communication, problem-solving and creative thinking. Consider facilitating team-building exercises at regular intervals to help your team develop these skills and deepen their commitment to their jobs.

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5 Types of Team Building Activities to Boost Your Company Culture

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Team-building activities are games, meetings or events designed to motivate members of a group to get to know and respect one another. Often, businesses use team-building activities as a way to build trust and communication among people who regularly work together professionally.

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A fun drawing game, maximum 8 players
*better for smaller groups

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Skribbl.io is a free online game where players can demonstrate their ability to draw and guess words. This game can be played with a group of people or with strangers from all over the world.

Skribbl.io is a fun challenge to show off your artistic and vocabulary abilities.

1. Select "Create private room" to create a private room or "Play" to join a shared room.

2. If you create a private room, you need to share the room code with the people you want to invite.

3. The player selects the language and waits until everyone is ready.

4. Each person in the room will take turns drawing. Drawers are given a specific word and must draw on the screen for other players to guess.

5. The other player will enter the guessed words in the box for a certain amount of time.

6. The person who guesses the earliest or most correct will receive points. Drawers also receive points for each correct guess.

7. The game continues until one player reaches a predetermined score, or when all the words have been guessed.

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Skribbl.io is a free online game where players can demonstrate their ability to draw and guess words. This game can be played with a group of people or with strangers from all over the world. Skribbl.io is a fun challenge to show off your artistic and vocabulary

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*There are currently 8 packs, each varying in price
*From personal experience with playing with family members to acquaintances, I highly recommend for virtual or in-person
*Although the games are viewable on their website, the games are purchased and/or played through third party applications and/or consoles (e.g. Steam, EPIC Games, etc)

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*A game about debating hot takes
*Does not mention the minimum players needed

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Top Four is the best party game you can play on your phone. Get to know friends by debating hot takes!

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*Available on Google Play and Apple Store
*There is a board game version!

On amazon for $61 before tax: https://www.amazon.ca/Monikers-WAV01-Wavelength/dp/B07T446163

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Hot or cold. Soft or hard. Wizard or...not a wizard?

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*I chose one "for work", but there are silly ones in the list

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291 ‘This or That’ questions for work | Surf Office

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A ‘this or that’ question is commonly used to engage your employees at the beginning of a team-building activity. We’ve put together the list of 290+ questions.

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*No downloads necessary, can pay privately with people, although there is an option to play with people online
*Need to make an account, no payment needed
*Play in bowser (phone, computer)

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Great games just for you!

The best games of yesterday and today, adapted for online play.

Ark Nova, Azul, Wingspan, CATAN, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Splendor, Agricola, The Castles of Burgundy, 7 Wonders Duel, Space Base, It's a Wonderful World, Challengers, Lost Ruins of Arnak, Hanabi, 6 nimmt!, Can't Stop, Sea Salt & Paper, 7 Wonders, King of Tokyo, Gizmos, Lucky Numbers, Forest Shuffle, Kingdomino, Terra Mystica, Yahtzee, Race for the Galaxy, Patchwork, Great Western Trail, 7 Wonders Architects

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Play board games online from your browser

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The world's #1 platform for playing board games online. Play hundreds of board games from your browser for free.

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How do you measure the success of a team building activity?

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How do you measure the success of a team building activity?

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Setting Teams Up For Success

When businesses approach us looking for fun and engaging team building activities, the first thing we look at is what they want to achieve through the event. While team building has an unrivalled ability to improve workplace performance, improve communication between team members, encourage creativity and boost morale, for it to be really effective your first need to know what you want it to achieve.

The problem is, most managers can't even imagine how they go about measuring the success and ROI for team building activities. And this can put them off even attempting it, leaving their teams static and struggling to achieve the sort of cohesion that equals success.

At KDM Events, we are experts in team building events - both physical and virtual. Over a number of years, we have applied our award-winning creativity to plan and deliver activities to workforces that work to improve areas of weakness and boost motivation in teams. In this article, we'll look at how you can measure the success of your team building activities and explore the kinds of objectives you might set when planning your corporate team building event.

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How Do You Measure The Success Of A Team Building Activity? | KDM

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When businesses approach us looking for fun and engaging team building activities, the first thing we look at is what they want to achieve through the event. While team building has an unrivalled ability to improve workplace performance, improve communication between team members, encourage creativity and boost morale, for it to be really effective your first need to know what you want it to achieve.

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Your group can have an amazing team building experience while staying on budget. Use smartphone technology to make your next activity more exciting, fun, and affordable.

Don't See What You're Looking For?

All of our events are fully customizable to ensure that we meet the unique needs and desires of your group. To get started, Get In Touch with one of our team members.

Request A Quote

The Best Budget Team Building Activities Available Anywhere, Anytime, for Any Group Size

Stay under budget for your next team building activity

You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a great time with your team. With budget activities, you can use your smartphones to run your own team building challenge, at a much lower price point. The Outback Team Building & Training app makes it easy for anyone to put on an exciting and unique event.

How does it work? Groups will tackle team building challenges by submitting photos, videos, and written answers, all of which will be displayed on a live leaderboard. As teams send in their answers, the leaderboard will allow each group to see where they stand in comparison to the competition.

Budget Activities Wherever - Whenever, Starting at $5 per Person

Many of the activities can take place indoors or outdoors, and the "express" versions start at just $5 per person. Your group can play for a few hours or over a couple of days. As many of the activities are customizable, there's no limit to the amount of people who can play. You and your team can choose from a range of smartphone-based activities, such as:

How Smartphones Make These Activities Easier and More Affordable

The smartphone technology helps make these activities more affordable, because of how easy the activities are to run. You can set up in three simple steps:

Step 1: Participants download a mobile app to their own smartphone (iPhone or Android) in order to access a list of challenges.

Step 2: Teams of four to six people compete by completing as many challenges as possible, snapping photos, taking videos, and submitting written answers.

Step 3: As answers are submitted, teams will automatically move up a real-time leaderboard, letting their competition see where they stand.

Get the Team Building Help You Need Today!

Our Employee Engagement Consultants are happy to discuss your specific needs and assist you in choosing the best activity for your upcoming event.

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Your group can have an amazing team building experience while staying on budget. Use smartphone technology to make your next activity more exciting, fun, and affordable. All of our events are fully customizable to ensure that we meet the unique needs and desires of your group.

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*This list includes activities for big and small groups, each activity lists the materials needed, and a timeframe is given

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Teams that bond together and collaborate for real, succeed together. Easier said than done. That's because, in reality, team building activities are hard to swallow. Some of your colleagues might not feel comfortable getting all too childish, while others might already think about how many things they could get done during this time.

Here's the good news: it doesn't have to be like this.

If you happen to hold these assumptions as well, remember that:

Team building activities are not a one-time silly event, but part of an ongoing process. Their aim? To build trust between team members and make sure everybody is heading in the same direction following a shared set of values.

Success doesn't depend on the number of hours spent at the office but on the quality of your work. In turn, this stems from your well-being. Dealing with a high workload can cause fatigue and burnout in the long run. Resting has its advantages as it helps you see problems from a different, more creative perspective.

Technology giants and start-ups, in particular, have already adopted this mindset, providing office perks and socializing events in the form of free lunches, ping-pong tables, hackathons, and regular parties.

They realized early on that productivity is linked with a stress-free work environment, one where everybody works happy and gives their best, while also taking time to blow some steam off. After all, adults are grown-up children that need to play in order to engage their creative side of the brain.

Still not convinced? Have a look below at the positive effects of team building initiatives for work.

Benefits of team building activities

Increased trust - This is the magical ingredient of every high-performing team. Fun team building-activities can be used for the workplace to build trust. People who trust their colleagues, both in character and capability, are more willing to step out of their comfort zone and pursue a common goal. They have each other's back, which means they don't need to worry about someone constantly checking their work. Instead, they rely on each of their co-workers' strengths and build something bigger together than they would have done it alone. In the end, nobody wants to work with semi-strangers whom they're afraid of. Gary Vee sums it up better when he says that "people work way much better when you deploy honey instead of vinegar".

Constructive criticism - Refers to the courage of speaking up your mind without fearing the consequences. This means that you can share information freely even when you're wrong and pick up someone's brains effortlessly. Sure, mistakes can and will happen, but it's better to rely on a supportive team that points you in the right direction instead of one who will keep the score.

A leaner and faster onboarding - We're talking about the process of helping new hires adapt to the company culture. The sooner you help them to better understand company roles, procedures, and meet their co-workers in person, the faster they will become ready to work and contribute in meaningful ways. Get this part right and you have higher chances of retaining valuable talent for longer periods of time.

If you still feel clumsy about team bonding activities, don't worry. We've compiled a simple team building group activities list for you to serve as a go-to resource whenever you feel like it's time to strengthen your team. It contains 21 games divided into five categories, depending on the goal you want to achieve:

Icebreaker games

Often times we work like cars: we need to be warmed up to properly function. If this is your goal, then use icebreakers to loosen up the atmosphere, set the stage for more complex activities, or introduce new hires to the team.

Campfire/Memory Wall

Instructions: Jot down between 5-10 work-related words on sticky notes like "First day at work", "Teamwork", "Side projects", or "Celebrations". Place the sticky notes on one side of the whiteboard so they're visible to the whole team. Next, gather your colleagues in a circle and ask a volunteer to peel off a word to share an experience about it. Once done, they can post it on the other side of the whiteboard to mark the beginning of a story thread. The others can think of similar stories and come up with their own words. They can stick them on the whiteboard to continue the story thread, or pick a word that already exists if nothing pops up in their minds. The goal is to create a set of interconnected stories that act as the campfire's archive.

Office Trivia

Instructions: Who knows most about your office? Find out through a simple team-building activity like trivia. Think of 20-25 questions about the small details of your workplace that can go easily unnoticed. "Which movie is featured on the conference room's poster?", "What color does the coffee machine have?", "How many people with the name 'Andrew' work in the company?", "How many people are using Windows PCs?", etc. This will test your team's observation skills and spark off serious laughing sessions. Remember not to ask questions that are too personal and would put a team member into an embarrassing situation, like "Who has the biggest mouth in the office?".

QuizBreaker

Similar to the Office Trivia from before, but online and less time-consuming. QuizBreaker is a weekly quiz delivered by email to get to know your team better. They answer fun icebreaker questions and then have to guess who said what answer. For example, was it Sarah or Rob who said their favorite series of all time is Game of Thrones? To set up your account, just invite each person on your team to your QuizBreaker account and have them answer at least 5 ice breakers. The quiz will then start going out automatically every Friday afternoon or at a time of your choosing.

Trading Cards

Instructions: Remember baseball or Pokemon trading cards? For this fun team building activity, you're the one who's being "traded". Give out large-scale index cards and markers to each team member. Ask them to create a personal trading card of themselves, with their name, self-portrait, nickname, and one fact about them that everyone is less likely to know about. Then have the cards go from one person to another in no particular order. Participants can hold onto a card if they find the card's fact interesting and want to know more about it from its owner. The exercise is great because it gives everyone a visual snapshot of each player while triggering conversations on the go.

Penny for Thoughts

Instructions: It might be difficult to start working on a project without properly knowing your colleagues. To loosen up the atmosphere in a short time, gather coins with listed years on them so that you have one for each member. Then drop them in a box or bucket. Remember to check every coin so that the dates are not older than the youngest team member. Finally, have each team member draw a coin and share a memorable moment from their lives that happened in the year when the coin was minted. This brings a sense of familiarity among them and smoothens out future conversations.

Strategic team building group activities

They might look like icebreakers at a first glance, but don't be fooled. Their aim is to foster a shared team identity by looking into how your employees perceive the company and what influences their opinions.

All the News

Instructions: Have you always wanted to get a quick peek into your employees' minds to see how they perceive the company? Now's your chance. To do this group team building activity, divide people into teams of 3 or 6, preferably by department. Give each team a newspaper and ask them to come up with headlines about what they think the company or the department will achieve in the upcoming future. There are no rules in particular. They can either take newspaper clippings and paste them or write the headlines directly on the whiteboard. When the time's up, teams pin up their work and discuss each idea to see if they're feasible or not. The exercise is great for spotting hidden opportunities or threats. It also instills a sense of loyalty as each team member feels they're appreciated and have a stake to play in the company's development.

Mad Lib Mission Statement

Instructions: It's hard to build a brand if the world doesn't know what you stand for. That's why you have the mission statement: to convince other people about what your product or service can (and can't) do and why you matter. Like in the previous activity, divide your team into groups of 3 to 6, then grab a copy of your mission statement for each team so they can replicate it. The team that comes up with the most authentic mission statement wins. It's also perhaps an opportunity to change your old one or make everyone aware of the values that your company embodies.

Company Concentration

Instructions: Much like the "Concentration" game from childhood, where you flipped over two cards at the same time to find the matching pairs, this activity demands agility and observation spirit. Create a deck of cards with photos or words about your company. These might be photos of your team, logos, products, or value statements. Face all the cards down, then split the group into teams. Each team has to take turns and lift only two cards at a time to see if they match. The one that finds all the pairs in the shortest time wins. The activity is ideal for new hires who need a fun, yet quick way to learn more about the company. But it isn't limited only to them. Old hires can brush up their knowledge and stay up to date with the latest organizational changes too.

Group Timeline

Instructions: On the pinboard, draw a blank timeline. Make sure to date it back to the year when your oldest employee was born or when the company was founded. Add years to it, then write down on paper slips the most important company dates (like when it was founded, merged, etc.). Pin them to the corresponding year. Next, ask your team members to think about 3 or 4 events that marked their lives (like graduating college, moving abroad, having a child, etc.) and pin them on the timeline when they occured. The activity brings into perspective the gap between generations. It's a great starting point for debates that concern the way you collaborate as a team.

Problem solving activities

Getting your team to work together in a productive manner is not a walk in the park. To help them get out of their comfort zones and strive for a common goal, decide for problem-solving activities. Some of them require little logistics and time. Others are more elaborate and involve prolonged states of focus.

Web of Wools

Instructions: Break the group into teams of equal numbers. Then have each team form a web of wools, the more intricate the better. Here comes the best part: switch the teams so everyone has a different web than their own. Each team should then blindfold a team member and have them untangle the web following only their verbal instructions. The first team to do it wins. Sounds easy, right? In reality, it's not. You have to give concise advice and be receptive enough to follow your colleagues and instincts - should you be the blindfolded one.

Murder Mystery on the Train

Instructions: This murder mystery team building activity combines an engaging challenge with a twist! When the session starts, the Event Manager will brief the group virtually, providing intel about the murder. You'll virtually travel back in time to the 1920s in order to solve this murder case that's on the move. Teams then use their smartphones to work their way through the evidence by tapping on the interactive map and objects. Whilst picking up clues, participants must also use video and augmented reality on their smartphones to collect intel and figure out who the killer is. The winning team will be those who find the killer and score the most points.

Bridge Build

Instructions: Before entering into meetings that require serious brain power, warm up with this game. Split the group into two teams. Then explain how they each have to build half of a bridge with the materials provided. At the end, the bridges should be similar in design and connect. The trick is they can't see each other, so they'll have to rely on verbal communication. Remember to set the room up first and place the sheets to divide them. Also, provide the same number of items to each team. In terms of timing, give them 10 minutes to come up with a design, and 30 minutes for building.

The Barter Puzzle

Instructions: Not sure how your co-workers reach an agreement when they're under pressure? Let them negotiate to find out. Divide them into teams of 4 or 5. Then, give each team a different jigsaw puzzle equal in complexity. Explain to them that the puzzles are scrambled, containing parts from the other ones. The goal is to be the first ones to complete their puzzle while engaging in negotiation activities like bartering, exchanging team members, assigning leader roles, etc. Remember that these actions need to be taken by the whole team, not individually. To make things more interesting, you can hand each team a few trading chips with no value assigned to them. Although time-consuming, this activity brings up the best negotiators in each person and gives you a sneak peek into how they strategize decisions.

Gutter Ball/Pipeline

Instructions: The goal of this exercise is to cross marbles of different sizes from one side of the room to the other, without touching the floor. How? Through short lengths of half pipes. Each team member gets one and has to balance it so that it passes down seamlessly. Here's the trick. The facilitator, you in this case, can add obstacles between the start and end points to make the activity more challenging. You can even come up with extra rules which require team members to take turns or both feet need to remain on the floor, for example. Break the group into teams, let them come up with a plan, then time how long it took for the marbles to pass down. The team that keeps the marble going for the longest time wins. A small word of advice: try to make the race hard, but not impossible, so that each team member is aware of what they can achieve together.

Teamwork activities

Communication, balance, and trust - these are the traits of healthy teamwork. The following games and fun team building projects for work will test you and make you realize that a team's value is greater than the sum of all its team members.

Robots

Instructions: This group team building activity is a great way to see how your team works together in an uncontrolled environment. The objective? To communicate in such a way as to retrieve a fake "bomb" before the other teams. Each team contains 3 to 5 members. There are three key roles to remember:

Robot (1) - stands blindfolded in front of the start line, facing the bomb and is the only one allowed to move.

Communicator (2) - stands behind the line and doesn't face the activity area, nor the robot.

Observer (3) - stands in front of the communicator facing the activity area, but is not allowed to talk.

The team game begins with the observer who can use any other communication channel to signal the direction to the communicator. The communicator in return has to interpret those signals and give instructions to the robot to retrieve the bomb. As a facilitator, your goal is to observe how each one is communicating both in a verbal and nonverbal way. Pay special attention to the robots when it comes to active listening. This is one of the team activities that are great for people who want to better understand the Scrum mechanics. Robots might represent the Scrum team who carries out the sprints. The communicator is the Scrum Master who acts as a servant-leader for the Scrum team. Meanwhile, the observer resembles the Product Owner who prioritizes product specifications and coordinates the Scrum team.

Magic Cane or Helium Stick

Instructions: A simple, yet frustrating activity, Magic Cane or Helium Stick requires teams to lower a lightweight stick to the ground using only their index fingers. To start with, the group forms two lines and face each other. They then hold their arms out with their index fingers in front with the cane placed on top of them. Advise the group to balance their finger heights until the cane stands horizontally, then lower it down. They'll probably raise and drop it first, but they'll get the knack out of it. Don't forget that all feet have to remain on the ground. Pinching or grabbing the stick is not allowed. The activity encourages co-workers to recognize that each one of them is needed for the team to succeed.

Blind Formation/The Perfect Square

Instructions: Bring your team in a circle and have them sit down. Next, blindfold them and hand each one a long rope tied at each end. Their task is to form a perfect square together. Once they're done, they can take off their blindfolds and see what they've accomplished. If the results are sloppy and there's enough time, give them a second chance to do it better. You can also increase the difficulty by muting a random participant or changing the shape (a star or a square for example). The challenge demands increased level of collaboration and trust since the person who is muted has to rely on something else other than sight and verbal communication to perform their job.

M&M Arm Wrestle

Instructions: Ask the participants to pair up and assume an arm wrestling position. They can either stand on the floor or at a table. Whenever they pin down their partner's arm, they win a point. The goal is to earn as many points as possible before the time goes out - usually 10 seconds. What you'll notice is that people will focus more on competition and wrestle arms with each other (Win-Lose situation), rather than work together and win points for both sides (Win-Win situation). Give them a couple of extra rounds so they can figure it out for themselves. The bottom line is that winning at all costs, even at your co-worker's stake, is counterproductive. But wait, where do M&Ms come into play? For each point earned, the participants will get an M&M candy. A great incentive for both kids and adults alike. And you can use them during all activities for team building.

You can also play this team activity using Skittles instead of M&Ms, just like our clients at Flourish Marketing did.

Creative teamwork activities

Quite often, the creator in each one of us lies dormant and undisturbed. To wake this spirit up, try the following team builder activities that rely on improvisation and dealing with things as they come.

Sales pitch

Instructions: This team building game is all about improvisation. Each colleague should grab a random object from their desk and bring it to the conference room. This is their product now and they need to improvise a sales pitch around it. Let them come up with a name, logo, and motto for it to make the drill more realistic. Have them deliver a two minutes presentation to convince the others to buy it. Instruct the participants who want to buy any product to raise their hands and keep score of them. At the end, discuss which were the top sold products and why. This simple team activity is great for reframing the status-quo and seeing things from a different perspective.

Grab Bag Skits

Instructions: To loosen up the tension in a fun and energizing way, play grab bag skits. Teams of 3 to 6 get a paper bag which is filled with random objects - from the office or pre-purchased ones. Their task? To create a 4-5 minutes skit using those objects. The gist is that nobody knows what's in the bags. This encourages the use of common objects as replacements for different terms (a pair of glasses can act as a bicycle, for example). Remember that each team member needs to be the speaker at least once. At first, this will frighten the introverts, but at the same time will give them the opportunity to get more casual and bond with their colleagues.

Shark Tank

Instructions: Ever wanted to invest side-by-side with Mark Cuban or present your idea in front of a jury? Now's your chance. This team building activity a spin-off of the popular TV show Shark Tank.

Divide the group into teams of 2 to 6 and have them come up with a business idea that needs to be pitched in only 10 minutes. It can be anything from a brick-and-mortar shop to an e-commerce website - even an additional feature or service that can be part of your product. To keep the atmosphere professional, ask them to draft a business plan that includes data about their target market, pricing strategy, financial forecasts, and unique selling proposition. Next, choose 4 sharks to form the jury and give them fake money to invest in the ideas. Encourage them to really put themselves into the investors' shoes by asking detailed questions about the business models. The team who gets the most funding wins. The office will bubble up with an entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking, traits which are necessary to succeed in a competitive market.

Company Emblem

Instructions: Split a group into smaller teams, preferably by department to focus on the group's shared identity. Distribute paper, pens, markers, and crayons to each one and tell them they need to draw a company emblem or company shield. This can reflect the company's values, past and present achievements, as well as its future direction. At the end, you'll notice the different visions of each department. Debrief the session by allowing all teams to comment and ask questions about the meaning of each emblem. This will build trust among team-members and remind them once again that they're in this together.

Into other team building games for the office?

These are only a few fun team building activities that you might want to try out. You could also go for the "classical" ones too: board games, table football, ping-pong, or even arcade consoles, like our clients at Thankium do:

Want to get out of the office altogether? Try out some outdoor team building activities like building a real campfire, going rafting, or doing a scavenger hunt activity - depending on how adventurous your team feels. You could even pair these with a social cause, the same way our clients at MECLABS participated in a beach cleanup with their families.

Or, you could try Guinness World Records, like the US-based retailer Aaron's Inc. did when they formed the largest human mattress dominoes with 1200 participants at its national manager meeting as a physical team building activity.

The bottom line is to socialize and get to know your co-workers outside of work, in a fun, entertaining environment. As the saying goes, you can learn more about a person in one hour of play than in a year of conversation.

Virtual team building activities

But what if you're working from home, can you still build your company culture from miles away? Of course you can, although not as easy as before. Non-verbal cues are basically inexistent and technical difficulties might happen too often. But it's even more imperative under these conditions to proactively engage your team as an antidote to the inherent loneliness of remote work - which unaddressed, can cause a drop in motivation and overall productivity.

Here's a bunch of virtual team building activities to help you out. BONUS! You can also download a bingo card to make things more fun at your next video call.

It's your turn now

Too many teamwork activities to digest, right? There's nothing to worry about. How you use them depends largely on your purpose, team size, and available time. The majority can be played indoors, in your office, so logistics are kept at a minimum.

Again, the whole point behind these activities is to make sure that the whole team heads united in the same direction and works happily at the same time. No overtime or excruciating projects to rob off your life.

That's exactly what our mission at Paymo is: to help you work in a more harmonious way from the moment you sign a contract, all the way to planning, collaboration, and that final invoice. This way you have time to focus on what matters the most to you, both at work and after in your personal life.

Start your free Paymo trial to try our own way of working

Additional Team Building Activities Resources

Venture Team Building - A collection of 60+ activities for team building from top trainers, with tips on how to set-up the atmosphere and suggested learning outcomes

Gamestorming (the book) - A Playbook for Innovators, Rulebreakers, and Changemakers

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21 Team Building Activities and Games That Your Team Won't Sigh At

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Teams that bond together and collaborate for real, succeed together. Easier said than done. That's because, in reality, team building activities are hard to swallow. Some of your colleagues might not feel comfortable getting all too childish, while others might already think about how many things they could get done during this time.

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Ultimate Guide to Team Building Activities That Don't Suck (In-Person)

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Ultimate Guide to Team Building Activities That Don't Suck (In-Person)

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A team that works well together is more effective, more productive, and more successful - not to mention happier and more fun to work with! But team building at work can be tricky, especially when typical team-building activities tend to induce more eye rolls among teammates than high-fives.

Whether you were hired to put together some team-building initiatives or you think your team just needs to get together and do something fun, workplace team-building activities are the way to go. There are even lots of options available for online team-building activities when your team is distributed. Adults can have fun, too!

Don't be seen as the Michael Scott of your office, trying to organize team bonding ideas that involve egg and spoon races and hotdog eating contests. Corporate wouldn't stand for that. This list is going to become your go-to for office team-building and can even be modified as games to play with remote employees. Everything from small team-building activities to problem-solving exercises, we've scoured the internet to create the ultimate list of fun team-building activities for the workplace to laugh, learn, and connect with your team.

Team building activities and games

1. Zombie Escape

For: Creative Problem Solving & Collaboration Exercise

What you'll need: 1 rope, 1 key, and 5-10 puzzles or clues, depending on how much time you want to spend on the game

Instructions: Gather the team into a conference room or other empty space and "lock" the door. Beforehand, select one team member to play the zombie - dead eyes, arms outstretched, muttering "braaaaiiiinnnnssss" and all. The volunteer zombie will be tied to the rope in the corner of the room, with 1 foot of leeway. Once the team exercise starts, every five minutes, the rope restraining the hungry zombie is let out another foot. Soon, the zombie will be able to reach the living team members, who will need to solve a series of puzzles or clues to find the hidden key that will unlock the door and allow them to escape before it's too late.

2. Battle of the Airbands

For: Team Bonding

What you'll need: Speakers, smartphone or mp3 player

Instructions: Ever watched Lip Sync Battle? ( Tom Holland's is a personal favorite.) Expand the idea to a full battle of the air bands. Split your group up into teams of 3-4 people and let them decide who will be the singers, guitarists, drummers, etc. Give them some time to choose, rehearse, and perform a lip-synced version of whatever work-friendly song they like. If they have a few days, teams can dress up or bring props. After the performances, teams can vote on the winner (with the caveat that no one can vote for their own band). Or, let a neighboring department in on the fun and have them choose the winner.

3. A Shrinking Vessel

For: Creative Problem Solving

What you'll need: A rope, blanket, or tape to mark a space on the floor

Instructions: Make a space on the floor and have your whole group (or a set of smaller teams) stand in that space. Then gradually shrink the space, so the team will have to think fast and work together to keep everyone within the shrinking boundaries.

4. Back-to-Back Drawing

For: Communication Skills

What you'll need: Paper, pens/markers, printouts of simple line drawings, or basic shapes.

Instructions: Split your group into pairs and have each pair sit back to back. One person gets a picture of a shape or simple image, and the other gets a piece of paper and a pen. The person holding the picture gives verbal instructions to their partner on how to draw the shape or image they've been given (without simply telling them what the shape or image is). After a set amount of time, have each set of partners compare their images and see which team drew the most accurate replica.

5. Office Trivia

For: Team Bonding

What you'll need: 20-25 trivia questions about your workplace

Instructions: Looking for a quick and easy team-building activity that is also suitable for remote cultures? Come up with a series of questions specific to your workplace and test your team's knowledge. "What color are the kitchen tiles?" "How many people are in the IT department?" "How many windows are there in the entire office?" "What brand are the computer monitors?" "What month of the year is most common for birthdays among our employees?" This is a quick team-building activity that tests how observant your team is and can be done in both a conference room and over Zoom.

6. Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower

For: Creative Problem Solving & Collaboration Exercise

What you'll need: 20 sticks of uncooked spaghetti, 1 roll of masking tape, 1 yard of string, and 1 marshmallow for every team.

Instructions: Using just these supplies, which team can build the tallest tower? There's a catch: The marshmallow has to be at the very top of the spaghetti tower, and the whole structure has to stand on its own (that means no hands or other objects supporting it!) for five seconds.

7. Community Service

For: Team Bonding & Icebreakers

What you'll need: A few hours out of the workday

Instructions: Participate in Adopt-a-Family programs during the holidays, organize a beach clean-up, take on a community beautification project - find an activity that appeals to your team or reflects your company values, get out of the office, and do some good for your community and your team.

8. Salt and Pepper

For: Communication Skills

What you'll need: Tape, a pen, a small piece of paper for each employee, and a list of well-known pairs (think peanut butter and jelly, Mario and Luigi, or salt and pepper).

Instructions: Write one half of each pair on the sheets of paper (Mario on one piece, Luigi on another, and so on). Tape one sheet of paper to each person's back, then have everyone mingle and try to figure out the word on their back. The rule: they can only ask each other yes or no questions. Once they figure out their word, they need to find the other half of their pair. When they find each other, have them sit down and find three things they have in common while the rest of the team continues.

9. Masterpiece Murals

For: Team Bonding & Icebreakers

What you'll need: Pre-drawn canvases, paints and brushes, a drop cloth or tarp

Instructions: Give each member of your team a canvas and brush, and let everyone create a colorful masterpiece on their canvas. Once they're dry, they can be put together and displayed in your office as a mural or placed throughout your workspace.

10. Afternoon at the Races

For: Collaboration Exercise

What you'll need: One pinewood derby car kit for each team, chalk for start and finish lines

Instructions: Have teams build and race their own mini pinewood cars. If you want, go all out and let teams create mascots and themes, and host a mini-tail gate with snacks and music.

11. Toxic Waste

For: Creative Problem Solving & Collaboration Exercise

What you'll need: 1 small and 1 large bucket, 1 rope, 1 bungee cord loop, 8 bungee cords, 8 plastic balls or tennis balls

Instructions: Use the rope to make an 8-foot circle on the ground that represents a toxic waste radiation zone. (You can make the radiation zone bigger to increase the difficulty.) Put the balls in the bucket and place the bucket in the center of the circle to represent the toxic waste. Place the large bucket about 30 feet away. Teams must use the bungee cords to find a way to transfer the toxic waste balls from the small bucket to the large bucket within a certain amount of time (15-20 minutes). Anyone who crosses the line into the radiation zone will be "injured" (you can blindfold them or make them hold one hand behind their back) or "die" (must sit out for the rest of the game). Dropping toxic waste balls will similarly result in injury, and spilling the entire bucket means everyone on the team is dead.

Solution for referees: Attach the bungee cords to the bungee loop, then have everyone hold and pull on the cords to stretch the loop and guide it over and down around the toxic waste bucket. Loosen the cords to contract the bungee loop so that it grips the bucket. Use the cords to lift the bucket and tip the balls into the large "neutralization" bucket.

12. Company Coat of Arms

For: Team Bonding

What you'll need: Paper, pens, markers

Instructions: Have teams create your company coat of arms. In the first space, draw something that represents a recent achievement. In the second space, draw something that reflects your company values. In the third space, draw something that represents where you see the company going in the future. Post the finished coat of arms in your office.

13. Campfire/Memory Wall

For: Team Bonding & Icebreakers

What you'll need: Post-It notes or a whiteboard

Instructions: Write a few general work-related topics on the whiteboard or on sticky notes posted to the wall: "My first day," "Teamwork," "Work travel," etc. Gather your team together and have everyone choose one of the topics and share a story from their time with your company to laugh and bond over shared experiences. You can also pass out sticky notes and have everyone write down positive memories of working together or special team accomplishments. They can use words or pictures to record these memories. Then have everyone share their memory and post it on the wall, forming a positive memory cloud.

14. Frostbite

For: Creative Problem Solving & Collaboration Exercise

What you'll need: 1 packet of construction materials (like card stock, toothpicks, rubber bands, and sticky notes) for each team, an electric fan

Instructions: Your teams of 4-5 are no longer sitting in your office - they're Arctic explorers trekking across the frozen tundra! Have each team elect a leader to guide their expedition. When a sudden storm hits, the team must erect an emergency shelter to survive. However, both of the team leader's hands have frostbite, so s/he can't physically help construct the shelter, and the rest of the team has snow blindness and is unable to see. Give each team a set of construction materials and start the timer. When time runs out, turn on the electric fan's arctic winds and see who successfully built a shelter that will keep them safe. Adjust the difficulty with sturdier construction materials (provide popsicle sticks instead of toothpicks, etc.), change the fan's settings, or have the fan running while the team constructs their shelters.

15. Minefield

For: Creative Problem Solving & Collaboration Exercise

What you'll need: An empty room or hallway, and a collection of common office items

Instructions: Use boxes, office chairs, water bottles, etc., to create an obstacle course of "mines" within your empty space. Divide the group into pairs, where one partner is blindfolded. The other must guide that person from one end of the course to another without setting off any mines. The person guiding their partner cannot enter the course and must only use verbal instructions to get their partner through. Depending on the number of people you have and how difficult you want this activity to be, you can vary the number of pairs trying to complete the course at the same time so that pairs have to work harder to listen to each other and communicate clearly.

16. Egg Drop

For: Creative Problem Solving & Collaboration Exercise

What you'll need: A carton of eggs; basic construction materials like newspapers, straws, tape, plastic wrap, balloons, rubber bands, popsicle sticks, etc.; tarp or drop cloth, parking lot, or some other place you don't mind getting messy!

Instructions: Divide the group into teams and give each one 20-30 minutes to construct a carrier that will keep an egg safe from a two-story drop (or however high you choose). If you end up with a tie, gradually increase the height of the drop until you're left with a winner.

17. Scavenger Hunt

For: Collaboration Skills & Team Bonding

What you'll need: Pen and paper

Instructions: A classic team bonding game that we did ourselves! Split everyone into groups and make a list of fun things to find or do outside your office. Make it each team's mission to find and photograph everything on that list within a certain time limit. The first team to complete each item on the list wins!

18. Plane Crash

For: Creative Problem Solving & Collaboration Skills

What you'll need: 20-30 minutes

Instructions: Imagine this: the plane carrying your team has crashed on a desert island. Have your group work with 12 items from around the office that they think would be most useful in their survival, ranking each item in order of importance. Alternatively, have individuals make their selections first and then have the group discuss and come to a consensus. This game focuses on communication and negotiation skill-building.

19. Spider Web

For: Creative Problem Solving & Collaboration Exercise

What You'll Need: String and tape

Instructions: Tape two pieces of string across a doorway, one at about three-and-a-half feet and the other around five feet. This string is the poisonous spider web. Teams must get all their members through the opening between the strings without touching them. Increase the difficulty by taping more pieces of string across the doorway.

20. Paper Plane Contest

For: Collaboration Exercise

What you'll need: A long hallway, tape to mark the launch line, measuring stick, card stock

Instructions: This game can be played either indoors or outdoors. Each team gets a piece of card stock to construct a paper plane. Show them a variety of airplane designs and let them work together to construct one they think will fly the farthest. Add to the fun by decorating the planes before launch. The team whose plane flies farthest wins all the glory!

21. Dare Jenga

For: Team Bonding & Ice Breaking

What you'll need: A Jenga set (preferably with large blocks)

Instructions: This one is a fun team-building icebreaker for work that will get your team to test their limits. Write a dare on the surface of each block. Make them fun dares around the office, such as: doing 15 pushups, singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" out loud, or wearing the oversized sombrero for the rest of the workday (yes, we have an office sombrero). When all the blocks have dares on them, stack them up like in Jenga. When people pull a block out, they have to perform the dare that's written on it.

Team-building activities for remote teams

Team-building activities are not just for staff in the office. Whether your team is fully remote or operates a hybrid model, involving everyone in team-building activities is crucial for building team morale. Check out these virtual team-building games that can be played by staff working remotely, so you can try them out wherever you're based.

1. Whose Office Is It, Anyway?

For: Team Bonding & Icebreakers

What you'll need: Internet connection, file sharing tool

Instructions: Have your team members send a photo of their home offices, and then have everyone guess whose workspace is whose. Keep the game going with photos of everyone's coffee mugs, desktop backgrounds, or the view outside their window.

2. Conference Call Trivia

For: Team Bonding & Icebreakers

What you'll need: Internet connection

Instructions: Divide into teams and play trivia. You can find good trivia questions and answers online or pull out some Trivial Pursuit cards. It's a great way to learn about people's non-work interests and personalities.

3. Online Multiplayer Games

For: Creative Problem Solving & Collaboration Exercise

What you'll need: Internet connection

Instructions: Pick a game that will let your team work together to strategize and problem-solve, like Travian, or browse the many free and paid co-op games on Steam. Use your computer's built-in microphone and speakers to chat, or use headsets.

4. Charades or Catchphrase via Video Hangout or Skype

For: Collaboration Exercise & Team Bonding

What you'll need: Internet connection, video chat app

Instructions: Divide your group into two teams, and play classic party games like Charades or Catchphrase via video call. You can send everyone the link to an online Charades or Catchphrase ideas generator that will provide word prompts for you.

5. Online Karaoke Party

For: Team Bonding & Icebreakers

What you'll need: Internet connection

Instructions: Let loose with an online karaoke party! Use your computers' built-in microphones and speakers to challenge teammates to a karaoke battle, compare high scores, or just have fun showing off your singing skills.

How Wrike can bring the collaborative spirit to your team

Team-building activities are a great way to build morale and team spirit in your organization. But for this to carry over into your everyday work, you need to ensure your employees have the tools they need to collaborate seamlessly. Wrike's versatile collaboration software allows teams to work as one, fostering an environment of accountability, productivity, and growth for every person, regardless of where they're based.

Features like collaborative workspaces, custom-field request forms, customized workflows, real-time updates and approvals, and powerful reporting tools all help teams to do the best work of their lives from anywhere. Try it now with a free two-week trial.

Additional team-building resources for work

Sources:

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Ultimate Guide to Team Building Activities That Don't Suck

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A team that works well together is more effective, more productive, and more successful - not to mention happier and more fun to work with! But team building at work can be tricky, especially when typical team-building activities tend to induce more eye rolls among teammates than high-fives.

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Email: puzzledescaperooms@gmail.com
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Phone Number: (705) 885-9854

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Puzzled Escape Rooms | At-Home Game | Sudbury Ontario

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We’re offering curbside pickup of our new At-Home Escape Room: The Sterling Heist.
Contact us to learn more about the game and how you can escape lockdown without leaving home!

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Personality types

Understand others

In our free type descriptions you'll learn what really drives, inspires, and worries different personality types, helping you build more meaningful relationships.

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Free personality test, type descriptions, relationship and career advice | 16Personalities

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Personality types In our free type descriptions you'll learn what really drives, inspires, and worries different personality types, helping you build more meaningful relationships.

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Communication Styles Quiz And Assessment

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Communication Styles Quiz And Assessment

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*The quiz is at the beginning but not a requirement to read the article

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Which Of These Different Communication Styles Do You Use?

Communication styles define the ways we give and receive information. But do you understand your communication style? And how people respond to you?

Research and assessment identifies four different communication styles based on levels of emotion and linearity in how we give and get information: Analytical, Functional, Intuitive and Personal. But you need to know your own, and others', communication styles to become an effective communicator.

COMMUNICATION STYLES QUIZ

What's your communication style? Do you like communicating with lots of data or do you prefer to focus on feelings? Assertive communication or more passive communication? Do you like conversation that goes step-by-step or would you rather jump right to the end point? Take the Communication Styles Quiz now!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

It's time to really understand your preferred communication style and to learn how to flex outside of it to effectively reach audiences of all communication styles. We're going to dig deep into the different communication styles, but feel free to jump to any section that interests you:

No one style of communication is inherently better than another. But picking the wrong type of communication for a particular conversation or audience, whether it's one person or a thousand, can negatively impact how your ideas and messages are received. Building communication flexibility allows you to choose a different style to customize your message to the preferred communication style(s) of your audience and ensures that your message is heard.

Now that you have your communication styles assessment results and you know your preferred style, let's dig deeper into each of the four communication styles: Analytical, Functional, Intuitive and Personal.

Here's a quick overview of the four communication styles:

Intuitive communicators are unemotional and freeform. They want bottom-line communications that are short and to the point and that don't waste their time.

Analytical communicators are unemotional but linear. They want confident communications that convey expertise including hard facts and numbers.

Functional communicators are emotional and linear. They like to have control of the process, so give them process-oriented and linear communications that start at A, and then flow from B to C and all the way to Z.

Personal communicators are emotional and freeform. They want to establish an interpersonal relationship, so use emotional language in an informal, friendly and warm way that gets them involved in talking about factors including who else will be involved and how what you're asking them to do will impact their feelings.

Remember that no one communication style is inherently better than another. The key to effective communication is using the verbal communication style that best ensures your message will be heard.

One major philosophical difference that separates the four communication styles is the extent to which you communicate with emotions or with data. For example, would you say something like "I feel like we're off to a good start this quarter" (emotions), or would you say "this quarter, sales are up by 7.2%"(data).

Another major philosophical difference is the extent to which you communicate in a linear way (e.g. you like to start with A then B then C then D going all the way to Z) or in a freeform way (e.g. you like to skip over most of the details and jump right to Z).

Of course, there's a lot more to the four communication styles than just these two philosophical differences. But as a starting point, these are emblematic of the myriad ways that we like to communicate.Now let's take a deeper dive...

As an Analytical communicator, you like communicating with hard data, real numbers, and you tend to be suspicious of people who aren't in command of the facts and data. You typically like very specific language and dislike vague language. For example, when someone tells you that "sales are positive" you're likely to think "What the heck does positive mean? Is it 5.2% or 8.9%? Give me a number!" People who naturally prefer an Analytical communication style often have little patience for communication that includes lots of feeling and emotional words.

One big plus of having an Analytical communication style is that because you like communication to be fairly unemotional, you're often able to look at issues logically and dispassionately. This means others tend to see you as having high levels of data and informational expertise and they'll often consider you a deep thinker. You may also be called upon during intense decision making processes.

The potential downside of having an Analytical communication style is that you may strike certain people as unfeeling or that you possess an aggressive communication style. For example, when interacting with people like Personal communicators (who tend to like warm and chatty personal relationships) and may have a more passive communication style, it's possible for Analytical communicators to get irritated and terse or even become an aggressive communicator (because they're not getting data or hard numbers, etc.).

This sometimes has negative political and relational consequences. To avoid being seen as an aggressive communicator by your team members, try some pleasantly assertive communication and ask your colleagues, "I'm not sure I understand the specifics of what we're discussing, could we dive deeper into the data so I can get a better handle on this?"

As an Intuitive communicator, you like the big picture, you avoid getting bogged down in details, and you cut right to the chase. You don't need to hear things in perfect linear order but prefer instead a broad overview that lets you easily skip right to the end point. For example, some people, like Functional communicators, will tell you things step-by-step (they start with A, then go to B, then C, then D, then E, etc.). But this can drive you nuts; you'd rather jump right to Z.

One big plus of having an Intuitive communication style is that your communication is quick and to the point. You don't get stalled by needing too many details, and you're comfortable with big ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. Because you're good with thinking big, you can also enjoy challenging convention, which can be great for decision making especially when a group is stuck. It's common for communication styles like this to be seen as having an assertive communication style.

The potential downside of having an Intuitive communication style is that you may not always have enough patience when you're in a situation that actually requires getting into nitty-gritty detail (and you may risk missing an important point). Typically, Intuitive communicators have the most difficulty dealing with Functional communicators (those are the 'process-driven' people, they're very methodical, walk through things step-by-step, and like nitty-gritty detail).

Some people will view the Intuitive as having an assertive communication style (or even an aggressive communication style), and depending on the corporate culture, that may be seen positively or negatively.

As a Functional communicator, you like process, detail, timelines and well-thought-out plans. You like communicating in a step-by-step fashion so nothing gets missed. By contrast, there are some people, like the Intuitive communicators, who like to skip all the detail and just jump right to the end. But this can drive you nuts; especially when you think about all the important bits of information the Intuitive person is potentially missing.

One big plus of having a Functional communication style is that your communication generally hits all the details and nothing gets missed. When you're on a team, people will often turn to you to be the implementer, because they have confidence in your love of process and detail. And because you're focused on things like process and detail, you're the person who is typically asked to play devil's advocate.

The potential downside of having a Functional communication style is that you may risk losing the attention of your audience, especially when you're talking to Intuitive communicators (those are the 'big picture' people who skip to the end and don't get bogged down in too much detail).

As a Personal communicator, you value emotional language and connection, and you use that as your mode of discovering what others are really thinking. You find value in assessing not just how people think, but how they feel. You tend to be a good listener and diplomat, you can smooth over conflicts, and you're typically concerned with the health of your numerous relationships. If there's any communicator who's likely to ask about someone's personal life, it's the Personal communicator.

One big plus of having a Personal communication style is that your communication allows you to build deep personal relationships with others. People will often turn to you as the 'glue' that holds groups together. And you're typically able to pick-up 'vibes' or indirect communication that others may miss because you're attuned to the emotional intelligence aspect of communication.

The potential downside of having a Personal communication style is that you may occasionally be derided as 'touchy-feely.' For example, when dealing with Analytical communicators (people who like data, hard numbers, logical discussions, and dislike that 'warm-and-fuzzy' stuff), it's possible for Personal communicators to become exasperated and emotionally upset. Someone with a more assertive style might deride the Personal communicator as having a submissive communication style or even a passive communication style. But that's incorrect; the Personal style is simply more attuned to emotions.

It's a truism that different professions attract different types of personalities, whether on the frontlines or in leadership. And so too we should expect that different professions will appeal to different communication styles. As you can see in the chart below, drawing from the 1 million+ people that have taken the communication styles quiz, there are significant different across major professional groups.

It's probably not surprising that IT, Finance and Operations have far higher rates of Analytical and Intuitive communicators while HR, Marketing and Sales have many more Personal communicators. The real question is how to leverage this insight to increase our communication skill.

For example, if you're speaking with a group of finance leaders, you may want to prioritize the Analytical or Intuitive communication styles. But if that audience consists of HR or Marketing leaders, then you might prioritize a Personal style.

Tailoring your message to suit your audience does not make you a manipulative communicator. In fact, it's one of the most necessary communication skills. It makes you deeply empathic and high in emotional intelligence, with enough self esteem to recognize that people have different communication styles.

If you were a passive aggressive communicator, or simply lacking real communication skills, you wouldn't change your style to fit your audience. Instead, you'd use your preferred style, and then when the audience reacted poorly, you'd blame them for "not understanding you." But that's NOT what you're doing.

You're making an effort to reframe your message to increase the likelihood that other people understand you. And that's a deeply caring and smart gesture.

The first key to understanding others' preferred communication styles and whether they have a different communication style than you is active listening. You'll be listening to their language while also attending to their nonverbal communication, including their body language and facial expression.

Imagine you're having a conversation with a boss, colleagues or team members . Start by asking them, "what information could I share that would make this a great use of your time?" Each different type of communicator will answer that question differently. And you need that information to pinpoint each different style.

Someone with an Intuitive style of communication might say, "What's the bottom line?," or "Can you give me the short version of this?," or, if they're feeling a bit more patient, "Can we throw some ideas around?" The Intuitive person is an assertive communicator, but it's not done with ill intent. They have a more aggressive style simply because they're less patient and tolerant of long-winded communication.

An Analytical communicator will likely ask you questions about numbers or data like, "Where's your data from?," or "Are we sure that's correct?," or "How do we know?" Like the Intuitive communicator, they might strike some as an aggressive communicator; but it's merely a different communication style. It's not intentionally aggressive communication, it's just a quest for hard data rather than feelings.

Someone with a Functional style of communication might ask, "What's the process?," "What happens first?," or "Who does what?"

A Personal communicator will use far more feeling words, and might ask, "Who will be involved? " or "How do they/you feel?" As noted previously, these are not the questions of a passive communicator, rather they're the interests of someone more focused on emotional intelligence than data.

If for some reason you weren't able to start your conversation by asking "what can I share with you?," you can simply watch the other person's body language. If you start to see eye rolls, boredom, crossing arms, finger tapping etc., those are good signs that of the 4 communication styles, you chose the wrong one. So in that case, choose the opposite style, alter your language, and get your conversation back on track.

Having great communication skill requires interacting and speaking all 4 communication styles. And every leadership team and corporate culture will have a different dominant style. So you'll want to assess your audience, whether one person or a group, to determine which of the 4 styles of communication you're dealing with. Depending on which of the different communication styles you're dealing with, your conversation or presentation will require very different approaches.

It should also be noted that it's common for leadership communication styles to significantly influence the styles of frontline employees. After all, leaders will often set the tone and culture for their workplace, and that includes the ways in which people communicate.

How to avoid being an aggressive communicator

What's the secret to avoiding aggressive communication? First you'll need a dose of self awareness, and then second, you ask a question to get a sense of what someone wants to hear. Take a deep breath, make eye contact with your colleagues, and ask them, "What would you most like to hear about?"

Aggressive communicators often barrel into conversations thinking only about what they want to say, without giving much importance to what their colleagues, coworkers, client, etc. want to hear. Everyone has inadvertently used this aggressive communication style on occasion, but if we have the self awareness to admit the folly of this approach, we can correct it quickly.

To avoid aggressive communication, before you storm through the workplace saying whatever pops into your head, try this approach.

Depending on your particular situation, you could also ask, "What's the one thing you would most like to hear from me today?" or "What could I share with you?" Any number of variations will work, as long as you're letting your coworkers enter the conversation by telling you what they want to hear.

Aggressive communicators focus on what they want to say and give little importance to what their audience wants to hear. Don't be that person. A conversation requires two-way interaction; it's not a conversation when we talk and the other person is force to passively listen.

By simply asking what your colleagues want to hear, you can avoid misunderstandings, conflict, and confrontations. Far too many miscommunications stem from one person, usually under stress, blurting out a stream of anger filled words. But when you pause and invite your coworker to share what THEY want to hear, you instantly transform aggressive communication into a two-way conversation.

How to stop an aggressive communicator

At some point in your career, a person with an aggressive communication style is going to barge into your office and verbally unload on you with anger, stress, accusations, etc. You'll likely feel like you should respond by defending yourself and launching a counter attack, but that's actually the wrong approach. If you respond to an aggressive communication style by employing similarly aggressive communication, that will only inflame the conflict.

Instead, used these advanced communication habits. Breathe, make eye contact with that aggressive communicator, and say, "Wow, I think I need a second here." Then, after a 2-3 second pause say, "You sound really angry (or upset, frustrated, and so on).."

The first phrase signals to aggressive communicators that they've lost control, they're too angry, and that they're entering into dangerous (and even fireable) territory. Ironically, if you tell an aggressive communicator to "calm down" all that happens is they get even angrier. But when you say "Wow, I think I need a second here," you've essentially told that person that their utterance is so angry and outside the norm that you literally need to pause in order to absorb it.

How to prevent passive aggressive communication in your workplace

Passive aggressive communication occurs when we're not upfront with our team members and colleagues about what types of information we really need.

Passive aggressive communicators appear harmonious, but it's an artificial harmony. Beneath the surface lies a fundamental disagreement that the passive aggressive communicator is afraid or unwilling to share. In a culture filled with assertive communication, team members would openly share their issues and disagreements and nobody would experience the silent treatment.

In an organization where bad news doesn't get discussed and mistakes regularly get swept under the rug, or where there's a "kill the messenger" management style present, there's likely to be a great deal of passive aggressive communication. Everyone on the team may appear to be in total agreement, but that's only because they're afraid or reluctant to share what they're really thinking.

In a recent study on Executive Team effectiveness, we asked over one thousand senior executives to assess their team. And as you can see in the chart below, even on senior teams there is a sizeable amount of passive aggressive communication.

If you suspect your team suffers from passive aggressive communicators, you will have to intentionally "draw out" those passive communicators and push past the silent treatment.

Guided by a mindset of creating psychological safety, you'll need to help colleagues feel safe and comfortable sharing their disagreement.

One way to do this is in meetings (where passive aggressive behavior often occurs) by asking people: "What are we missing?" or "Where are we at risk?" To intensify this exercise, and develop advanced communication habits, make eye contact with each person on the team and, one-by one, ask each of them one of those questions.

The more you actively "mine for disagreement," the more you'll get passive communicators comfortable with sharing their dissent. And that's how you'll ultimately stop passive aggressive communication.

PRACTICE ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION

Assertive communication (aka assertiveness) is the genuine expression of feelings, desires, and needs. It occurs in the context of standing up for your personal rights, getting what you want, and standing up for yourself. Assertive communicators are able to honestly express personal needs and desires without limiting the rights of others.

An assertive communication style is considered a social skill, and requires the belief that one is as good as anyone else; that one's needs and desires are just as important as another's, although precedence can take place for one or the other at any time.

Some people are too passive ("He/she is more important than me" a lose-win) or too aggressive ("I'm more important than he/she is" a win-lose) instead of partnering in an assertive style for a win-win ("We're all equals here who deserve to be heard").

Assertive communicators believe that they have a right to be heard and have their needs met. That means if you're sitting in a meeting and you feel like nobody is listening to you or that you haven't heard the information you need, you shouldn't sit there and act passive on the surface. Instead, raise your hand, make eye contact with the people in the room and, in a measured tone, say something like, "There are some pieces I'm missing here, so I'd like to go back and revisit a few of these issues."

This will often require us to reframe some of our self-limiting beliefs. Beliefs like, "If I say no, he/she won't be my friend anymore," are rarely grounded in reality, yet we let them stop us from practicing assertive communication.

Disprove self-limiting beliefs with a quick self-audit that asks: "Is there a structurally sound counter argument to this belief?" A good counter argument might sound like: "If this person is pressuring me into doing something I don't want to do, are they even my friend in the first place?"

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Communication Styles Quiz: Which Of These Different Communication Styles Do You Use?

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Communication styles define the ways we give and receive information. Research identifies four communication styles based on levels of emotion and linearity in how we give and get information: Analytical, Functional, Intuitive and Personal. But you need to know your own, and others', communication styles to become an effective communicator.

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How to turn a group of strangers into a team

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How to turn a group of strangers into a team

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Video length: 13 minutes

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Amy Edmondson: How to turn a group of strangers into a team

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Business school professor Amy Edmondson studies "teaming," where people come together quickly (and often temporarily) to solve new, urgent or unusual problems. Recalling stories of teamwork on the fly, such as the incredible rescue of 33 miners trapped half a mile underground in Chile in 2010, Edmondson shares the elements needed to turn a group of strangers into a quick-thinking team that can nimbly respond to challenges.

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Video length : 8 minutes

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How much team building and corporate events cost… and is it worth it?

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How much team building and corporate events cost… and is it worth it?

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*Contact the organization to receive prices

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© 2021 Outback Team Building & Training, All Rights Reserved.

Our virtual team building activities are recommended by organizations, such as:

Boost morale and maintain a sense of comradery among colleagues , no matter where they're located.

What Is Virtual Clue Murder Mystery 🔎

Virtual Clue Murder Mystery is an online team building activity designed specifically for remote teams. Participants can join from anywhere in the world.

Using video conferencing software alongside Outback's proprietary app, your group will split into teams, examine clues, review case files, and channel their inner detectives as they race against the clock to solve the mystery of who had the means, motive, and opportunity to murder Neil Davidson.

Your team is guaranteed to have a fun time while they tap into their problem-solving skills, think analytically, collaborate closely, and communicate effectively in order to successfully solve the case.

Virtual Clue Murder Mystery is an online team building activity designed specifically for remote teams. Participants can join from anywhere in the world.

Using video conferencing software alongside Outback's proprietary app, your group will split into teams, examine clues, review case files, and channel their inner detectives as they race against the clock to solve the mystery of who had the means, motive, and opportunity to murder Neil Davidson.

Your team is guaranteed to have a fun time while they tap into their problem-solving skills, think analytically, collaborate closely, and communicate effectively in order to successfully solve the case.

Boost morale and maintain a sense of comradery among colleagues , no matter where they're located.

What's Included with Your Virtual Clue Murder Mystery

What's Included with Your Virtual Clue Murder Mystery?

Learn more about Virtual Clue Murder Mystery for your team

Virtual Clue Murder Mystery Activity for Remote Teams

Book Your Team's
Virtual Clue Murder Mystery Activity Today!

Book Your Team's Virtual Clue Murder Mystery Activity Today!

Designed for Remote Teams

Perfect Blend of Challenging & Fun

Designed for Remote Teams

Perfect Blend of Challenging & Fun

Whether you choose to host the activity yourself or have it hosted by one of our experienced virtual hosts, we'll provide you with the tools and support needed to run your event without a hitch.

Whether you choose to host the activity yourself or have it hosted by one of our experienced virtual hosts, we'll provide you with the tools and support needed to run your event without a hitch.

*Also Available For In-Person Groups*

*Also Available For In-Person Groups*

Outback Team Building & Training offers 21 virtual team building activities & 28 in-person activities with various hosting options for budgets of all sizes.

Other Popular Virtual Team Building Activities

How long is the virtual murder mystery activity?

We typically recommend allowing your teams one to hours to complete the Virtual Murder Mystery Activity

Do my team members need to download anything?

Nope! Your team will be given access to our proprietary web-app where they can review questions and case files, and submit their answers.

How difficult is the murder mystery?

Based on feedback from our participants, it's challenging enough to inspire solid problem-sovling dialogue and creative thinking, but not so difficult that they become bored or disengaged.

How does self-hosting work?

In short, our team will provide you with a detailed guide that includes everything you need to succesfully run the event yourself. This includes:

- Instructions for using our Web App

- A challenge list with answers

- Sample scripts for kicking-off & closing out the event

- FAQs

You'll also have direct access to our support team for events run between 7AM & 5PM (Pacific Time), in case you have any questions on event day.

How does virtual-hosting work?

Really well 😛. Our super-engaging virtual host will take care of everything, from start to finish, on event day. You can kick-up your feet and rest assured that your team is going to have a blast, or join in on the fun yourself.

How many people should be on a team?

It depends on your overall group size. We recommend having 2-6 participants per team. While it is possible to have more than 6 people on a team, we've found that having too many team members can lead to a less engaging experience.

Do you offer in-person team building activities as well?

You bet! In-fact, we've been offering in-person activities for over 30 years and run over 5,000 events anually! Currently, we offer 20+ virtual team building activities, 20+ in-person team building activities, and 20+ group employee training programs (which are available in-person and virtually).

Frequently Asked Questions

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Virtual Clue Murder Mystery | Outback Team Building

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© 2021 Outback Team Building & Training, All Rights Reserved. Our virtual team building activities are recommended by organizations, such as: Boost morale and maintain a sense of comradery among colleagues , no matter where they're located.

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*Need to make an account, there is a 21 day free trial but asks for debit or credit card information (uses USD 3/monthly, or 2/monthly) does not mention if you can cancel at any time within the 21 days

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QuizBreaker: Virtual Team Building Game For Remote Teams - QuizBreaker

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QuizBreaker is the best online virtual team building game for remote teams, trusted by 1,000+ happy teams all over the world.

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Location: 619 Kathleen St, Greater Sudbury, ON P3C 2N4
Email: escapeartists@vianet.ca
Phone Number: (705) 222-9933
Hours: Monday to Friday 4 pm -10 pm
Saturday and Sunday 11 am - 10 pm
Prices: Not listed

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Escape Artists - Sudbury’s Original Escape Rooms

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Welcome to Sudbury’s Original Escape Game located at 615 Kathleen Street! Can you solve the puzzles... 615 Kathleen Street, Greater Sudbury, ON, Canada P3C 2N4

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*No account needed

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Your Communication Style is your enduring, persistent, communication patterns across a variety of situations - it's how people relate to each other.

For most of my life, I assumed (if I thought about it at all) that other people were just like me.

Of course this was a bad assumption, but I was never taught the natural differences in Communication Styles between different people.

I was getting generally bad results because I was relying on luck for success-and as we said before, this is not a winning strategy.

When we assume that other people are just like us, we tend to communicate in the style that we like to be talked to and we overlay our interpretation of events and social situations onto other people's communication.
A Communication Style is a person's communication patterns and preferences that they use in a wide variety of situations.

Everybody has one - find yours now!

Doing what comes naturally is not a reliable recipe for success in communicating, which is why I recommend stepping up, taking responsibility, understanding the preferences of other people, and adapting our behavior and Communication Style to other people's preferences.

Taking responsibility turns luck into skill - which is a much more reliable strategy for communication success.

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Your Communication Style is your enduring, persistent, communication patterns across a variety of situations - it's how people relate to each other. For most of my life, I assumed (if I thought about it at all) that other people were just like me.

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Do you know your communication style at work? Take our quiz to find out (Free)

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Do you know your communication style at work? Take our quiz to find out (Free)

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*After completing the quiz, more information is given about the different communication styles

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Do you know what's at the root of a lot of workplace conflicts? Misaligned communication styles.

Identifying the work communication style of everyone on your team can make for better meetings, more efficient workflows, and less stress all around. Take the quiz below and challenge your teammates to do it, as well.

Subscribe to Work Life

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Do you know your communication style at work? Take our quiz to find out - Work Life by Atlassian

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Do you know what's at the root of a lot of workplace conflicts? Misaligned communication styles. Identifying the work communication style of everyone on your team can make for better meetings, more efficient workflows, and less stress all around. Take the quiz below and challenge your teammates to do it, as well.

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How to Develop a Positive Attitude in the Workplace

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How to Develop a Positive Attitude in the Workplace

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How to develop a positive attitude and mindset

Having a positive attitude can provide a crucial benefit for your workplace, but this helps only if you can develop the right kind of perspective. The stresses of work can make it difficult to sport the best possible mindset every day. Here are some strategies for how to develop a positive outlook.

Be encouraging and empathetic.

Developing a positive attitude in the workplace can start with how you interact with your associates, regardless of their place in the hierarchy. Whether it's celebrating the small victories or helping deal with a bad case of the Mondays, injecting optimism and encouragement into the workplace can benefit everyone.

Rachel Sheerin, a speaker on burnout and happiness, said positive people radiate a different energy. "Positive people show their positive attitude in their words, actions and feelings," she said. "Positive people radiate differently, just by walking in a room with their energy - it changes the world and people around them."

It's important to not just develop a positive outlook but also to maintain it. It's easy to be positive when things are going well, but sometimes, people will be going through tough times. Showing your employees, co-workers or clients empathy and respect demonstrates you care about their well-being. [Read related article: Best Careers for Empaths]

"I encourage my clients and their teams to remember that everyone is trying their best," Sheerin said. "No one wakes up in the morning wanting to screw up or do a bad job - so give some consideration and empathy to others."

Be a team player.

Your workplace is full of people working toward a common goal; you're all acting as a team, whether directly or indirectly. Talk with your employees and co-workers to see how you can assist them. Helping others lighten their load, within reason, can strengthen your team.

"You can show a positive attitude through the words you use," said Deborah Sweeney, CEO of MyCorporation. "Become a 'yes' person, and try new things to see how you do. Give your time, and ask co-workers how you can help them out if you have a free moment. Volunteer to take the lead on new assignments. Be kind to everyone and genuine - do not gossip constantly or spread rumors."

When you can do your job effectively and become a dependable team member, that trust you earn can improve your perspective and standing in the company. Security in your team and company provides you with more stability.

Work with the right people.

Surrounding yourself with positive people in your work life can dramatically improve your attitude. Negative people can increase your stress level and make you doubt your ability to maintain success at work.

"If you find yourself surrounded by negative co-workers, see if you can switch cubicles or teams within the same department," said Jessi Beyer, a speaker and personal development coach. "Make conscious decisions with your space and your time at work that will result in surrounding yourself with co-workers with positive attitudes."

Both positivity and negativity can spread quickly throughout the company. "I am someone who will deliberately avoid spending time with people who have a bad attitude at work, or anywhere for that matter," said Amy Finlay, co-founder of Edinburgh IFA. "As a positive attitude can be contagious, unfortunately, a negative attitude can also spread through people, and before you know it, your mindset can completely change with too much exposure to these types of people."

Working with positive people will help you handle everyday stress in a more constructive way.

Focus on what's in your control.

Realistically, you cannot control every single aspect of your work. You can be the beacon of positivity, but some people at your job will still be negative. But while you can't control how people behave, you can decide how you let it affect you.

"No matter the positive or negative attitudes at work, it's important to be mindful in the workplace," said Lizzie Benton, a culture consultant at Liberty Mind. "Rather than letting yourself be consumed by a negative attitude, question why that person might be coming across in that way. Don't take it personally, and do your best to build a barrier against negative comments or behaviors."

Focusing on what you can control will help you manage the amount of stress you allow in your life. Your mission at work is to get your job done as effectively as possible, so focus on the factors you can oversee.

Treat yourself positively.

No matter what stress you are experiencing in your work or personal life, you should always remember to be your biggest supporter. Practice positive self-talk. Framing daily events in a more positive light will help limit negative thinking. One way to approach this is to not say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyone else. It's important to be gentle and encouraging with yourself.

If you start to think negatively, evaluate these ideas rationally. Replace defeatist thinking with affirmations of your strengths. Think about things you're thankful for in your life, and reframe obstacles or roadblocks as opportunities for growth.

The importance of a positive attitude in the workplace

Whether it's you or a co-worker who is going through a hard time, try to keep the negativity at bay.

"Misery may love company, but negativity has never lifted anyone up," Sweeney said. "You feel better when you surround yourself with positive people. They encourage you to reach for the stars, work hard and stay focused on fulfilling your dreams. Positivity begets more positivity. Over time, you may find that even the most stubborn person in the office who refuses to enjoy something has a change of heart and changes to be more positive, all because you had such a great attitude."

The presence of negativity in your company can be like dropping dye in a glass of water: You need only a few drops to change the whole look. Instead, try to make the work environment more conducive to positive attitudes and help diffuse the negativity.

Attitudes "either move the needle forward or keep it still," Sweeney said. "A positive attitude keeps everyone trying new things, feeling brave about brainstorming new ideas, and makes people feel excited to go to work with their co-workers."

Psychologists generally agree that our brains are hardwired to focus more energy on bad news. That tendency is exacerbated by instant news and videos of tragedies being uploaded seconds after they happen. But does that mean humanity is doomed to live in a cloud of negative energy? Most experts say no.

"The thought that you need 10 positive experiences to write over one negative one can definitely be true," Beyer said. "One way to combat this is to approach the outcomes of negative situations with a learning mentality. Find one small takeaway from a situation, and your perception of that situation as negative will start to shrink."

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How You Can Develop a Better Work Attitude

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Learning to develop a positive attitude or mindset in the workplace can help your employees and co-workers and increase company success.

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Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress

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Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress

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Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress

Positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health. Practice overcoming negative self-talk with examples provided.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you're optimistic or pessimistic - and it may even affect your health.

Indeed, some studies show that personality traits such as optimism and pessimism can affect many areas of your health and well-being. The positive thinking that usually comes with optimism is a key part of effective stress management. And effective stress management is associated with many health benefits. If you tend to be pessimistic, don't despair - you can learn positive thinking skills.

Understanding positive thinking and self-talk

Positive thinking doesn't mean that you ignore life's less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.

Positive thinking often starts with self-talk. Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information or expectations due to preconceived ideas of what may happen.

If the thoughts that run through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is more likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are mostly positive, you're likely an optimist - someone who practices positive thinking.

The health benefits of positive thinking

Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

Increased life span

Lower rates of depression

Lower levels of distress and pain

Greater resistance to illnesses

Better psychological and physical well-being

Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke

Reduced risk of death from cancer

Reduced risk of death from respiratory conditions

Reduced risk of death from infections

Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

It's unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body.

It's also thought that positive and optimistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles - they get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and don't smoke or drink alcohol in excess.

Identifying negative thinking

Not sure if your self-talk is positive or negative? Some common forms of negative self-talk include:

Filtering. You magnify the negative aspects of a situation and filter out all the positive ones. For example, you had a great day at work. You completed your tasks ahead of time and were complimented for doing a speedy and thorough job. That evening, you focus only on your plan to do even more tasks and forget about the compliments you received.

Personalizing. When something bad occurs, you automatically blame yourself. For example, you hear that an evening out with friends is canceled, and you assume that the change in plans is because no one wanted to be around you.

Catastrophizing. You automatically anticipate the worst without facts that the worse will happen. The drive-through coffee shop gets your order wrong, and then you think that the rest of your day will be a disaster.

Blaming. You try to say someone else is responsible for what happened to you instead of yourself. You avoid being responsible for your thoughts and feelings.

Saying you "should" do something. You think of all the things you think you should do and blame yourself for not doing them.

Magnifying. You make a big deal out of minor problems.

Perfectionism. Keeping impossible standards and trying to be more perfect sets yourself up for failure.

Polarizing. You see things only as either good or bad. There is no middle ground.

Focusing on positive thinking

You can learn to turn negative thinking into positive thinking. The process is simple, but it does take time and practice - you're creating a new habit, after all. Following are some ways to think and behave in a more positive and optimistic way:

Identify areas to change. If you want to become more optimistic and engage in more positive thinking, first identify areas of your life that you usually think negatively about, whether it's work, your daily commute, life changes or a relationship. You can start small by focusing on one area to approach in a more positive way. Think of a positive thought to manage your stress instead of a negative one.

Check yourself. Periodically during the day, stop and evaluate what you're thinking. If you find that your thoughts are mainly negative, try to find a way to put a positive spin on them.

Be open to humor. Give yourself permission to smile or laugh, especially during difficult times. Seek humor in everyday happenings. When you can laugh at life, you feel less stressed.

Follow a healthy lifestyle. Aim to exercise for about 30 minutes on most days of the week. You can also break it up into 5- or 10-minute chunks of time during the day. Exercise can positively affect mood and reduce stress. Follow a healthy diet to fuel your mind and body. Get enough sleep. And learn techniques to manage stress.

Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure those in your life are positive, supportive people you can depend on to give helpful advice and feedback. Negative people may increase your stress level and make you doubt your ability to manage stress in healthy ways.

Practice positive self-talk. Start by following one simple rule: Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyone else. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about you. Think about things you're thankful for in your life.

Here are some examples of negative self-talk and how you can apply a positive thinking twist to them:

Negative self-talk

Positive thinking

I've never done it before.

It's an opportunity to learn something new.

It's too complicated.

I'll tackle it from a different angle.

I don't have the resources.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

I'm too lazy to get this done.

I couldn't fit it into my schedule, but I can re-examine some priorities.

There's no way it will work.

I can try to make it work.

It's too radical a change.

Let's take a chance.

No one bothers to communicate with me.

I'll see if I can open the channels of communication.

I'm not going to get any better at this.

I'll give it another try.

Practicing positive thinking every day

If you tend to have a negative outlook, don't expect to become an optimist overnight. But with practice, eventually your self-talk will contain less self-criticism and more self-acceptance. You may also become less critical of the world around you.

When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you're better able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way. That ability may contribute to the widely observed health benefits of positive thinking.

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Show references

1. Forte AJ, et al. The impact of optimism on cancer-related and postsurgical cancer pain: A systematic review. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.09.008.

2. Rosenfeld AJ. The neuroscience of happiness and well-being. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2019;28:137.

3. Kim ES, et al. Optimism and cause-specific mortality: A prospective cohort study. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2016; doi:10.1093/aje/kww182.

4. Amonoo HL, et al. Is optimism a protective factor for cardiovascular disease? Current Cardiology Reports. 2021; doi:10.1007/s11886-021-01590-4.

5. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 2nd ed. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition. Accessed Oct. 20, 2021.

6. Seaward BL. Essentials of Managing Stress. 4th ed. Burlington, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2021.

7. Seaward BL. Cognitive restructuring: Reframing. Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being. 8th ed. Burlington, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2018.

8. Olpin M, et al. Stress Management for Life. 5th ed. Cengage Learning; 2020.

See more In-depth

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Positive thinking - Harness the power of optimism to help with stress management.

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18 Simple Ways to Keep a Positive Attitude at Work

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18 Simple Ways to Keep a Positive Attitude at Work

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What if there was a way you could easily expand your mind and see greater possibilities in life? What if you could develop better skills naturally?

When people think of having a positive attitude, they probably think it's little more than plastering a smile on their face and trying to think happy thoughts.

But it's more than that.

A positive attitude is something that goes deeper and has an effect beyond surface cheer. Negative attitudes promote fear, and a narrowing of focus and the mind, while positive attitudes do the opposite. No one should live in a constant state of "fight or flight", but negative attitudes create exactly that scenario.

Studies have also shown that having a true positive attitude makes your view of life seem broad, full of possibilities. That view leads to actually living your life in a way that makes it natural to be exposed to and acquire new skills.

Here are some ways to maintain a positive attitude in the workplace, regardless of whether it comes naturally or not:

1. Surround yourself with positive people.

The old saying "birds of a feather flock together" can be viewed two ways. Either people who are similar naturally find each other, or people in a group become the same over time.

Surround yourself with positive people.

Who you hang around with rubs off on you. If you're always with negative people who complain about everything, you'll become a complainer and see the world as negative as they do. You might think you can stay positive and change them, but that's not going to be the case. Try to connect with people who like their job, have new ideas, and are interested in lots of other things besides work. It'll make your whole outlook better.

You can't always pick your co-workers, but you can be cautious about how much time you spend with them, and in what setting. If you're stuck with a negative bunch, be careful not to participate in the negativity. Take breaks and go for a walk rather than immerse yourself in negative breakroom drama and gossip.

2. Fill your mind with positive input.

The same way that the people you are around change you to be more like them, so is what you feed your mind.

Listen to positive music with headphones. Listen to uplifting audio books on the drive into work. Read books that are encouraging. Watch videos and listen to podcasts that are positive or help you improve skills.

If you are what you eat holds true for your body, your mind is what you feed it.

3. Control your language.

No, this isn't about the language police, or trying to swear less (although the latter is probably a good idea). This is about being conscious of the words you use when speaking and thinking.

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis (which played heavily into the recent movie "Arrival") suggests that the structure of language affects a person's view of the world, and the way they think. Taken to the furthest extent, your language actually limits or delineates how you are able to perceive the world.

It's a hypothesis, granted.

But on a smaller level, the language you use every day, both in thought and spoken word, has a cumulative effect on how you think about yourself, your work, and those around you.

This may seem like a silly example, but it might be the difference between seeing your day as filled with tasks, or filled with opportunities. The former is tiring and arduous, making you feel trapped in a daily grind. The latter is exciting with potential.

Be aware of how you choose to think and speak at work. Find a positive way to view everything and everyone.

4. Create a routine for the day.

Routines get a bad rap.

It's easy to think that if you have a routine at work, you're stuck in a rut or you're not "flexible". The truth is, though, that routines give us good fall-back structure. A morning routine is especially good, since for many people, the morning is both when we're most alert and awake yet sometimes not able to buckle down and get started.

Create a routine that helps you get the most important work done, take breaks at the right time, and leaves the last hour or so of the work day for less arduous work and preparation for the next day. Most of us get tired by the end of the day, so don't leave tough work for then. It's important to end each day by getting prepared for the next.

5. Be nice to other people.

Being kind to other people makes you happy.

A study in the Journal of Social Psychology found that doing something kind for people has the same effect as trying new and exciting things when it comes to feeling happy.

Even better?

A study in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that the memory of doing something kind for someone causes us to want to do it again.

If you make being nice to other people a regular thing, it'll become a cycle of generosity and happiness that makes you feel good and causes those around you to feel happy as well.

Think of the worst negative work environment possible. Negativity feeds on more negativity until it seems overwhelming. Be nice to other people and watch them pay it forward.

If your work is difficult and you can't get away from that, and finding a positive attitude about the work itself is a challenge, be kind to the people around you and let that be an effective substitute.
Appreciating and recognizing coworkers can go a long way in making your day better.
6. Don't rely on an outside source of positivity.

Carry a positive attitude with you.

Think of a positive attitude like a survival tool: carry it with you at all times for emergencies.

Whether you rely on a phrase that you repeat over and over when times are stressful or you have some other trick to help resurrect and keep a positive attitude, be sure to come up with a mechanism that doesn't rely on someone else or a specific situation.

7. Create high points in each day and week.

One of the best parts of an exciting vacation is the days leading up to it, when you have it to look forward to. Knowing something good is coming can make otherwise dreary days more bearable.

You can create the same effect by creating small "high points" in each day to help you get through projects or days that might otherwise seem draining. This is why taking breaks is important, but not every break is as valuable as they could be.

A few suggestions:

Don't turn to unhealthy food as a reward. You'll end up with negative effects and a bad habit for junk food or excessive coffee.

Take breaks outside or away from work when possible.

Consider a walk, solitude, silence - whatever sounds good and is doable where you work.

Find a place to read a book not related to work.

Daily high points should be small and simple, not requiring money or creating a habit that could have negative effects on your health or budget if you do them every day (e.g. walk to the bakery for a donut and coffee every day). Weekly or monthly high points can be a bit bigger. Maybe every Thursday you eat lunch at a restaurant nearby instead of bringing in your own lunch. Whatever it is, create something to look forward to.

8. Assume responsibility, and choose your response.

Refusing to take responsibility for your actions and your situation, or not taking control of how you respond, kills a positive attitude immediately.

After all, if something happens and you're at fault or in some way responsible, refusing to acknowledge it means you can't correct the behavior and it will happen again, and you also set yourself up for a victimhood mindset in which things happen to you.

You will be more positive seeing life as something you have some control over rather than at the mercy of fate. Think of it as an equation: E + R = O (event + response = outcome). How you respond has an effect on the outcome, even when events are out of your control.

9. Decide your reaction to known problems ahead of time.

Whether it's clients or co-workers or regular projects, there are some things at work that you are always going to dread dealing with.

You know they upset you. Decide beforehand that they will not.

If a client always has to make changes, expect it. Choose to be calm about it, to not let it bother you. Try to look at the client or co-worker that's driving you nuts in a different way. Maybe they are having a bad time at home, or they are stressed themselves.

10. Breathe deeply.

Breathing deeply tricks your body into calming down. Calm people have better attitudes.

If you find yourself getting a bad attitude about something, find a place where you can be alone, and do some deep breathing exercises. Not only does it reduce stress, but it helps you clear your mind and see the situation in a different way.

11. Make a mission statement.

Where you work probably has a mission statement, but you should have one yourself.

A personal mission statement will help you define your purpose at work, what your life is about, and what motivates your behavior. It's a good thing to fall back on when work gets crazy and you're confused about what it is you're doing.

When you feel like you have purpose, you can be positive. When you feel like you don't have a purpose or you don't know what you're doing at work...not so much.

12. Have personal goals.

Goals are a bit different from personal mission statements in that they are specific things you want to achieve. They're kind of like the rewards I talked about earlier in that they give you something to look forward to.

However, goals aren't just "fun in the future", but are the actual guides that you use to achieve.

It's tough to be positive if you think you're going nowhere. Goals are the proof that you have a plan and you're working towards something. They are evidence of forward, positive motion.

13. Remember that no one owes you anything.

One of the worst killers of a good attitude is going through life thinking people owe you.

No one owes you anything. Life's not fair. Believing anything else sets you up to be in a constant state of blame, victimhood, anger, passive-aggressiveness, and joylessness. Negativity is the standard state of existence if you think the world owes you.

How do you get rid of an attitude of entitlement?

It's up to me to make things happen.

Hard work is what brings good things.

I have to be willing to accept change quickly.

When things are difficult, I still keep going.

If those four concepts are in your head, you're not going to be wallowing in negativity waiting for the world to do something for you.

14. Stop complaining.

We mentioned how you need to control your language. That obviously covers complaining, but complaints are such a huge issue that they warrant their own section.

Stop complaining.

Complaining does nothing. If you're around people who complain a lot, get away from them. Try to see the situation in a positive or different light.

Complaints are a way of seeing everything in a negative light without considering any other explanation. It's a one-way road to dissatisfaction that builds the further you travel it.

15. Embrace laughing.

Laughing is good for your physically, and of course, it helps you feel much better. Who doesn't love a good laugh?

Humor is especially good when things are going terribly wrong. Who doesn't love the guy who, in the middle of some nightmare project, offers a quip that suddenly makes the entire mess seem hilarious? Be that guy. Try to find humor wherever you can.

Laughing with people is different than laughing at them. Never joke about others to get a laugh at their expense.

16. Be curious and embrace learning.

A mind that is closed to learning new things grows stagnant and negative. Change, new ideas, or any additional task becomes onerous to someone like that.

Be a person who is willing to learn and is curious about many things. Your attitude will be positive because you are forward-looking and wanting to understand instead of closed off. Being curious about a new situation or what's going on tends to make you mindful and aware of the present moment, and that tends to force out negative attitudes.

17. Look to long-term instead of short-term.

When the situation is difficult in the short-term, adjust your vision to the long-term.

Short-term situations tend to be heavy on the emotion. Making decisions or taking action based on that is not only a bad idea, but tends to feed negative attitudes. Viewing things in the long-term, on the other hand, make the challenges of the now seem much less terrible because the bigger picture reveals an exciting outcome.

While it's not good to live in a realm of make-believe, thinking realistically in the long-term provides a positive spin to your day and helps you construct those goals we mentioned earlier.

18. Fake it until you make it.

No, this is not a call to be be a hypocrite.

The reality is, though, that sometimes we don't always "feel" the emotion we want. Sitting around waiting for it to come upon us is a sure way to make certain it never comes. You often have to fake it until the real deal arrives.

Don't feel happy? Don't feel excited about a presentation? Fake it. More often than not, the real emotion will show up. You're not going to feel super excited and positive every day, but don't let that stop you from the behavior that goes along with it, anyway.

Drive your emotions; don't let them drive you.

At age 76, Gen. MacArthur said: "You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. In the central place of every heart, there is a recording chamber; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer and courage; so long as you are young. When the wires are all down and your heart is covered with snows of pessimism and the ice of cynicism, then and only then are you grown old."
Take this list of ways to keep a positive attitude. Add to it the tricks you've figured out on your own. And then, do it. Constantly. Do the work of keeping a positive attitude alive at work. It will have a huge impact on your entire life, and in the lives around you.

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18 Simple Ways to Keep a Positive Attitude at Work

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What if there was a way you could easily expand your mind and see greater possibilities in life? What if you could develop better skills naturally? When people think of having a positive attitude, they probably think it's little more than plastering a smile on their face and trying to think happy thoughts.

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What Is Work Culture? How to Build a Positive Environment

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What Is Work Culture? How to Build a Positive Environment

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Your work culture is the shared set of values, beliefs and attitudes that guide your organization, and it's reflected in the way you treat your customers and employees. Workplace culture impacts the types of candidates you attract for open positions, and having a strong work culture also boosts productivity, decreases turnover and improves employee engagement.

By being intentional with your core values and culture initiatives, you can create a positive work culture that will inspire your team and help your organization thrive.

What Is Work Culture?

Work culture guides employees on what behaviors, expectations and matters of importance are part of the company's current DNA. It also grows and shifts with the circumstances.

"It's a living and breathing thing that's evolving all the time," J.C. Herrera, chief human resources officer at cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, told Built In.

"People need to understand the culture so they know how to get their work done," Herrera said, adding there are also micro work cultures within an organization from a management culture to an engineering culture to an employee culture.

Work culture is different from a company's core values, which largely remain the same over time. For example, CrowdStrike updated its core values when the company went through massive growth, expanding from under 400 people to over 4,500.

Its fanatical focus on the customer, high value on innovation and strong belief that anything can be accomplished together never changed, Herrera said.

"We went full circle on this thing and although our original values are roughly the same, it got a lot more organized in terms of how we talk about it," he said of how the shift influenced work culture.

Why Is Work Culture Important?

Work culture can have a profound impact on several significant aspects of the employee experience, like individual and team morale, workplace engagement and job satisfaction. For example, 94 percent of people managers say "a positive workplace culture creates a resilient team of employees," according to a Society for Human Resource Management survey.

Practices that negatively impact workplace culture and promote a toxic team dynamic can steer an organization in the opposite direction, making it difficult to hire and retain good employees. A 2022 survey of job seekers revealed 23 percent of respondents identified "company values and culture" as a top influence over whether they decide to accept a job offer. That same survey also showed 21 percent of job seekers said "poor company culture" was their top reason for leaving a job in the past year and 34 percent reported leaving a job within the first 90 days because "company culture was not as expected."

Work culture will naturally form within every organization and sometimes to the detriment of the business. Allowing negative behaviors and toxic attitudes to fester will cultivate an unfavorable work experience - and an expensive one too. Toxic workplace cultures cost U.S. employers $223 billion in turnover over a five- year period, according to a report by the Society for Human Resource Management.

Work culture not only guides employees in the workplace, but it also guides customers on whether they want to do business with you.

Customers, for example, are not only checking out a company's employee reviews on social media sites. They are also making direct inquiries in their discussions with sales teams.

"When we're doing requests for proposals, potential customers will ask questions in the RFP. They'll ask us to describe our culture. So it's been a part of some of the customers' sales process," Herrera said.

Read More 4 Benefits of a Strong Organizational Culture

Elements of Workplace Culture

There are several factors that go into developing work culture. Research from the MIT Sloan School of Management and CultureX based on Glassdoor data identified 10 elements of culture employees care most about:

1. Feeling respected.

2. Having supportive leadership.

3. Whether leaders' actions align with core values.

4. Managers who foster a toxic work environment.

5. Witnessing unethical behavior.

6. Benefits.

7. Perks and amenities.

8. Opportunities for learning and professional development.

9. Job security.

10. Frequency and quality of reorganizations.

The actions an employer takes to move the needle in a positive or negative direction when it comes to team culture can play an important role in employees' sense of fulfillment. People who feel unfulfilled at work are less likely to put effort into contributing toward company success or to recommend their current employer to others.

People report experiencing workplace culture most strongly through their employers' approach to performance, recognition and celebrations and company mission and values, according to a 2022 Quantum Workplace survey. These foundational elements of work culture involve making sure employees feel their individual contributions are valued and their voices are being heard.

Survey respondents commonly used words like "flexible," "inclusive," "friendly," "collaborative" and "fun" to characterize "ideal workplace cultures." Most employees say defining and communicating culture starts with leaders and managers. But more than half also see employees at all levels as individual contributors in shaping culture.

An SHRM survey of more than 9,000 workers in a dozen different countries found they overwhelmingly agree "empathy is an essential quality of a healthy workplace." Those whose employers offer empathy training for people managers are more likely to say their workplace has "a culture of open and transparent communication," feel physically safe on the job, report trust in their supervisor and cite culture as a reason they love their job.

How to Create a Positive Work Culture

To get started building the company's work culture of your dreams, first lay out your core values. These should be the foundation of everything that happens at your company and guide your organization's evolution. Dedicate as much time as necessary to ensure everyone is aligned, and include leadership, long-term employees and HR representatives so all significant parties can weigh in. In the end, you should have a concise list of values that accurately reflect your current company culture and long-term goals.

Then, think about the type of work culture you want to create. Consider everything from the physical layout of the office to how frequently employees interact with their colleagues, managers and members of the C-Suite. From there, the real work begins.

Further Reading 20 Drivers of Employee Engagement for a More Positive and Productive Workplace

How to Improve Workplace Culture

Improving work culture isn't a speedy process. To achieve long-term, sustainable change there needs to be commitment that starts at the top of the organizational structure. It requires leaders who are willing to set an example for consistent communication, accountability and transparency.

Leaders who are working to improve workplace culture need to be ready to follow-through on investing in the initiatives that matter most to their team members. One survey showed providing "professional development opportunities" was at the top of the list of ways to improve company culture. Another survey revealed 38 percent of job seekers would turn down a job offer from a company lacking diversity or that didn't have a strategy in place for enhancing diversity.

The majority of people say they can tell in less than a month whether a company's culture will be a good fit for them, and many even say they need less than a week. It's imperative companies start sooner rather than later on making meaningful cultural change.

Set Clear Departmental Goals

Outline the objectives of each team so employees have tangible results to work toward. Not only will this help guide individual performance, but it will encourage collaboration between team members. Make sure there is room for feedback to adjust quotas and KPIs when needed.

For example, if a team is continually reaching their objectives without breaking a sweat, you might want to modify their target goals to push production further.

Promote the Organization's Goals

In addition to setting departmental goals, make sure every employee is clear on the organization's long-term objectives. This will help individuals cultivate a sense of professional purpose. Having a source of motivation beyond quarterly quotas will demonstrate the value each role has toward achieving the company's mission.

Promote Diversity and Inclusivity

Create a positive, inclusive work culture by welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and celebrating their differences. Encourage employees to share their pronouns with the rest of the team to promote inclusive language and consider establishing a committee to contribute to diversity initiatives. Work with the HR department to make diversity a part of your recruitment strategy and ensure diversity and inclusion continue to be foundational elements as your organization grows.

Allow for Lightheartedness

Work has its stressful moments and being able to make a difficult situation more lighthearted is an invaluable skill. Of course, the ultimate goal should be to resolve the problem, but a fresh perspective and positive outlook is more productive than the alternative. As Dale Carnegie, an American writer and lecturer, said, "People rarely succeed unless they are having fun in what they are doing." If you can afford to find the bright side and let your team know that you have their back, they'll return the favor by working even harder.

Prioritize Respect

Every individual should feel valued and heard, regardless of their status within the company. Interns offer a much greater advantage than being delegates for busy work, and new employees bring a fresh perspective. You never know where the next big idea will come from, so let every employee have a seat at the table and feel empowered to share their thoughts.

Establish a Strict Zero Tolerance Policy

Just as important as creating a welcoming environment is ensuring employees know their rights and individualities are protected within the workplace. A crucial facet of a positive work culture is providing employees with the opportunity to speak openly about issues they are facing - in and outside of the office - and have access to the support and resources they need. Make sure HR representatives have flexibility within their schedules to be available for personal conversations when needed, and consider implementing an anonymous sexual harassment hotline as a secure and private way for employees to report incidents in the workplace.

Create an Employee Recognition Program

Recognize and reward employees for achieving outstanding results. Doing so will encourage employees to continue performing at impressive levels, and make them feel valued within the company. It will also motivate their peers to up their game, fostering a work culture of friendly competition that leads to high performance.

Accept and Utilize Your Employee's Feedback

In fact, try to change your perspective on feedback. Rather than considering it to be indicative of something you're doing wrong, think of it as the opposite - your employees care so much about the organization and its success that they are trying to help make it better. They're choosing to bring their pain points to your attention and it gives you the opportunity to fix them instead of the employee stewing over them and eventually leaving the company out of frustration.

Be Flexible

Life happens and things will get in the way. Employees shouldn't fear repercussions for taking time to manage other emergencies or responsibilities outside of work. For example, if an employee is struggling to balance work with their family life, try to figure out a compromise that allows them to be productive at work without sacrificing their personal life. You'll earn the respect of your employees rather than the reputation of being unaccommodating and unapproachable. Not only that, but flexible schedules can help you attract elite candidates;nearly 50 percent of job seekers said "flexibility and autonomy" are what they want most from an employer.

Be Transparent

Engaged employees invest their full selves into the success of the company, and they deserve your leadership team's trust. Promote transparency and open communication between department heads, management and team members. Doing so will create a positive work culture where employees feel heard and valued. Consider implementing a recurring internal newsletter to share critical information with the team, and hold a monthly town hall meeting to make company-wide announcements that require more context.

Plan Social Outings

Humans are social beings that crave interaction. Create an opportunity to get to know each other at work and outside of work to foster meaningful relationships between employees. You can keep it simple by having a hybrid Friday happy hour in the office while simultaneously offering remote workers an online presence at the party. Think about the types of events your team would most enjoy when coming up with new work culture ideas.

Read Next You've Finally Nailed Down Your Company Values. What Happens Next?

Work Culture Don'ts

Don't Encourage Employees to Work Through Lunch

While lunch breaks are not legally required, allowing employees to shut off their computer for 30 minutes to an hour each day helps create a positive work culture. Your team is not composed of robots, so expecting employees to continuously churn out quality work over the course of eight hours without breaks is unrealistic - and unhealthy. More than that, it suggests that employees are only valued for their work output, not as individuals. Regular breaks have actually been shown to improve productivity and 81 percent of employees who break for lunc h on a daily basis report having a desire to actively contribute to their organization.

Don't Reschedule One-On-Ones

If you've set aside time to meet with an employee individually, do your best to honor that meeting, especially if something else comes up. Doing so will show you value and respect the individual's time, and care about what they have to say.

Don't Make It Easy for Disengaged Employees to Stick Around

Having an engaged workforce will help propel your company forward on its path to success, while disengaged employees will slow down progress. If you notice individuals who are counterproductive to your team's success, pull them aside to discuss their behavior. If nothing improves after making an effort to positively address the situation, it is time to part ways and help them find another position more suited for their needs and goals. Sometimes disengaged employees are stuck in a rut professionally and just need a little support to get back on their feet.

Don't Limit Learning Opportunities to Job Descriptions

Skill building is an important part of a positive work experience. Allow employees to pursue their passions, both in and outside of the office, and encourage information sharing between colleagues. This exchange of knowledge will lead to improved employee relationships, collaboration and camaraderie.

Don't Hire for Work Culture Fit

A key part of creating a diverse community within the office is hiring for culture adds, not culture fits. The cultural add recruiting model means identifying candidates who share and embody your core values and who offer a unique perspective. You want to continue to grow and develop your work culture and company, so look for candidates who will productively add to your team, not necessarily fit into a mold.

Don't Tolerate Poor Managers

Managers directly impact employee engagement and performance. In fact, 81 percent of employees who consider their work culture to be "poor" have seen a manager allow others in the workplace "to get away with bad behavior." At the same time, close to 90 percent say "their manager contributes to setting their work team environment." Managers interact with their direct reports most frequently, so it's vital to make sure those individuals who are leading a team are doing so with conviction and in accordance with your core values.

Don't Expect HR to Do All of the Work

As hard as HR teams may try, work culture isn't created by a handful of people. It's a team effort and HR teams can't be tasked with doing it alone. Positive cultures are created when everyone works together.

Don't Force It

Positive and fulfilling work cultures don't just appear overnight. Keep to your values, listen to your employees, have some fun, and it will take shape organically. Work cultures that keep people happy and businesses thriving take time - it's worth it.

Creating a positive work culture where everyone feels valued, welcomed and respected is vital to an organization's success. Be sure to take your employee's feedback into account and lean on them to help cultivate a great work experience.
Dawn Kawamoto contributed to this story.

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What Is Work Culture? 11 Ways to Build a Positive Environment.

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Your work culture is the shared set of values, beliefs and attitudes that guide your organization, and it's reflected in the way you treat your customers and employees. Workplace culture impacts the types of candidates you attract for open positions, and having a strong work culture also boosts productivity, decreases turnover and improves employee engagement.

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5 Ways to Promote a Positive Workplace Culture

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5 Ways to Promote a Positive Workplace Culture

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The workplace culture within your company can have an enormous impact on the success and safety performance of your business. Influencing a workplace culture positively requires members of management to be effective leaders. In return, their support of a positive workplace culture will improve productivity and quality as well as encourage safe attitudes and behaviors. A company with a positive culture will also attract top-tier talent and will have higher employee retention rates.

Here are five effective ways that management can support a positive culture and keep employees happy, safe and productive.

1. Make employees feel informed and communicate with them about the "big picture"
Keeping employees informed is critical for business success. It's important to communicate the company's goals for both the near and distant future. Employees should have a good understanding of where the company is headed in the coming months, and where management would like to see the company in the years ahead. This will make employees feel valued and demonstrate to them that their hard work is contributing towards the success of the company. Management should provide clear and frequent communication on company happenings, individual and department direction, and big-picture company direction.

2. Provide employees tools to grow and be challenged
Make it possible for employees to continue to learn and improve through training and development opportunities. When employees can see they are progressing toward career goals, they will come to work more motivated and confident. Management should ask employees if they'd like to learn something new or improve their skills in a designated area. This will help motivate them to work harder and do their job well. Employees should be made aware of the different types of career paths or job opportunities within the company.

3. Promote optimism
Create a motivating, hopeful and optimistic atmosphere in the workplace. Management's mood often sets the tone for the organization and can move it in a positive direction. Optimism enhances productivity and adaptability. It causes people to feel a mutual level of comfort and an openness to sharing ideas, learning from each other, and making collaborative decisions. They get things done and are happy. A positive workplace culture is supported when management shares an optimistic outlook on the future.

4. Engage with the workforce and get to know employees on a personal level
It is important for management to get to know employees and understand them as individuals. Knowing what motivates your employees and their passions will help foster a culture where workers feel they are understood and appreciated. A business can then utilize this knowledge to find areas within the company where workers will excel and contribute to growth. A component of a positive workplace culture includes employees feeling that they are recognized as individuals and are not just treated as "another number" within the company.

5. Plan team building activities unrelated to work
When employees get to know one another outside of their work environment, it helps promote collaboration and innovation within the workplace. Team building events not only allow employees to learn new things about co-workers, their families and their interests, but it also builds trust. It encourages them to see each other as a "work family" and to look out for the safety and well-being of their co-workers. Management should plan social gatherings, outings or games for their staff to help build relationships.

Having a desirable workplace culture will further the success of your company. Studies have shown that businesses with a positive culture tend to have employees who are generally more productive, engaged and loyal to the company. Above all, arguably the greatest benefit is that a positive workplace culture promotes an increased sense of health and well-being and will reduce stress in employees.

AEU LEAD - Leadership and Engagement Presentation Materials

Cherniss, Cary, and Mitchel Adler. Promoting Emotional Intelligence in Organizations. ASTD Press, 2005.

Schwegler, Alaïa. "21 Effective Ways to Keep Employees Happy and Productive - Localwise." Localwise Jobs, March, 21 2019, www.localwise.com/a/1008-21-effective-ways-to-keep-employees-happy-and-productive.

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5 Ways to Promote a Positive Workplace Culture

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The workplace culture within your company can have an enormous impact on the success and safety performance of your business. Influencing a workplace culture positively requires members of management to be effective leaders. In return, their support of a positive workplace culture will improve productivity and quality as well as encourage safe attitudes and behaviors.

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Want to be happy? Be grateful | David Steindl-Rast

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Your personality and your brain | Scott Schwefel | TEDxBrookings

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Christina Costa: How gratitude rewires your brain

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Christina Costa: How gratitude rewires your brain

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Christina Costa: How gratitude rewires your brain | TED

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9 virtual icebreaker games for remote teams & meetings

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9 virtual icebreaker games for remote teams & meetings

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Best virtual icebreaker games for remote team meetings

Creating a strong bond with your teammates builds better communication and trust. With more and more people working remotely, teams are finding virtual icebreakers can spark friendly, informal interactions online. This helps break down barriers between remote team members and create a more open and connected environment.

But reports suggest 65% of virtual teams have never participated in virtual icebreakers or trust building activities during meetings. That's a lot of missed opportunities! So next time you're running a remote meeting, why not introduce a virtual icebreaker game to liven the mood.

We've compiled nine of the best online icebreakers for virtual meetings. They're all short, fun, and simple, so all you have to do is pick your favorite and load it at your next online Zoom meeting. The best part is, you can run these virtual games on Conceptboard and invite as many participants as you want. No additional tools needed!

What are virtual icebreakers?

Virtual icebreakers are quick, online team-building activities that help you connect with your remote team on a personal level during online meetings. It's a great way for team members to get to know each other better and break from the monotony of the daily grind.

Advantages of our virtual icebreakers

Whether your team has just met or has known each other for years, using these short icebreakers before the start of a virtual meeting is a great way to boost spirits with some light-hearted fun.

Conceptboard's online whiteboard is a great tool to start using these virtual icebreakers immediately. You can add comments on online sticky notes, upload images, embed videos and track everyone's actions via live cursors that come with participant names!

9 online icebreaker games for virtual teams

1. Two Truths and a Lie
How does it work?

Ask each participant to write down three statements about themselves on three sticky notes. Two should be true, and one of them is a lie.

Ask everyone to add a dot vote next to which statement they think is the lie.

Once everyone has voted, reveal the correct answer and give team members the chance to ask any follow-up questions!

When to use it?
This is a fun icebreaker for people who don't know each other and have just been introduced. It's a great way for individuals to showcase their fun, non-work related side!
How long does it take?
Allow five minutes for one round, with a bit of time for story telling!

2. Quick questions

Open the template with the pre-prepared questions and ask everyone to add their answers on sticky notes. Eg: What would you do with a million dollars?

Compare answers and find common themes.

Feel free to change the questions for each meeting.

How does it work?
This game is great for warming up a team before a weekly virtual standup meeting. It presents an opportunity for colleagues to interact in a casual way by asking fun, ice breaker questions.
When to use it?
Keep the momentum going by setting just one or two minutes per question.
How long does it take?
3. Take a picture of....

Choose one of the categories on the board: Your room, your pet; Something on your desk; your socks or shoes; or the view outside your window.

Ask everyone to snap a photo, or upload one from their computer and add it to the board and then let everyone share a story.

How does it work?
Use this game to prime your team for creativity before an online brainstorming session. Or make this a regular virtual icebreaker before your weekly meetings by picking a new topic each week.
When to use it?
Give everyone five minutes to take a photo, send it through and upload it, and then another five minutes to share stories.

4. Choose your favorite
How long does it take?

Pose questions to your team about their favorites such as: -Which skill or talent would you love to have? -What is the best way to eat pizza? -What sound or noise do you love?

Ask participants to put their colored dot next to the answer they choose, or add their own answers.

This is also a fun game for teams that have recently started working together online. It's a great way to get team members (especially the introverts) to open up by asking them fun questions that break the ice.
How does it work?
You should allow 5-10 minutes to get through six questions.
When to use it?
5. Trivia icebreaker game
How long does it take?
A bit of friendly rivalry is always fun!

Create a new blank board and write the trivia question in a text box.

If you're using multiple choice questions, provide four possible answers and ask participants to place their colored dot next to the correct answer. Or just add True or False as text boxes to the board.

For extra difficulty, leave it open to and ask everyone to come up with the answers in a text box on the board.

Or, take it up a notch and create small teams to battle against each other. They can chat on your team channel, then submit answers on the board. Keep a weekly tally and award prizes at the end of the month or year.
Use template
This game is perfect for a friday afternoon lunch trivia session! Divide the team into sub-teams for some fun, laughter and friendly competition!
How does it work?
We recommend 10 trivia questions, which should take around 10-15 minutes.

6. Virtual scavenger hunt
When to use it?

The first person chooses their favorite icon from the icon cloud and copies it into the pink square.

Everyone else has to race to be first to find the icon and circle it. Repeat until everyone has had a turn.

How long does it take?
Take a synchronized virtual coffee break with your colleague and try the virtual scavenger hunt. Two or three individuals can also play against each other simultaneously.
How does it work?
It should be super quick, so allow about 30 seconds per person.

7. What, where, when?
When to use it?

Pop culture is always a good conversation starter. Simply ask everyone to share their answers to questions such as "What was the last TV show you binge watched?" or "Where is your dream holiday destination?

You'll quickly find teammates with similar guilty pleasures to debrief with.

How long does it take?
This is an extension of the trivia game only shorter. This can be used when sitting around a virtual water cooler!
How does it work?
This one should only take five minutes for three questions.

8. Virtual water cooler
When to use it?

Mingle around the virtual water cooler to discuss the latest news.

Simply choose your favorite beverage, add your name to it to identify yourself, and let the conversation flow.

How long does it take?
Some of the best ideas at work are generated when casually chatting with colleagues in the break-room. The virtual water cooler is a great substitute for the physical version.
How does it work?
Give around five minutes for pre-meeting conversation, or set up a separate weekly virtual watercooler meeting.

9. Scribble corner
When to use it?

Simply encourage everyone to scribble anything that's on their mind.

You can set a topic, or let the creativity flow.

How long does it take?
A quick sketching session is a great way to relax and channel one's creativity. Try this after a work sprint to de-stress.
How does it work?
Make it a race to see who can complete the best drawing in two minutes, or simply allow five minutes of free scribble time while everyone gets settled.

Ready to get started?
When to use it?
All nine of our fun virtual meeting icebreakers are ready to use immediately. Simply click on the links and they'll open in a Conceptboard whiteboard so everyone can collaborate together in real-time. No lame trust exercises here!

When it comes to virtual meetings, discover how an online whiteboard like Conceptboard can give you collaboration superpowers . Explore our for more resources on how to stay productive when working in virtual teams , tips on online brainstorming and remote meetings and .
How long does it take?
Pro tips:

To get started, invite all team members to join the Conceptboard icebreaker board by sending them a link to the board. You can use the people icons at the top of the board to assign colors to each member.

You can simultaneously run a phone call to talk or run the meeting as a video call using Conceptboard's built-in Conferencing tool (the phone icon in the top right) or on another similar video conferencing tool such as Zoom, and ask everyone to open the Conceptboard page at the start of the meeting to play the virtual icebreakers.

Write participants names on the colored icons, so they know which color they are. Whenever a participant wants to answer an icebreaker activity, they should use online sticky-notes or place dots according to their color.

You can also duplicate the icons and allocate more colors if you have more than seven participants.

We suggest that you pick one or two ice breakers per meeting, and put a time limit on each activity so as not to take up too much of the meeting time!

We'd love to hear which one is your favorite, let us know in the comments below. Or if you've got any more great icebreakers you use with your virtual team, we'd love to hear them too!

Find out why Conceptboard is the future of work by signing up for a

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9 Virtual Icebreaker Games for Remote Teams | Conceptboard

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This post is also available in: Creating a strong bond with your teammates builds better communication and trust. With more and more people working remotely, teams are finding virtual icebreakers can spark friendly, informal interactions online. This helps break down barriers between remote team members and create a more open and connected environment.

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After reading this guide, you will know about the many different communication styles, which will lead to a better understanding of how people communicate.

This will help you improve communication between your employees, enhance the training, hiring, and many other processes in your organization.

As you engage with this article and think about the communication styles you encounter in your organization, and the styles that you wish to see more of, it is worth thinking about how communication is a large part of both management styles and conflict management styles.

These three concepts are foundational when it comes to good management and creating a successful business environment.

By learning more about them, and applying them in your organization, you can create a dynamic, positive environment, leading to better business outcomes.

Discover:

5 Types of Communication Styles

Some situations will call for certain styles, or you might find that one style is particularly effective with one employee, while another works better for someone else.

Styles can be combined, and people use styles different than their default one based on who they are communicating with.

There is no point in inflexibly using only one style to communicate with every single person you encounter throughout the workday, though some styles are generally more effective than others.

1. Assertive communication style

This is considered to be the most effective communication style.

A person using this style is confident in their convictions but makes sure that they do not belittle or steamroll others in the conversation.

They do not resort to manipulation or pushing limits, rather they seek compromise and consensus through active listening and clearly expressing their wants or needs.

Assertive communicators tend to have naturally high self-esteem, and they do not veer into passive or aggressive communication.

A hallmark of assertive communication is the use of " I" statements, such as " I feel as though you interrupting me during the client meeting undermined my expertise," rather than " You need to be quiet during client meetings since you insist on interrupting constantly ".
This style of communication is recommended in most business settings.
Calm, measured, and positive, many situations can be handled, and problems solved, by proactively using assertive communication.

How can you become a more assertive communicator?

Speak from a place of confidence. If you're not a naturally confident person, fake it 'till you make it! You know best what you need to be successful, trust in yourself.

Consider both your needs and the needs of those you are communicating with. Try to be solution-oriented, positive, and sensitive to the other person's point of view.

Take a look at your verbs. Don't sugarcoat things or soften them. Say "will" instead of "could" or "should". Think of how different these two sentences sound: "I will take the lead on this project." vs. "I could take the lead on this project."

How can you effectively work with an assertive communicator?

2. Aggressive communication style

This communication style can be hostile, threatening, and comes from a place of wanting to win at all costs.

An aggressive communicator behaves as if their contribution to the conversation is more important than anyone else, and the content of their message is often lost because of the tone of their delivery.

This type of communication can result in people feeling belittled, steamrolled, and intimidated.

In some cases, they may reactively push back at an aggressive communicator, not because the communicator is incorrect, but simply because the delivery of the message is so unpleasant that they instinctively disagree.

This type of communication has been observed in some business leaders, who can control their style enough to come across as bold, rather than domineering, but that takes skill.
In day-to-day operations, this is not a style that will endear someone to their colleagues, and it is advised that this style is avoided in most cases.
How to adjust your aggressive style to communicate better

How can you effectively work with an aggressive communicator?

3. Passive communication style

This type of communication is also known as the submissive communication style. Another way of describing it is the "people-pleaser" type.

This type of communication is self-effacing, conflict-avoidant, and easy-going.

That's not to say that a passive communicator is always happy - in fact, this style of communication can lead to resentment building up over time because the person is unable to clearly communicate their opinions, needs, and wants.

Passive communicators tend to step back and let other, more assertive or aggressive, people lead the way.

They can find it difficult to effectively express themselves, and want to avoid confrontation at all costs. This can directly lead to their good ideas never being heard, or for miscommunications to come up.
In business, this style of communication can be used in reaction to aggressive communication, especially when handling a client or other person with whom other styles of communication are not working.
However, within a team or department, managers should work to help passive communicators access a more assertive style, so their valuable insights and ideas do not get passed over.

How to adjust your passive style to communicate better

Be confident in the value of your contributions. If this is difficult for you, try the fake it 'till you make it advice we gave above for those hoping to become more assertive. Start small and build your confidence.

Learn the value of "No". You can only take on so much work, and being able to set healthy workplace boundaries will help you be able to make sure your plate is not being overloaded by those looking to take advantage of your people-pleasing nature.

You're already good at compromise, but make sure that you are not compromising everything. Look for solutions where everyone can win, and offer them up.

How can you effectively work with a passive communicator?

Directly ask their opinions on subjects. Give them space within the conversation to offer their views, and allow them the time to properly express them.

Do not dismiss their ideas. They are working hard to build their confidence, if an idea won't work, point out the value of the idea and highlight the positive aspects of it, rather than cutting them down with a short "Well, that won't work."

Keep conversations positive and solution-oriented. Don't be angry or confrontational, that will cause them to shut down completely.

4. Passive-aggressive communication style

This style of communication, like the name suggests, combines aspects of both passive and aggressive communication styles.

The passive exists on the surface, while the aggressive simmers beneath.

Outwardly, the communicator seems sweet and easy-going, but they are operating from a place of anger and resentment.

This bubbles up and can be shown through using sarcasm, being patronizing, starting rumors, or gossiping.

Their frustration comes out through these indirect routes, but they will have the same effect as someone who is straightforwardly aggressive; colleagues will not want to work with them.

This style tends to be very toxic in the workplace, spreading discontent and resentment throughout the team or department.

There are no times that this style of communication is appropriate in a business setting. If there are communicators in your organization that default to this style, it is key that they are helped to readjust to a less disruptive style.

How to adjust your passive-aggressive style to communicate better

How can you effectively work with a passive-aggressive communicator?

5. Manipulative communication style

This style of communication uses cunning, deceit and influence to control the outcome of the conversation, and thus the actions of the people around them.

Manipulative communicators rarely say what they mean, instead they will bury their real goals within layers of obfuscation to get their way without the other person even realizing it.

This style is often characterized as insincere and patronizing, and when people realize that they have been played by a manipulator, they will not respond well to that person in future communications.

While some manipulation could come in useful in a customer-facing role where there is a need to calm down an irritated client, this style will lead to some clashes within teams or departments if one employee is using it consistently.
Where possible, a manipulative communicator should be steered into assertive communication.
Manipulator knows what they want to achieve and has clear goals, they are just not taking the best path to get there. By prioritizing everyone's needs, not just their own, they could achieve better results without upsetting colleagues.

How to adjust your manipulative style to communicate better

How can you effectively work with a manipulative communicator?

How your communication type can affect your message

These styles focus more on how the speaker communicates information within the conversation.

Each person will have a preferred method of communication, and endeavoring to use it can help make sure that you are effectively getting your message across.

No matter what your style is, you can adjust it to fit these four types, depending on the style of the person you are communicating with. It may take some practice, but it will make you a much more effective communicator.

1. Analytical

An analytical communicator favors data and hard numbers.

They want quantifiable information and disregard emotional statements as too vague or unimportant.

This means that they would prefer a statement such as " this quarter, sales are up 8.2%, and we are going to exceed our projections by 1.4%" rather than one like " we're killing it on sales this month! ".

When communicating with this type of person, do your research first! Lay out the numbers, then follow up with your request.

The upside of this is that an analytical communicator is good at looking at issues logically. There won't be any problems with emotions getting in their way. If an analytical communicator is not performing well, you could bring them the numbers that show where they are lacking, and they will accept that they need to improve in those areas.

The downside is that they can be perceived as cold or emotionless. They may make colleagues feel uncomfortable, or dismiss those who do not communicate in the same way. This can cause some issues within teams who have disparate styles of communication, such as personal communicators. They also might take too much time analyzing, calculating, and checking details, leading to a slow response time to issues, and resulting in lost opportunities.

2. Intuitive

An intuitive communicator is all about the big picture.

This is the type of person who doesn't like getting bogged down into the nitty-gritty details of a project, they prefer to get the general overview.

They are quick to see the broad picture and can easily leap to the conclusion, sometimes offering great insights as to how best to complete a project.

When you communicate with this type of person, give the Cliff's Notes version: " This new marketing project is going to use a new algorithm to target potential customers with even more precision!" rather than " First, we are going to A/B test the new algorithm, next we are going to develop three levels of tailored content, then we are going to deploy the project, then we are going to use these metrics to measure our success. "

The upside is that this type of communicator understands ideas quickly, and is already proposing solutions to possible challenges. They don't need to have their handheld, they are already off and running. They can often come up with out-of-the-box ideas and enjoy challenging themselves and others.

The downside is that this impatience can lead to mistakes. Intuitive communicators hate having to sit through the boring details, but by skipping that, they risk missing crucial information. They also will chafe at communicators who need to explain ideas or projects step-by-step, like functional communicators.

3. Functional

The functional communicator lives on the other side of the spectrum from the intuitive communicator.

They prefer to walk through the steps of the process, outlining each one until they reach the conclusion and can tie it all up in one neat package.

They are detail-oriented, good at understanding which processes will be the most helpful to ensure success, and they can be trusted to create functional timelines, allocate tasks, and run projects.

When speaking with a functional communicator, make sure that you are prepared!

They will want to know the full details of the project, you don't want to get caught up with metrics, feelings or big picture thinking, you must instead come with the project laid out and ready to inspect.

Using a sentence like " We want to create an improved user manual. We would like you to write the outline, consult with the developers, hire a technical writer, and edit the finished product." will serve you much better than " Don't you think the user manual could use some improvement? Can you take care of that? "

The upside of a functional communicator is their detail-oriented mind will be sure not to miss any important steps. They find it easy to focus on implementing projects and have a native understanding of what it will take to accomplish. Their thorough nature will make sure that the project runs successfully.

The downside of this is that their dogged focus on the process, improving each step and stage, can sometimes lead to them losing sight of the big picture and not accomplishing the actual goals of the project.

Their plodding, step-by-step style can also bore the audience, especially if a functional communicator is paired with an intuitive communicator. These two styles are a bit like oil and water; neither appreciates the other's communication very much. However, if done well, a functional communicator can take on the minutiae of a project while the intuitive communicator deals with the big picture.

4. Personal

The personal communicator is opposite to the analytical communicator on this spectrum of communication styles.

They prefer to use emotional language and value the human connection, seeking to know how their colleagues are feeling as well as what they are thinking.

This type of communicator tends to be a diplomat, helping solve conflicts and seeking peaceful solutions to inter- and intradepartmental issues.

For this type of communicator, you want to lean into the emotional component. Something like " Do you feel like our customer success team is feeling burnt out recently? Their numbers have dropped. Please explore this further, and see if they are feeling like they need more support." will net you much more success than " Our customer satisfaction scores have dropped 11% this year and we are not in line to meet our targets. We need to find and fix that problem, bringing the scores back up this quarter. "

The upside to this style is that a personal communicator will effortlessly build deep bonds within their team. They are focused on building cohesion and often will step into a problem-solving role when others are having difficulty in their communication.

The downside to this style of communication is that it might become too emotional for other communicators. Analytical communicators especially will not appreciate this approach, and may well disregard what personal communicators say, which can lead to hurt feelings or resentment.

Summary

All of these communication styles exist on a spectrum. People will rarely be 100% of one style, rather they will have primary and secondary, and sometimes even tertiary, styles.

A person might be primarily analytical, but secondarily functional. You will see people switch between styles as necessary, based on the situation, the person they are speaking with, and many other factors.

In general, you will find that having a mix of all of these communication styles will result in a better team.

Each style offers its own advantages and disadvantages, and having a solid mix of all four will ensure that you don't have massive blind spots.

If you had a team of only analysts, then you will find yourself behind schedule as your team checks and rechecks data but never takes action. The same goes for a team of only intuitives, your big picture would be perfect but your process to get there would be incomplete, abandoned by your team as uninteresting and unimportant.

When you have all of those people in the team, you can have your ideal mix of people who generate ideas, analyze them, implement them, and help to solve problems if needed.

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5 Types of Communication Styles | How to Improve Yours

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Discover different communication styles and learn how to effectively interact with each of them. Apply tips to improve communication between your employees.

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4 Styles of Communication | Communication Styles In The Workplace

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4 Styles of Communication | Communication Styles In The Workplace

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4 Styles of Communication | Communication Styles In The Workplace

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It turns out you can escape from boredom, after all. In the age of social media and fast-paced twenty first century lives, boredom is more prevalent than it ever has been. So what's the cure?

Brain-busting, mind-bending, adrenaline-pumping games. More specifically, escape room boxes.

There is no question that the popularity of in-person and online escape rooms the past few years has peaked our interest in puzzle solving, deduction, and quick-thinking. Based on findings from a recent study,

"According to recent data, there are more than 3,000 escape room games in Europe and around 14,000 worldwide."

Clearly people are going to more and more escape rooms. But how do you combat boredom at home? Now, boredom doesn't have to remain an unsolved case - now that we have the option of finding the perfect escape room boxes to play with at home or in the office.

End it for good by unleashing the sleuth in you, your coworkers, employees, friends, and family. Find out who the modern day Sherlock Holmes is as you decipher codes, uncover clues, and pursue the truth with reckless abandon!

Bring the detective work to your home, the workplace, and virtual game nights with escape rooms.

Check out our list of the best escape room boxes to unpackage fun in 2022!

List of Escape Room Box Ideas

Escape The Crate is a team building kit of riddles and puzzles you can navigate through with your teammates and remote coworkers. This escape room puzzle box is ideal for small groups, but it can be played solo in the comfort of your home. Every box is a full-length story with 2-3 hours of gameplay.

Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: Each escape room box comes with glossy papers, envelopes, and in-game props - plus, the box itself is covered in illustrations that double as a game board for your escape room excursion.

Price: Starting at $14.99

How to start your escape: Escape The Crate

The Mystery of Oak Island features more than 25 puzzles, a hint book, and 7 padlocks to complete this hand-crafted escape room home game. On top of all of that, this family-friendly murder mystery box also comes with maps, codes, a journal, gems, a message in a bottle, and pirate stories.

Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: Each game should last between one to two hours, which is fantastic for taking a break from work. Try sending your remote and in-person teams on this bonding adventure!

Price: $89.98

How to start your escape: The Mystery of Oak Island

The Deadbolt Mystery Society is an immersive, story-driven mystery adventure for your mystery-solving gang. Whether you have a talking dog and a Mystery Van or not, you'll be equipped to follow the clues in this escape room kit. The online components (such as case files) bring each story to life.

Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: Each story requires a QR code reader on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, so this interactive game can be enjoyed virtually; however, each stand-alone story also doesn't require other boxes.

Price: $23.67

How to start your escape: The Deadbolt Mystery Society

Murder On the Mystery Express is a hybrid between a scavenger hunt and an online escape room purposefully designed to improve team building and coworker chemistry! As teammates work together to complete puzzles, hunt down clues, and wind their way through the quest, they'll be forced to engage their creative problem-solving skills.

Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: The game organizer helps guide your team through the experience, which makes it perfect for remote and distributed teams. It also comes with a Zoom and game links, competition mode, and a custom invitation for participants.
Price: Get custom pricing
How to start your escape: Murder On The Mystery Express

The Conundrum Box is a monthly subscription escape game shipped right to your home. This narrative-driven epic pirate adventure sends you and whoever else you play it with, on a mission to solve puzzles and dive deep into a world of music, history, food, fiction, and drink recommendations. The Conundrum Box is also a great date night idea!

Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: The Conundrum Box features ciphers, hints, puzzles, stories, and other gaming materials. Another key element of this escape room subscription is the host of historical and literary characters that are embedded in the storylines!

Price: $25

How to start your escape: The Conundrum Box

The Escape Room Party Box is an all-inclusive scavenger hunt with a twist - the entire hunt takes place in a single room! The Escape Room Party Box features clues, puzzles, invisible ink, mysteries, secret codes, a key, a lock, a treasure chest, notepads, a decoder screen, a combination lock, and a black light for those otherwise impossible to detect blood splatters! While the escape room works best for 2-8 participants, you can always run separate escape rooms side by side for larger groups like you'd get at a work party.

Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: If you do go the route of hosting two separate escape rooms, you get a 33% discount on the second.

Price: $55

How to start your escape: Escape Room Party Box

The DIY Printable Escape Room is a tabletop escape room PDF designed to provide an escape into the holiday season or the perfect game night. In this scenario-based team building activity, Santa suddenly disappears, which means that Christmas could vanish with him. All the kids awaken to no presents beneath the tree; however, it isn't the Grinch who stole Christmas. The question is, where did Santa go? Help the elves in their scramble to save the holiday season!

Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: This DIY Printable Escape Room offers close to an hour of fun and players can turn the escape room into a treasure hunt by hiding game materials around a designated area. Enjoy with the whole family!

Price: $14.45

How to start your escape: DIY Printable Escape Room

The Jewel Heist is an action-adventure mystery game that takes you and your team through a series of collaborative brain busters and hidden clues to pull off, well, a jewel heist. The good news is that nobody has to be arrested at the end - if you're a smooth criminal.
Price: Find more information here
Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: Every escape room game comes with items, props, hidden clues, lockboxes, ciphers, and puzzles. To top it off, an on-site host helps run the event, sets it up and tear it down, and conducts an awards ceremony at the conclusion of the adrenaline-pumping heist.

How to start your escape: Jewel Heist - Escape Room Box for Team Building

The Werewolf Experiment is a fantasy, sci-fi, horror mashup in which your goal is to get everyone to escape before a mad scientist turns you into werewolves. But first, you have to complete 19 mental and physical puzzles - and you only have one hour to do it.

Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: Participants can solve not just 2-D puzzles, but 3-D! Additionally, the Werewolf Experiment can be connected with Amazon Alexa to enhance the gameplay experience and make the already immersive scenario even more heart-pounding.

Price: $29.99

How to start your escape: The Werewolf Experiment

Escape Room in A Box is an hour-long remote game in which participants have half of a broken time machine. This scenario-based game is centered around players getting the time machine working again within a 75-minute time period.

Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: The game is a two-part series, but the best part is that finishing both storylines unlocks an extra 60-minute bonus game that can be enjoyed remotely to reduce workplace stress.

Price: $14.99

How to start your escape: Escape Room in A Box - Time Drifters

Bucket of Doom is an escape board game that places players in 70 wildly terrible yet ultra-fun scenarios. What's worse - or more hilarious - is the fact that participants are aided by 200 useless object cards. Imagine using a pool noodle to fend off a bear. Yes, they're about that useless. As the description notes, Bucket of Doom is perfect for any occasion besides funerals.

Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: This dark humor game appeals to the same crowd that would enjoy the famous card game Cards Against Humanity and it can be sent straight to your own home.

Price: $14.99

How to start your escape: Bucket of Doom

The Enigma Fellowship is a travel-themed adventure box. Want to rewind the clock and visit ancient civilizations? Perhaps you'd like to test your chameleoning abilities on a spy mission? Join the Enigma Fellowship to follow incredible storylines and solve puzzles for approximately 2 hours at a time with this bi-monthly escape game subscription box.

Notable feature from this escape room puzzle box: This work-from-anywhere subscription box allows remote teams to play using ciphers, letters, 3-D interactions, and puzzles at their next team building event!

Price: $20.50

How to start your escape: Enigma Fellowship

People Also Ask These Questions About Escape Room Boxes

Q: What is an escape room box?

A: An escape room box is an adventure in a box designed to give participants an enjoyable experience as they solve puzzles and other mind-bending equations.

Q: What is included in an escape room box?

A: An escape room box usually includes ciphers, maps, storylines, and other materials related to the adventure.

Q: How many people can participate in an escape room box?

A: The number of people who can participate in an escape room box depends largely on the type of escape game. Some escape games support a handful of participants, while other supports dozens and sometimes hundreds.

Q: How can you plan an escape room at home?

A: You can plan an escape room at home by choosing a virtual escape game or a printable escape room game.

Q: How much does an escape room box cost?

A: An escape room box can cost anywhere from $20 to a few hundred dollars depending on how many participants are involved and what the escape room box includes.

Q: What kind of puzzles are in an escape room box?

A: The puzzles included in an escape room box can range from word puzzles, math equations, and riddles to themed trivia questions.

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12 Best Escape Room Boxes [Unlock Fun At Home in 2022]

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It turns out you can escape from boredom, after all. In the age of social media and fast-paced twenty first century lives, boredom is more prevalent than it ever has been. So what's the cure? Brain-busting, mind-bending, adrenaline-pumping games. More specifically, escape room boxes.

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Virtual Escape Room | Outback Team Building

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Location: 1410 Lasalle Blvd Greater Sudbury, ON, Canada P3A 1Z6

Phone Number: (705) 566-5093
Email: info@gcgameshobbies.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/GreatCanadianGames/

Hours: Monday - Friday 11 am- 6 pm
Saturday 11 am - 5 pm
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*Prices are listed, contact the store for more information

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Great Canadian Games and Hobbies is a game and hobby shop located in Greater Sudbury. We carry a... 1410 Lasalle Blvd, Greater Sudbury, ON, Canada P3A 1Z6

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How Great Leaders Inspire Action | Simon Sinek | TED

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Most Leaders Don't Even Know the Game They're In

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Most Leaders Don't Even Know the Game They're In

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Most Leaders Don't Even Know the Game They're In | Simon Sinek

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40 Morale-Boosting Employee Engagement Activities During COVID-19

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40 Morale-Boosting Employee Engagement Activities During COVID-19

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*This list consists of in-person and virtual activities

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The pandemic has presented both employers and teams with a whole new set of challenges to contend with, making employee engagement activities during COVID-19 a vital tool.

To put it lightly, 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. That's why employee engagement activities during COVID-19 are more important than ever before.

With many teams working remotely, communication and bonds between colleagues being strained, and economic uncertainty creating new stresses for organizations and their employees, taking steps to reinforce employee engagement and morale is a must.

But there's some silver lining: as challenging as social distancing can be, employee engagement does not have to be bound within the office walls. Technology has made it easy to connect with team members, no matter where they're located.

Here are nine morale-boosting employee engagement activities during COVID-19.

1. Virtual Yoga or Workout Classes

Getting a little blood pumping goes a lot way in elevating your mood. So, you can take a quick pause from your workday to do a virtual yoga or workout class with your team.

Your team members can take turns running a class, or you can collectively join an online workout class run by a professional.

If you don't know where to start, check out  this article from Goop that explores seven professionally led online workout classes for you and your team.

2. Online Happy Hour

Employee engagement doesn't always have to be centered around work.

On the contrary, sometimes the best employee engagement happens in a casual setting where your team can get to know each other better outside of the parameters of their professional roles.

With that in mind, you can gather as a group using your favorite video conferencing platform, like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, and enjoy some beverages together. You could even try making fancy cocktails together. This list of 14 fancy cocktail recipes from Brit + Co can serve up some inspiration.

3. Cook Together Online

Most people have their favorite go-to recipe. So, consider having your team take turns teaching your colleagues how to cook their favorite meal.

If you want to up the ante, you could even offer each employee a small grocery budget to help them pick up all the items they'll need to cook with.

But remember to make sure to check in with everyone about dietary restrictions so that nobody gets left out.

4. Virtual Team Building Activities

The pandemic has had a serious impact on employee morale. Luckily, virtual team building activities  are a great way to keep employees engaged, connected, and social while social distancing.

At Outback Team Building and Training, we offer a ton of fun and engaging virtual team building activities, including:

5. Games on Houseparty

Houseparty is a face-to-face social networking app that's exploded in popularity over the last few months. And, although this group video chat platform may seem like just another  FaceTime  or Skype, Houseparty comes with some unique social features - namely games!

Through Houseparty, you can connect with your colleagues and play any number of available games. Here are some of the most popular ones that you can choose from:

Heads Up!: This is a video-chat version of the hilarious game from Ellen DeGeneres. Players provide clues for a word that one person tries to guess.

Trivia: Choose from 18 different decks that cover a range of topics and test your coworkers' trivia knowledge!

6. Virtual Group Training Programs

In a time when employee morale is down across the globe, there's something to be said for investing in your team's personal and professional development.

Why?

You're showing your employees that you value them, want to support their growth in your organization, and are equipping them with tools to be even more effective in their role.

If this sounds like something your team could benefit from, we'd recommend:

Emotional Intelligence Training: With the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) leadership training and development program, you can develop your team's self-awareness and social skills.

Are you looking for more creative ways of engaging your team virtually? Have a look at our article " 20 Virtual Team Building Activities to Engage Remote Employees " for some more inspiration.

7. Virtual Icebreaker Games

This is a great time to help your team get to know each other even better. Doing so will help forge stronger personal bonds which will ultimately lead to stronger professional outcomes.

We compiled a comprehensive list of The 164 Best Team Building Icebreaker Questions for Work, which include some great questions like:

If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be?

What would the title of your autobiography be?

You're going to sail around the world. What's the name of your boat?

8. Play Virtual Pictionary

Wait, did we really just suggest playing Pictionary online? How in the world would that work?

We're glad you asked!

Using Skribbl.io, you can play Pictionary with your team by creating a private room for your team and drawing with your house.

If you think it's funny to play in person, just wait until you're watching people try to draw using their mouse or computer trackpad.

9. Host Virtual Lunch and Learns

Another great way to keep your team engaged is by tasking them with hosting a virtual lunch and learn for your team on an ongoing basis.

Whether it's weekly, monthly, or any cadence you choose, assign each person a time where they can research something relevant to your industry that they find useful and interesting and have them present it to the team.

This way, they can learn and practice key soft skills all while keeping connected with the rest of the team.

You'll be surprised by all the unexpected things you can learn about your colleagues!

The COVID-19 pandemic is undeniably causing challenges and stresses for organizations and employees around the world. But by implementing the right employee engagement activities during COVID-19, you can help boost your team's spirits and increase their productivity.

Learn More About Employee Engagement Activities During COVID-19

For more information about how your team can stay engaged during the pandemic, reach out to our Employee Engagement Consultants.

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9 Morale-Boosting Employee Engagement Activities During COVID-19

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The pandemic has presented both employers and teams with a whole new set of challenges to contend with, making employee engagement activities during COVID-19 a vital tool. To put it lightly, 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. That's why employee engagement activities during COVID-19 are more important than ever before.

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7 EASY STEPS TO IMPROVE EMPLOYEE MORALE (IN 2019)

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7 EASY STEPS TO IMPROVE EMPLOYEE MORALE (IN 2019)

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Every employer claims to value employee morale, but few actually take steps to improve the working conditions and experiences of their employees. When executives want to focus on morale, they often get distracted by other important issues that need to be addressed to keep the company running.

However, employee morale really is an essential company issue. Studies have found that companies with high levels of morale have revenue than those that don't. As you will see, employee morale is a profits issue.

So, how can you improve employee morale? It takes more than a few employee outings and birthday celebrations. Follow these steps to audit your current operations practices to see where your morale is low.

1. Communicate with Your Team Members

Your employees understand that you can't tell them everything - there is information that is confidential or irrelevant to their jobs. However, if your team members start to think that you are deliberately hiding information, they will start to get suspicious and lose trust in your management team.

Communication shows that you respect and care for your team. When you share good news and are honest about bad news, you show that you believe your team can handle the responsibility. Oftentimes, management tries to limit information to only executives and essential staff. They don't want to worry about their employees or create gossip, which typically has the opposite effect. Employees often assume the worst and may gossip further with each other until the actual news comes out.

When you communicate, you let your staff know that everyone is in this together as a team. You trust your employees as adults. You will support them through hard times and let them know when potential problems arise.

2. Invest in the Careers of Your Staff

One of the best ways to boost employee morale without paying your staff extra is to invest in your team. According to a survey by Gallup, 59% of millennial employees say opportunities to learn and grow are highly important to them. Comparatively, 44% of Gen Xers and 41% of baby boomers say the same thing. Your team members don't want to work in dead-end jobs. They want their employers to recognize them and help them grow.

Workplace development will keep your employees interested in their jobs, but it can also serve as a tool to recognize them for their work. Your staff will feel rewarded for their talent with the ability to do more exciting and challenging work.

3. Keep Your Mission and Objectives Clear

One of the best questions your employees can ask is "why." They want to know why they are working to accomplish something, why a process is done a certain way, and why they should care. Companies that care about employee satisfaction will answer these questions and encourage them to ask more.

When your employees have clear goals and a mission in mind, they can come up with new ideas to achieve it. They can be innovative and creative. For example, if you want to offer the best customer service in your industry, your team members can identify sticking points with customers and opportunities to streamline processes. This is better for your company in the long run than simply expecting employees to do whatever you tell them.

A clear mission can also make your team feel like everyone is working on the same team to accomplish their goals together. This builds camaraderie and a sense of purpose in the work.

4. Pay Your Employees

This may seem like an obvious concept, but many companies have a hard time paying their employees on time and accurately. First, your in-house team is sensitive to changes in company finances. If your employees don't think you can pay them, they might panic and start looking for more stable work.

Next, your contract and freelance workers want to get paid quickly and expect to be paid well. If you undervalue your contractors or take several months to pay them, then they will find other work elsewhere. This means that your talent pool shrinks as the best contractors stop working with you.

Make sure you have a reliable payroll management system and simple employee time clock software to pay your team members quickly. Otherwise, your morale problem will become an employee retention and acquisition problem as well.

5. Take Time to Recognize Your Staff

It is easy to get so busy in your day-to-day work that you don't recognize your employees. You need them to work harder and are so absorbed with deadlines that it is hard to see the forest for the trees.

However, no matter how busy you get, you can always set aside time to and thank them for their work - this only takes a few minutes. A few kind words in a meeting or a carefully-crafted email can do more to boost morale than any recognize your team team-building activity can.

Keep in mind that not all employees want a big public announcement about their work. While these are nice, some people might prefer a one-on-one meeting of congratulations or a hand-written note of appreciation. Learn what your team members prefer so you can show your recognition in the best ways possible.

6. Make Sure Your Morale-Focused Activities Are Meaningful

When companies try to boost morale, they often turn to team lunches, outings, and other get-togethers. However, your employees can easily tell when you are doing this just to placate them or are targeting the efforts to lower-level employees.

For example, a birthday celebration with five minutes of cake and a gentle reminder to get back to work won't boost morale. Neither will an employee luncheon that executives are too busy to (aka don't want to) attend. These efforts are band-aids on problems and don't address the real issues of distrust and lack of communication.

If you are going to introduce morale-building activities, make sure your entire team is on board. These morale programs won't work if only half of your staff cares. Additionally, be genuine about the activities you choose. Find something your team loves and give them time to enjoy it. If you are going to launch an initiative like this, make sure you are doing it right.

7. Identify Low Morale Within Your Staff

While many of these steps focus on high-level ways to boost morale, managers also need to look at individual team members and identify where morale is low. While morale may be high in the vast majority of the company, certain teams might be overworked or distrustful of each other. You may need to take certain steps within a specific team to work on morale or change the attitudes of those employees.

For example, one team might feel like they are never recognized while other teams get all the praise. Moving that one team to a new location or involving them in other projects can better help them realize how valued they are and boost their morale - without having to make sweeping changes across the organization.

Take away

A few small changes to employees with low morale can have a big impact on your overall organization.

Many leaders confuse employee morale-boosting with adding perks. They think employee get-togethers and office lunches will boost morale. While these tactics can help companies, they won't solve the deeply-rooted problems associated with distrust, poor communication, and a lack of pay.

About the author
Christine Soeun Choi is a digital marketing associate at Fit Small Business. Currently based in NYC, she has a background in business studies and math with a passion for business development. Outside of work, Christine enjoys taking photos, exploring artwork, and traveling.

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7 Easy Steps To Improve Employee Morale (In 2019) - GroSum Blog

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Every employer claims to value employee morale, but few actually take steps to improve the working conditions and experiences of their employees. When executives want to focus on morale, they often get distracted by other important issues that need to be addressed to keep the company running. However, employee morale

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50 Best Team Building Activities For Collaboration

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50 Best Team Building Activities For Collaboration

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*This article lists the pros and cons and then continues to the activities that are both in-person and virtual

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Team building activities are a great way to bring your employees closer than ever. Let's take a look at how these activities can transform your team into an A-team.

Teamwork is critical. It allows employees to get to know each other, combine their strengths, and get work done faster. It forms the building blocks of any business and plays a huge role in its success or failure.

How Important is Teamwork and How To Achieve It Through Team Building Activities?

This is the first question you should ask if you want to build a successful business. The owner of the Charlotte Hornets basketball team, George Shinn appropriately said, "There is no such thing as a self-made man ( ). You will reach your goals only with the help of others." Only when individual forces combine, can you achieve greater results, which were never possible on your own?

Teamwork plays a crucial role in any organization both big and small. When employees with common interests, goals, ambitions, and attitudes come together, a team is formed. This team then strives to put in the best effort to solve problems.

Each member of the team is expected to put in equal effort, get along with each other and achieve the goals set by the organization promptly.

Individual goals are secondary when a team is involved. For a team to be effective, every team member must be focused on a collective goal.

About 75% of employers rate teamwork and collaboration as "very important. Employees understand the value of teamwork and how it can make or break their chances of growth.

This is why 97% of employees and executives believe a lack of alignment within a team impacts the outcome of a task or project.

It is easy to form teams, assign tasks, and expect results. However, that is not how things work out most of the time.

Teams need to be constantly motivated; they need to develop an emotional bond, understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, help each other in times of need, collaborate, and communicate with each other effectively. This is where team building comes in.

We know. You are starting to imagine Steve Carell's role in the office and his team-building antics.

For your team-building efforts not to turn into team-breaking , you first need to understand:

1. What team building actually means, and,

2. How effective it can be to bring your team closer if done correctly.

Read more: 9 Virtual Team Building Games for Remote Employees!

What is Team Building?

Team building can be defined as comprising the group of activities, strategies, and tactics used to enhance social relations between team members and motivate them to perform better.

When teams are formed, either voluntarily or involuntarily, members are expected to get along and understand their roles and responsibilities.

However, without routine checkups, acknowledgment for good work, and motivational exercises, teams are bound to fall apart and disengage.

Team building activities are, therefore, a must to make sure teams are getting along well, team members understand their roles, and responsibilities, and are motivated to perform their absolute best.

Why are Team Building Activities Crucial For A Company?

According to a survey, of US employees are not engaged at work. Team building activities ensure the personal as well as 70 % professional development of team members and encourage engagement.

It has been shown that companies with more engaged employees earn 2.5 x more revenue than those with low engagement levels!

The bottom line, it's essential for every organization to engage in some sort of team-building activities as they result in a multitude of benefits.

Here are just a few of those awesome team-building benefits:

Team Building Activity Benefit 1: Increase in Employee Morale

Team building activities can be a fun and interactive way to boost employee morale. Winning fun games and activities that require team effort can increase motivation which can translate into everyday work.

Engaging in fun activities also allows team members to open up to each other and their seniors, which can foster new creative ideas and opinions.

Team Building Activity Benefit 2: Improves Team Communication

One of the primary reasons behind team building activities is to foster open and clear communication amongst team members.

By getting people out of their workplace setting, organizations can break down their communication barriers and help employees converse casually.

Taking team members to a picnic or the latest movie can start the conversation flowing in no time. This will eventually strengthen their work relationships and overall efficiency.
Read more: Best Internal Communication Tools For Better Teamwork
Team Building Activity Benefit 3: Builds Trust Among Employees

Imagine a team-building activity in which the team is divided into pairs, where one partner is blindfolded, and the other partner has to guide him/her through a path full of obstacles.

These kinds of games and activities can be extremely useful in building a sense of trust and support amongst employees and can result in better interpersonal relations back at the desk.

Team building activities based on improving trust can be extremely important for newly-formed teams or cross-functional departments who don't get the chance to connect with each other often and form meaningful relationships.

When employees can trust and count on each other, they operate with a sense of freedom which often leads to better results.
Read more: 7 Compelling Reasons Why You Need To Invest In Team Collaboration
Team Building Activity Benefit 4: Helps Teammates Get to Know Each Other Better

Team building activities can help employees socialize and get to know each other better. Making friends and acquaintances in the workplace can go a long way to increase productivity, improve morale and enhance collaboration in the workplace.

Team building activities help team members know a person outside the office environment, which often results in a more natural and human relationship.

You also get to know about each other's strengths and shortcomings better, which is critical information for improved team behavior.

Team Building Activity Benefit 5: Resolves Conflicts

A team can comprise members with different attitudes and personalities. Small conflicts or disagreements are common when working in a team.

However, maintaining team harmony is a must for teams working collaboratively and gives them a sense of trust. Conflicts amongst team members can be a productivity killer. These problems can turn into a nightmare for managers and can affect the company's bottom line if not handled correctly.

In fact, according to a study by CPP Inc. U.S. employees spend 2.1 hours per week involved with conflict, which amounts to approximately $359 billion in paid hours or the equivalent of 385 million working days.

Team building activities can indirectly force team members to get along with each other in a non-workplace environment. Here are some of the ways team-building activities resolve conflict:

1. Teams learn how to communicate problems and issues with one another

2. Understand each other's point of view

3. Get to know each other on a more personal level

4. Reduces the chances of future conflicts

Team Building Activity Benefit 6: Increases Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of teamwork. It's what teamwork is all about... getting work done together, and helping each other out when needed. When you have a collaborative work environment, employees feel more secure and content.

Even though collaboration is a critical part of any organization's culture, 39% of surveyed employees believe that people in their organization don't collaborate enough.

Team building activities aimed to improve collaboration can bring people closer, help build skills for discourse and learn how to work towards solving a problem together.

There is a multitude of various fun activities that can help bond teams like group tent-building competitions, playing sports, or participating in a charity drive at a homeless shelter to name a few. These activities are bound to bring the team together and help members engage with one another.
Read more: 8 Free Easy Use Online Team Collaboration tools
Team Building Activity Benefit 7: Increases Creativity

Taking out the entire team from time to time can help ease workplace pressure and get employees out of the rut. By breaking the routine day-to-day activities for a fun-filled day at the park, employees can get a much-needed breather.

This recharge often results in an increase in creative ideas and problem-solving between co-workers. Going out with teammates and facing new challenges can help employees attain a new perspective and outlook.

Employees spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, sitting next to each other. Team building activities make sure that employees get to know each other well, learn to trust and count on each other, and are motivated to get the job done together.

Let's take a look at some awesome team-building activities that will supercharge your employee's morale, enhance relationships and come together as a cohesive group to help you achieve your company's goals.

List of 50 Best Team Building Activities For Better Collaboration and Understanding

Below are a few of our favorite team-building activities that will bring your team closer than ever:

1. The Egg Drop

One of our favorite team-building exercises is the egg drop. In this activity, the team is divided into two groups, and each group is asked to build an egg package to save an egg from breaking when dropped from a certain height.

Each team is provided with various tools and materials needed to make the egg package. The process of creating an egg package encourages employees to get creative and problem-solve together.

It's a fun, messy activity that teaches important workplace traits like teamwork, communication, and creativity.

2. Hobby Clubs

Hobby clubs are an excellent way to bring together like-minded people. The organization can provide financial support for these clubs and encourage people to spend a few hours a week spending time on hobbies they care about.

Book clubs, photography clubs, cooking classes, painting classes, etc. are a few examples. These activities give employees a chance to engage in conversations, which don't involve work and unwinding.
Read more: Importance Of Teamwork And Collaboration In Digital Workplace
3. Zoom

This team-building activity is based on the picture books "Zoom" and "Re-Zoom" by Istvan Banyai which comprises 30 sequential pictures.

The team is divided into groups and each group has to piece together a narrative from the set of images that are handed out to them. Participants can only look at the image provided to them and must hide it from anyone else.

Without looking at each other's images, the group must put the images in sequence. The group that completes the story the earliest wins. This team-building game is a great way to instill problem-solving skills and teamwork.

4. Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts, a classic team-building exercise, are a fun and engaging way to promote cooperation and creative thinking.

Depending on the size of the company or the department, employees are divided into smaller groups and are asked to look for a list of things hidden in a certain area. Often clues, lead to more clues and activities to get to the end.

The team that completes the scavenger hunt first is the winner. Scavenger hunts encourage team bonding and are a good way to teach time management to employees.
Read more: How To Create Internal Newsletters For Your Team
5. Office Trivia

Compile a list of office-related questions like, "how many desks are in the office?", "how many people are in the HR department?", " What brand are the computers?", or "how many floors are there in the office building?" and test your employee's knowledge.

This team-building exercise tests how observant your employees are.

6. Minefield

Use some empty space and fill it up with obstacles or "mines" like office chairs, desks, balloons, water bottles, etc. Divide your team into pairs where one is blindfolded.

The sighted person must guide their partner to the end of the room without touching the mines. This type of team activity builds trust and improves communication between team members.

7. Blindfold

Blindfolded team-building games can be a great way to promote trust and clear communication among employees. There are many types of blindfold team building activities like blindfold tent building, racing, low tightrope walking, etc. which require a team effort.

This team-building exercise is usually played in a group of two. One person is blindfolded and is instructed by their partner to follow a certain set of directions to help them win the competition.

Blindfold challenges are a great way to build communication, especially active listening. They also can be a lot of fun!

8. Frostbite

Frostbite is a scenario-based challenge in which a team of 4-5 is asked to build a tent shelter in the Attic to protect themselves from freezing weather.

However, the team leader has frostbite on his/her hands and is unable to help while the rest of the team is suffering from snow blindness and thus, can't see.

The team which builds the tent the quickest wins. It's an interesting team building activity that tests the leadership and collaborative skills of the team.

9. Paintball

Who wouldn't love a great paintball session? Divide your team into two groups or have a paintball competition between teams from different departments.

Paintball is a popular team-building activity as it requires a combination of teamwork, strategy, and leadership.

During the competition, a paintball team develops communication skills, careful planning, decision-making, and collaboration.

10. Paper Plane

We bet you have made and flown paper planes as a kid. This team-building exercise is super fun, and engaging and requires only a piece of paper.

It can be done individually or as a team. Employees are asked to make a paper plane from an A4 sheet and are challenged to a race. The plane that travels the farthest wins.

This team-building exercise encourages creativity, as the design of the paper plane plays a significant role in its flight. Instead of distance, you can even have a "best-designed paper plane" contest and have everyone vote for the winner.

11. Board-Games

Everyone likes board games! Organize a board game tournament and set prizes for the 1 st , 2 nd, and 3 rd place. Board games can include a game of Jenga, Codenames, or cards.

12. Two Truths and a Lie

This interesting team-building activity requires every team member to write down two truths and a lie about themselves on a piece of paper and not reveal it to anyone.

After that, allow team members to have 15-minutes to question each other about their truths and lies, trying to guess one from another. After the questioning period, vote as a group on each member's truths and lies.

Points are awarded for guessing correctly or hiding your own lie. This exercise encourages better interaction and communication and helps to get to know your co-workers better.

13. Charity Drive

Helping out the community is one of the best ways to come together as a single unit and work towards a greater cause. According to a study, corporate social responsibility is the third most important driver of employee engagement overall.

Volunteering at old-age homes, building homeless shelters or tents, and mentoring at nearby schools are some of the things you can encourage your teams to do together.

This will not only bring the team together emotionally but will also help boost employee morale while making a positive impact on the society and community.
Read more: What Is The Best Way To Share Research With Your Team
14. Go-Karting

Go-karting is an engaging team building activity that can get the adrenaline pumping. It is an amazing way for employees to interact with one another over a fun race.

Friendly races are bound to leave everyone content. Make sure to double-check safety.

15. Build the Tower

Team members are grouped and are asked to build the tallest tower with the given supplies. These supplies can include uncooked spaghetti or playing cards.

This will encourage team bonding and creativity as the team tries to build a tower that stands on its own with limited resources.
Read more: 11 Of The Biggest Benefits Of Team Building Exercises You Need to know
16. Toxic Waste

Teams are provided with just two ropes and are required to transport a bucket of 'Toxic Waste' (some balls in a bucket) and return it to the safe zone without tipping over the contents.

It is a great problem-solving and teamwork exercise your next team-building session should have.

17. Pokemon-Go Competition

The internet craze, Pokemon-Go can be a great way to get your team outside the office for 15-minutes a day and do some Pokemon catching.

This not only helps your employees take a quick mental break but also stimulates team bonding and healthy competition as to who catches the most Pokemon. Fun, right?!

18. What's My Name?

You must have seen this game before, maybe with a different name. What's My Name is an interesting team building activity where each player is assigned the name of a person (dead or alive).

The name is written on a post-it note or a piece of paper and attached to the back of another team member so they can't see who they are but the rest of the group can.

Then the team members will go around the room asking questions and answering other questions related to their names until the other persons figure out who they are.

The questions and answers are often stereotypes related to the name in the tag. After a member knows who they are, the game ends for them.

The purpose is to enlighten team members of their sometimes stereotypical thinking and narrow viewpoints and understand and treat each other better.

19. Lunch Dates

Another classic team-building activity is lunch dates which can be organized by team leaders or management. Take your team to a fancy restaurant or have a barbeque in the local park. Team members are bound to converse over food and get to know each other better.

You can even allow your employees to bring their family members for a more casual get-together. Lunch dates encourage communication and bonding which translates into increased productivity at work.

20. Negotiate

Divide your group of employees into teams of three and give each group two coins. One person (who can be the team lead or manager) can act as the mediator.

Now the objective is the negotiate amongst groups and decide which of the three groups gets to keep the coin. The better they can sell and negotiate, the higher their chances of winning.

Now have them decide who gets to keep the money. This team-building activity teaches team members a vital skill in negotiation which should not be limited to the domain of salespeople.

21. Dog, Rice, Chicken

In this activity, one of the group members is assigned the role of a farmer and the rest team serves as villagers.

The farmer bought a dog, a bag of rice, and a chicken and he needs to get them across the river to return home. However, his dilemma is that he can only carry one item with him on his boat.

He cannot leave the dog alone with the chicken because the dog will eat the chicken, and he cannot leave the chicken alone with the bag of rice as the chicken will eat the rice.

The team has to collectively brainstorm and come up with a way for the farmer to get all three of his purchases back home safely?

22. Back-to-Back Drawing

Teams are divided into pairs, with each pair sitting with their backs touching. One person is given a shape and the other a sheet and a pen.

The person holding the image must give verbal instructions to their partner as to how to draw the image without telling them what the image or shape is.

This team-building activity focuses on the listening and collaborating skills of employees. The pair with the best image replica wins.
Read more: How Digital Collaboration In The Workplace Improves Collaboration
23. Improv

Improv takes a fun approach to team building as it ends up being an entertaining and hilarious event that team members can enjoy together.

Have your own " Who's line is it anyway " workshop at the office and break the ice with a pinch of laughter!

24. Room Escape Games

Room escape games have become very popular in recent years as a great team-building experience. In this, a group is locked inside a room and is given an hour to escape.

The objective is to find clues within the room and use them to get out of the room before the timer runs out.

According to data, only 20 percent of players actually make it out before the hour is up, showing that it really takes a good amount of brainstorming, team creativity, logic, and patience skills to get out of the room in time.

You can do this activity in your office with a vacant meeting room or can also go to 'Escape the room' pop-up locations which have opened up in various countries seeing the popularity of the game.

25. Memory Wall

Team members are asked to write some work-related subjects on a whiteboard or post-its, then have everyone pick one and share a memory related to that topic.

These topics can include " my favorite coworker ", "my first day at the office," "presentation day," etc. The memory wall team building activity is a great way to bond over positive memories and helps develop deeper work relationships.

26. Catch Phrase

This game has become so popular over the years that Hasbro has even made an electronic version of it. In this team building activity, team members are asked to describe a word or phrase without actually saying it.

Each team member takes a turn while the rest of the group is assigned the task of guessing. Phrases can even include expressions, celebrities, sports personalities, or simply objects in the office.

It's a great team-building activity to teach employees how to effectively communicate in the organization.

27. Listen up!

Want to improve your team's listening and comprehension skills? Listen up is a great team-building activity that does exactly that. First, pair up participants and give them prepared index cards.

One team member reads the prompt on his/her card and is asked to speak on the topic for the next 3-5 minutes.

The partner is then supposed to recap their talk in one minute. In the next round, you can reverse their roles.

28. Photo Shoot

Break down your employees into smaller groups comprising 3-4 members. Ensure that each member of the group has a camera phone. Next, create a list of items the teams need to click photos of. You can list objects, situations, people, etc., and try to make it as fun as possible.

Give your team 30 minutes to an hour to come back with their photographs, The groups that click photos of the most items win. You can also assign different points to different items to decide what team has the maximum points.

29. Day-to-Day

Ever wondered what your colleague's typical day at the office looks like? Get to know your peers better by playing day-to-day, a team-building activity that describes your typical day at the office. You can have all your group sit in a circle.

Then a person at the beginning of the chain can start describing what their typical day at the office looks like. This continues until every member has gotten the chance to speak up.

This way you can see what your peers work on their whole day and appreciate their efforts, especially if they seem very busy and unapproachable at the office.

30. Pencil Drop

For this team building activity, take a pencil and attach two pieces of string around the eraser part of it.

Divide your group into two teams and tie one piece of the string around the waist of one of the team members and the other string around the waist of the other member.

Then find a water bottle and have both teams try to lower the pencil inside the bottle without using their hands. Teamwork and collaboration are the two main themes of this team building activity.

31. Masterchef

Divide your teams into smaller groups, pick a food category (pizza, anyone?) and challenge the team to come up with a delicious dish in time.

Have team leaders judge the culinary challenge and announce winners. Making food together requires teamwork and creativity and can turn out to be a delicious team building activity for everyone!

32. Skits

Skits are a great team-building activity as it forces employees to get out of their comfort zone and perform with their co-workers. From building up a story to rehearsing and assigning characters, all end up being an exercise in leadership, creativity, and collaboration.

This team-building activity can be performed in large groups of 40-50 people a nd by dividing them into groups of around 10.

Each group can be given 5-10 minutes to prepare and around 5 minutes to perform. They can choose the topic on their own or can be selected randomly from a bowl of chits with topics written on them.

33. Re-organize

Re-organize is a simple team-building activity that can be used as 'get to know each other' session amongst the team members. Divide the group into two lines facing each other.

Then, pick a category such as first names, and have both teams re-organize themselves alphabetically, as quick as they can.

You can then announce another category and so on. This activity helps team members build social connections and also encourages them to think on their feet.

34. Karaoke Night

What better way to break the ice between teammates than a laughter-filled karaoke night.

Karaoke can be a great way to loosen up a bit and reduce stress after a long office day. Who knows who you share your favorite song with!

35. The Human Machine

Split the group into teams of 8-10 members and give them 10 minutes to come up with a human machine and then have them demonstrate it. What do we mean by human-machine you say?

It's a fun activity where group members become parts of a "machine", each one making a discrete sound and or physical motion until the whole group is working together as one human machine.

You can either have other groups guess which machine you built or simply remove one member from each team and give them 3-5 minutes to adjust their machine. This team-building activity forces your employees to be creative and foster collaboration.

36. Guess Work

Similar to dumb charades Guess Work is another great team-building activity. The group is split into small teams of 4-5 participants.

One team member is given a random object (can be any office supply or stationery item). The person given the object is not supposed to show it to his/her team members.

When the turn occurs, the person has to go up in the front and show the use of the object without talking. The team that gets it right wins the game.

Every group can choose one member who would do the demonstration, thereby testing the decision-making abilities and creativity of individuals.

37. Kayaking

Kayaking is a great personal activity, but it can also double up as a fun team-building exercise too!

Take your team to your nearest lake/river and hop on a kayak/canoe for some water-based fun. You can ask your employees to rent multi-person kayaks so they can paddle in groups (ideally, people from departments).

38. A Shrinking Vessel

Want to get creative? Try out A Sinking Vessel, a team-building activity based on the idea that you and your team members are stranded on a sinking ship and have to stand close to each other to keep yourself in the area above the water.

What you will need is a rope to mark a space on your floor. Have your team members stand in that space and keep on gradually shrinking the space.

The objective is to stay within the shrinking boundaries, so the team really has to think quick!

39. What's in the Room

This is for marketers and salespeople! In this team building activity, employees are divided into groups of 3-5 participants and are asked to pick up any random object in the room.

The groups are then required to prepare a marketing plan to sell that object. The groups are supposed to come up with a full-blown strategy- a brand name, tagline, logo, and more to make it more appealing and they have to do all of this within 60 minutes.

After the time is up, the group has to present their product and try to sell it at a profit to the other teams (or maybe an auction). The team which sells the product at the highest profit is declared the winner.

This activity acts as a learning experience for people from different departments and gives them a preview into the mind of a marketer or salesperson.

40. Camping

If you don't mind some overnight fun, camping can turn out to be a great relationship builder.

Team members can develop great relations overnight while talking, singing, and having a good time immersed in nature. It is a great way to build memories together and enhance camaraderie.

41. Perfect Square

In this team building activity, your teammates are supposed to form a perfect square with a rope with their eyes closed. First, have your team members stand in a circle holding a piece of the rope.

Then ask everyone to put on their blindfold and leave the rope on the floor. Next, have them walk a short distance away from the circle, then come back and pick up the rope. Finally, they have to now try and form a perfect square with the rope without removing their blindfolds.

You can even set a time limit or ask team members to be mute to make this activity more challenging. The purpose of this activity is to foster an environment of clear communication amongst team members as, without it, they won't be able to form a perfect square.

It can also lead to hilarious outcomes, making it a must-try team building activity.

42. Book Club

Book clubs are a great way to bond over a shared interest and at the same time, build up that reading habit you have been promising yourself for years!

If you have a lot of bookworms in the office, ask them to pick a book for the week or month and give them space and other resources to meet and discuss the title. Mix up the genres to make it interesting for everybody.

43. Professional Development Workshop

Professional development workshops are an excellent way to provide employees with the opportunity to learn and advance in their careers.

But they are also a great team bonding experience as teams can learn about their job trends or a vital skill together.

This form of shared learning allows teams to grow together and help each other out with concepts.
Read more: 31 Teamwork Quotes That Will Fire Up Your Team
44. Desert Survival

Desert Survival is a team-building activity in which the group is given a scenario where a plane has crashed, leaving everyone stranded in a desert.

The group is provided with a list of items that might be helpful for their survival and the eventual rescue. Team members are then asked to rank each item based on their importance on an individual basis and then by a group consensus method.

It's a great exercise that allows us to reflect on our personal choices vs the choice of the group as a whole, all the while teaching us about teamwork and collaboration.

45. Human Knot

Here's another fun challenge for your team. Ask your team members to stand in a circle. Then ask each member to extend his or her right arm and grab the hand of someone standing across the circle.

Repeat the same with the left. People should be holding the hands of different people and not of someone standing adjacent to them.

Then when everyone's holding hands, ask them to untie this human knot without breaking the circle. If the knot breaks, the group has to restart the exercise.

The purpose of this game is to bring the team closer and work as a unit to solve a problem. If a single member breaks the chain, the team suffers, promoting an underlying theme of teamwork.

46. Team Birthday Line Up

Team birthday lineup is a quick and simple team-building activity that requires nothing but your employees. The objective of the activity is to line the group up according to their birthdays (month and day).

The catch is that they can't talk while doing so. The only way to signal each other is to use hand gestures or other nudges to determine each other's birthdays.

The line should begin on January 1st and end on December 31st. It's a fun little team building activity that tests your team's communication and cooperation.

Read more: 30 Hard Work Quotes To Get You Motivated For Success

47. Salt and Pepper

Take a piece of paper for each employee and write a pair of things (ex: salt on one piece and pepper on another). Tape one piece of paper on the back of the employee, making sure they can't see it.

When the game starts, employees then must walk around asking yes or no questions to find out the word taped to their backs. Once they figure that out, they need to find their other pair.

When they find each other, have them sit down and find three things they have in common, while the rest of the employees continue the game.

48. Barter Puzzle

Divide your employees into small groups of 3-4 people. Each group is then given a different jigsaw puzzle with the same level of complexity. The team that can put all the pieces of the jigsaw together in the least possible time will win.

However, some pieces will be mixed around in other groups' jigsaw puzzles. And that's the challenge! The team has to come up with creative ways to get the pieces back from other team members through negotiation, trading, exchanging team members, etc.

49. Sports Day Out

Sports are a great culmination of grit, ambition, and teamwork. Whether it's football, baseball, basketball, or hockey, ask your team which sports they like and take them out for a sports game.

Watching a game together can be a great team-building activity as you cheer for your team and charge up your team spirit.

50. Bowling

Although viewed as an individual sport, bowling can act as a great conversation starter or relationship builder.

Divide your team into two groups and have a bowling competition. What better way to spend an evening than bowling?

It's Time to get the team together:

Team building doesn't have to be hard. It's supposed to be a fun way for employees to get to know each other and have a great time.

These activities subtly strengthen employee relations which results in greater output at work.

When employees are at peace with one another, know each other well, and there's harmony in the workplace, business is bound to excel!

Let's recap. Team building activities will help to:

Now it's time for you to start considering team-building exercises as an important part of your organizational curriculum. Take the lead and encourage team building activities from time to time to bring your employees, teams, and departments closer.

It's no secret that in four businesses to succeed, you need your teams to do well together and team building is surely the way to go!

What do you think about team building? Do you have any favorite team-building exercises we haven't mentioned? Share your ideas below![/vc_column_text]
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50 Best Team Building Activities For Collaboration

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Team building activities are a great way to bring your employees closer than ever. Let's take a look at how these activities can transform your team into an A-team. Teamwork is critical. It allows employees to get to know each other, combine their strengths, and get work done faster.

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*This activity can be done in-person or virtually

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The Umbrella Game is an easy-to-play listening game that uses a secret clue to trick your friends. See if you can figure out the catch when it comes to playing this clever game!
Like Snaps, The Umbrella Game is most enjoyable when played with a large group or at a party. You can stump your guests as they try to figure out the point of this hilarious word game.

Continue reading to learn how to play The Umbrella Game!
The Umbrella Game guide will cover the following:

What is The Umbrella Game?

What you'll need to play the Umbrella Game

The Umbrella Game rules

FAQs

What is The Umbrella Game?

The Umbrella Game is simply a guessing game for two or more players.

The initial player starts the game by inviting friends to a party. Each player names an item they want to bring, and the "host" approves or disapproves of the item in question.

Players try to figure out why some items are acceptable, and some are not: What's the catch?

Number of Players: 2 or more

Ages: All ages

Difficulty: Easy

Length of Play: 10-15 minutes

Category: Party games, word games

Similar to: Paper Telephone, Heads Up Seven Up, G-H-O-S-T

Main Objective: Players listen to opponents as they offer to "bring" specific items to the party. Try to figure out the secret behind what is and isn't allowed at the party.

Why We Love It: PlayThe Umbrella Game anywhere! It requires only a few players and the ability to listen and look for specific hints from others. Play The Umbrella Game on a road trip, at a party, or while hanging around with friends.

What You'll Need to Play The Umbrella Game

All you need to play with are a few friends! The Umbrella Game would also make a fantastic icebreaker game for gatherings, business meetings, or team-building challenges.

Area of Play

While there are no materials required to play The Umbrella Game, some players use this game as entertainment or trickery for the guests at their party.

The leader of the game knows the secret behind the rules. Keep reading to find out how you can fool the guests at your next event!

The Umbrella Game Rules

To begin the game, the host, or initial player, starts by announcing the game as The Umbrella Game. Continue by telling guests that in this game, you are going to bring items to a party.

The host continues by going first. Here is an example:
"I am going to a party, and I am going to bring, um... some balloons."
Then, the host asks another player, "What are you going to bring to the party, Jake?"

Players try to figure out the rule behind this game when the starting player approves or denies the objects guests choose to bring to the party.

In some games, the host may choose to give a nonexample as well. Using the example above, the starting player could say, "I am going to a party, and I am going to bring, um... some balloons, but I cannot bring pizza."

Adding a nonexample provides a layer of complexity that will throw your friends for a loop!

The Catch
Players must say "Um..." before choosing their items! Hence the name, The -brella Game.
Players will eventually catch on, some faster than others. If you don't know the hidden reasoning behind the game, you may struggle to figure out what the secret is!

If a player says, "Um..." before stating the object, then the host approves their choice by responding, "Yes, you can bring that!"

If a player does not understand the hidden rule or says "Um.." when responding, the host will say, "No, you cannot bring that."

Example

Host: "I am going to bring, um, apples to the party. What are you going to bring, Max?"

Max: "I am going to bring bananas to the party."

Host: "No, you cannot bring bananas. Sarah, what are you going to bring to the party?"

Sarah: "I am going to bring, um, pancakes to the party."

Host: "Sure, you can bring pancakes!"

Variations

A variation to this game is that in place of "going to a party," players select items that can go "under my umbrella." There are also other variations which include, "Bring to a picnic."

This twist might add more excitement (and confusion!) to the game when some players can bring an elephant under the umbrella, but others cannot bring a bag or smaller item.

However, it also clarifies the name of the game: The Umbrella Game, hiding the underlying clue in a play on words.

How to Keep Score in The Umbrella Game

This game has no specific scoring rules, but don't let that stop you from playing! You can get creative and determine a point system for how many guesses it takes each player before figuring out the trick behind The Umbrella Game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is The Umbrella Game called The Umbrella Game?

To begin, players have no idea why the game is called The Umbrella Game. You may try to guess if items must be selected in a specific order, such as alphabetical, or based on a category by color, number of syllables, and so on.

In reality, there is no rhyme or reason to the actual items selected. The Umbrella Game is named the secret word, "Um..." which must be used before saying what thing you will bring to the party.

What is the Answer to the Umbrella Riddle?

The initial player begins by giving an example of something they are bringing to a party, or picnic depending on how you choose to play the game.

The game's premise is to see if your friends can pick up on the fact that players must say, "Um..." before naming an item to bring for it to be approved by the host.

Other Games Similar to The Umbrella Game (Our Guides)

After playing The Umbrella Game, be sure to check out some of these other similar games:

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The Umbrella Game: Rules and How to Play | Group Games 101

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The Umbrella Game is an easy-to-play listening game that uses a secret clue to trick your friends. See if you can figure out the catch when it comes to playing this clever game! Like Snaps, The Umbrella Game is most enjoyable when played with a large group or at a party.

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Want to learn how to be a good boss and a better leader? Copy these qualities, habits, and plain-old good policies that top managers live by.

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

"Trust fuels the ability to give honest feedback, to have difficult conversations, and to partner together to build great things," says Jennifer Hyman, co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway. It's a two-way street: While bosses need to trust their team to get the job done, they also have to prove they'll make good on their word and act in the team's best interest. "Your team will trust you if you do what you say you're going to do," says Joan Sullivan, CEO of Partnership for Los Angeles Schools. Being open and approachable and owning up to mistakes helps too. Say "I don't know" when you lack answers-then go and find them.

RELATED: 5 Things You Should Always Tell Your Boss

Learn a bit about everyone's life outside the office. It can help you better understand their strengths and challenges and create new opportunities (the person on a charity board, for example, could be in charge of a community service project).

Showing that you're human is important, says Kerry Cooper, president of Rothy's, a shoe company. Modeling positive behavior-taking your kids to visit the office, not sending late-night emails, accepting someone's need for a mental health day-contributes to a happier, healthier work environment.
RELATED: How to Ask Your Boss for a Mental Health Day

Caron Pinkus, a high school principal in New York City, says the best boss she ever had, took the time to hear multiple perspectives, then thoughtfully made a decision. "The ability to listen and then swiftly decide is something I have carried into my leadership style," says Pinkus.

Creating collaborative energy can help you get more out of your team because they'll feel they have a voice and know that a great idea can come from anyone. Even if you disagree with a recommendation, make it clear that you heard what the person had to say and explain why you decided on a different path. "Teams need to feel engaged," says Shannon King, senior vice president of partnerships for A&E Networks. "That comes from feeling like their contributions are meaningful."

A good leader reminds their team of the why behind the work to keep them inspired, focused, and passionate. This is especially critical in entrepreneurship, says Hyman: "Focusing on our mission to empower women helps all the little stressful things feel way more manageable." A strong vision can also help guide tough decisions. When a leader connects the day-to-day to a broader purpose, it becomes clearer what falls outside the line.
RELATED: 4 Things Every Manager Should Know

Just as important as having an eye on the big picture is showing appreciation for the tiny victories along the way. Taking a moment to toast a win, give a shoutout at a staff meeting, or commiserate after a grueling week can have a lasting effect. "I know firsthand that being a teacher is really hard work," says Pinkus. "I've seen how just a thank-you from your boss on a hard day can go a long way."

The best bosses are self-aware and understand what it feels like to work for them, says Robert Sutton, PhD, author of Good Boss, Bad Boss ($18; amazon.com). Then they share that insight. "Insecurity prevents us from being frank about these things," adds Sullivan. But when you are, it can head off miscommunication or misplaced anxiety.

Maybe you keep your door shut because it helps you focus, not because you're closed off. Share that info-and the best way to catch your attention. If you value efficiency and don't like making small talk, let your employees know that. Your honesty will help when you interrupt a story about someone's weekend to start a meeting.

A good hire goes beyond a résumé of accomplishments-think about how a new person will add to (or detract from) the whole. "Too many new managers forget the interpersonal part of putting teams together," explains King. And research shows that having diverse perspectives can positively impact both creative and financial performance.

First, decide what skills, personality type, or professional background may be missing from your team, then zero in on those qualities during the interview process. Sullivan assesses softer skills by asking about hopes, fears, and visions. Give small assignments that allow you to see the person in action.

More than two-thirds of recent college graduates stay at their first job for a year or less, according to a 2016 survey. If you want employees to stick around for a while, show them you recognize that their career path is bigger than this one role. "It's the job of a boss to figure out how to support the professional growth of their employees inside and beyond the organization," says Sullivan.

Discover their unique strengths and play to them. Don't assume you know what motivates each member of your team-ask. For some, it may be feeling that they're making an impact. For others, it may be learning new things or being invited to meetings. Some may perform best when there's time to prepare, while others shine when brainstorming on their feet; give both types of people a chance to succeed. (For example, allow your team to share ideas before a meeting using a shared doc platform.)

Control: It's a hard thing to let go of for a new manager. "You don't accomplish the big stuff by micromanaging people," says Joe McCannon, founder of the crowdfunding platform Shared Nation. If your team feels like you're going to swoop in with your ideas, or if they don't check their work because they assume you will, output (and attitudes) will suffer. "I struggled with learning how to delegate, but then you learn that sometimes other people are going to do better than you, and it's a delightful realization," says McCannon.
RELATED: How to Delegate Effectively

Beginning any new job can be exciting and overwhelming. The best bosses discuss expectations and work styles from the start. "This is vital to ensuring someone's success, and most people don't put as much emphasis on it as they should," says Sullivan.

Learn about your new employee. Ask: "How do you like to get feedback?" "How should I contact you if I need you on short notice?" "Do you work better in a quiet environment or a collaborative one?" "What do you want out of your boss?"

Share your preferences too. How do you like to be approached with questions? How often do you meet with your direct reports? "The biggest mistake people make is not taking the time to review communication styles," says Sullivan.

Also, discuss the culture of success, recommends Simi. Explain how you and the company measure success and what good performance means.

There's a difference between micromanaging and stepping in when an employee is struggling. If an employee has hit a wall or has a big deadline approaching, ask what they need to get the work done and, most importantly, wait for their suggestions.

"Employees should look to you not to fix a problem for them but to empower them to find the right solution," says Sullivan. If an employee is blocked, brainstorm together. If you know a task is tedious and requires extra focus, suggest a day to work from home. If they're having trouble getting a sign-off from a client, make the phone call together. "A good boss will guide you and remove obstacles on your behalf," says King.

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Want to learn how to be a good boss? Copy these qualities, habits, and plain-old good policies that top managers live by.

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6 Quick Team Building Games to Energize your team (In-person)

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6 Quick Team Building Games to Energize your team (In-person)

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*Activities can be for children and/or adults, for small or big groups

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6 Quick Team Building Games to Energize your team

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Discover quick team building games that will help you at your next meeting, group, or even party. They are a fun way to connect! “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision.

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11 Amazing Team-Building Games Even the Office Grouch Will Love (In-person)

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11 Amazing Team-Building Games Even the Office Grouch Will Love (In-person)

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*This list is for indoor or outdoor activities, each activity has the materials listed, group recommendations, and possible length of time

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If you've got a team that's hunched into their desks and siloed in their work, you probably know that a team-building exercise can get them on the same page.

Unfortunately, too many of them have been burned by boring games in the past.

The best team building shouldn't feel like a chore; rather, it should be an opportunity to get to know each other better and find common ground. The following list of games are sure to make even the office grouch put a smile on their face!

1. Game of Possibilities

Rules

This takes only five minutes. Give each person in a group a random object. Each person then stands up with their object and silently pantomimes a possible, not necessarily logical use for the object. The other people guess what the use is.

Purpose: This game helps get creative juices flowing.

2. Winner/Loser

Rules

One person shares a negative life experience with a partner. Then, they have to repeat the story, but focus on the positive parts. Their partner helps identify the silver linings with them. Then, the partners switch.

Purpose: This exercise encourages compassion and teaches resilience.

3. Purpose Mingle

Rules

Before a meeting, each person should share what they hope to contribute at the meeting with other attendees. You can incentivize this by offering a prize for the person who talks the most people or for anyone who indeed contributes what they say they will.

Purpose: This exercise encourages team members to think forward and prepare for the meeting.

4. Scavenger Hunt

Rules

Assign each group a list of wacky tasks/dares. Take a selfie with a stranger, hop down the street on one foot, whatever. Whichever team completes all their tasks the most quickly wins.

Purpose: This game helps break up cliques and encourages socialization.

5. Human Knot

Rules

All participants stand in a circle, facing inward with shoulders touching. Then, everyone extends their right hand to grab the hand of someone across from them. Next, everyone extends their left hand and grabs another hand. Give them 5 minutes to untangle themselves without releasing any hands.

Purpose: This game encourages teamwork, creativity, and the busting of personal bubbles.

6. The Perfect Square

Rules

Everyone stands in a circle, each holding a part of the rope. Then, everyone puts on their blindfold, drops the rope, and walks a short distance away. Next, everyone returns and tries to make a square around the rope, while blindfolded. To increase the challenge, set a time limit and/or ask some team members (especially those who are typically talkative) to remain silent.

Purpose: This game encourages team members to step up to leadership positions and demonstrate strong communication skills.

7. The Minefield

Rules

You'll need an open space. Scatter the objects across it. Have everyone partner up, then have one person in each pair wear a blindfold. Their partner must guide them through the "minefield" with words only. To increase the challenge, limit pairs to certain routes they must take.

Purpose: This game builds trust and improves communication skills.

TIP: Help your employees learn better communication skills and practices before or after they play an interactive team-building game. Just download our free tip sheet about idea communication to get started!

8. The Egg Drop

Rules

Break out your people into groups and have them choose office supplies from a pile. Teams then have a set amount of time to build contraptions that will protect the egg. Then, drop each contraction from a height and see which team engineered the best protection.

Purpose: This game is good for encouraging innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork.

9. The Barter Puzzle

Rules

Each group is given a puzzle, but with a few pieces from other groups' puzzles mixed in. The team must negotiate with other teams to retrieve those pieces, whether it means swapping team members, bartering, or whatever. All decisions must be made as a group. Place a time limit to increase the challenge.

Purpose: This game encourages leadership but also an important aspect of leadership: deferring to others' input and making sure everyone is on the same page.

10. Truth and Lies

Rules

Everyone sits in a circle, then takes turns telling three truths and a lie about themselves. The lie should be believable. In each turn, the other people guess which thing the person was lying about.

Purpose: This icebreaker is great for getting people to feel more comfortable with the rest of their team.

11. Blind Drawing

Rules

Have everyone form pairs in which they're sitting back-to-back. One partner has the picture, the other has pen and paper. The one with the picture must describe it without actually describing it. The one with the pen and paper must draw it from their partner's vague description.

Purpose: Enhance communication and improve descriptive skills among team members.

Get ready to play along

Many people don't see the value in team-building exercises or games like the ones mentioned above, but the truth is, if you want to see your employees working together through stressful situations and see how they problem-solve, these types of activities are crucial. Not only is being a good worker important, but being a team player as well.
Curious about other ways to manage your meetings creatively and with ease? Check out meeting management software to help you automate some processes while you people-manage like a pro.

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11 Amazing Team-Building Games Even the Office Grouch Will Love

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If you've got a team that's hunched into their desks and siloed in their work, you probably know that a team-building exercise can get them on the same page. Unfortunately, too many of them have been burned by boring games in the past.

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*Needs at least 4 people to play

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Play the Fishbowl Game (aka Salad Bowl) - Online & Free

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Play the Fishbowl game online! Also known as Salad bowl, The Hat Game, Monikers, or Celebrities. It’s a free, virtual version of a fun (and mostly hilarious) guessing game, designed for any group of all ages! You’ll need at least 4 to play, but it only gets more fun with more players. Hop on a video…

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The next round is played in a similar fashion, with each team having 1-minute to guess as many words or phrases as possible. The team that went second last time will get to go first for this round.

The main difference is that the player reading the paper can only use one word to describe the word or phrase. So, if the word is "Cheeseburger" this time they may use a single word like "McDonalds" to describe it. The team needs to remember the words that were mentioned in the first round and use the "password" as a hint. The teams continue to alternate with 1-minute rounds each, then the pieces of paper are tallied and placed back into the fishbowl.

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How to Play Fishbowl | Fishbowl the Game | Funattic.com

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The next round is played in a similar fashion, with each team having 1-minute to guess as many words or phrases as possible. The team that went second last time will get to go first for this round. The main difference is that the player reading the paper can only use one word to describe the word or phrase.

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*Add rules such as everyone remain silent, add a time limit

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The 5 Building Blocks of Resilient Teams

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The 5 Building Blocks of Resilient Teams

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Adopting More Flexible Remote Work Policies?

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Adopting More Flexible Remote Work Policies?

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The Real Benefits of Team Collaboration in the Workplace

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The Real Benefits of Team Collaboration in the Workplace

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The Real Benefits of Team Collaboration in the Workplace

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We know collaboration is important, but why? Here are some of the top benefits of team collaboration at work.

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The Importance of Collaboration in the Workplace

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The Importance of Collaboration in the Workplace

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86 percent of employees believe that a lack of collaboration in the workplace can lead to workplace failures. Have you experienced the same?

Achieving effective collaboration in an organization is never easy. Maybe the departments in your companies are siloed, maybe there are too many teammates working remotely, or most meetings are unproductive and taking up the time of employees.

While investing in the latest technologies and tools may seem like the most obvious solution, it is important for business leaders to remember that tools can only be effective if you have a powerful collaboration strategy.

What is collaboration in the workplace?

Collaboration in a workplace involves a group of people sharing their ideas and skills in order to achieve a common goal. Working collaboratively, instead of individually, helps improve productivity and gives employees a sense of purpose in the organization. It also becomes easier to brainstorm ideas to solve an existing problem or deliver the required work on time.

Employees with different ideas, perspectives, and expertise can work together to find innovative solutions, which in turn allows organizations to solve problems in a faster and more efficient manner.

Why is collaboration important?

Every member of a team has different skills, expertise, and talent. When all the members collaborate together they are able to utilize the experience, knowledge, and skills of everyone involved to achieve the shared goal. Not to mention, collaboration also fast tracks project deliveries as employees are able to combine their strengths and expertise to get things done. A problem that would have taken a single employee weeks to resolve, might be solved by a team within a few hours as everyone is able to employ their unique skills and viewpoints to get things done faster.

Work together collaboratively also allows employees to share their ideas while understanding how their team members think, work, and operate. This, in turn, allows the employees to learn from their colleagues and build upon their strengths. As a result, collaboration proves to be mutually beneficial for both the organization and its employees.

5 Importance of Collaboration in Organizations

1. It's the foundation of all work processes

An organization is an entity made up of a group or groups of people focused on delivering ideas, products, resources, services or solutions that deliver value to their end consumers. Collaboration is the glue that binds the various processes in an organization together. It is the foundation of all work processes, and while technology has made it much easier, much of the basics of work collaboration remain unchanged.

2. It's essential to overall work success

Any organization's success is dependent on how well its employees collaborate. Collaboration is the most basic building block of teamwork and it is crucial to delivering results on projects that require teams of people working together. There are also many kinds of work collaboration. While small teams may collaborate more successfully with little intervention, larger teams may need an efficient platform for work collaboration that allows them to collaborate contextually.

3. It's what brings teams together to achieve common goals

Common goals define a team's role in an organization. While individuals have responsibilities, teams have a structure that streamlines those responsibilities into output that helps them achieve their common goals. The interface that makes this possible is work collaboration. It is the process where individual members of a team communicate and transact work to help build an desirable outcome that meets their definitions of success.

4. It's how teams focus on individual responsibilities

While collaboration is an important part of getting teams and organizations to achieve their desired outcomes at work, it is also inversely true. As the most important work interface, collaboration's main goal is to let employees own their responsibilities and perform their work in tandem with their team members. Instead of working in silos and then meeting to evaluate their work, team members collaborate continuously to make sure they're on the right track.

5. It helps drive growth and innovation

Innovation has always been a core driver of growth at most organizations and collaboration is key to driving it. Collaboration facilitates the exchange of ideas and thoughts among team members who then weigh in on them with collective expertise. Collaboration in this sense acts as a force multiplier for innovative ideas and as checks and balances for ideas that can't be executed or ones that need more thought put into them.

Benefits of collaboration in the workplace

Improved flexibility

As collaboration in the workplace improves, the organization's ability to handle sudden changes also improves with it. Workplace collaboration makes it easier for companies to pivot when new disruptive technologies enter the market or customer preferences change.

Since collaboration is also one of the main principles of agile and scrum methodologies, it allows teams to be more responsive and flexible.

Higher engagement

Only 33 percent of the total employees are engaged today, which means if you aren't working towards fixing this problem, then your organization is at a big risk. Collaboration across the organization can lead to more engaged employees who are always ready to embrace change.

Productive meetings

Nearly 67 percent of meetings are failures, and unproductive meetings can cost companies over $37 billion every year.

When an organization has collaboration deeply embedded in its corporate culture, there are fewer meetings conducted as employees are able to successfully finish their tasks by collaborating with their team members online.

That way, meetings are only held for absolutely necessary topics that require proactive engagement, which in turn saves the time of the employees and makes them more productive.

Best practices for effective collaboration in the workplace

While implementing workplace collaboration can be different for every organization, there are some best practices that should be followed for effective collaboration:

Follow a top-down approach

In order to make collaboration effective in an organization, executives and business leaders need to lead by example by actively promoting collaboration as one of the core company values. Management's involvement can also improve overall employee engagement and efficiency.

Rewards and incentives

Instead of just giving employees rewards for their individual accomplishments, companies should also offer bonuses and incentives for team achievements as well. The idea is to decrease internal competition so that the employees don't see their colleagues as rivals. Instead, they should see their team members as an asset to combat external company competition.

Clearly defined guidelines

There is a need for a defined line of communication throughout the organization so that the employees know exactly where to find the relevant information and how to successfully accomplish the task that has been assigned to them.

Adapt continuously

After introducing the required collaboration practices, it is important for businesses to stay flexible in their approach. Department heads can take routine feedback from the employees to identify any bottlenecks or places of improvement. Moreover, you shouldn't assume that introducing a new technology can solve all of your problems. A collaboration tool can only help your company if you have a strong strategy to back it up.

Different types of collaborative working ​

Workplace collaboration can be divided into three major categories:

1. Team collaboration

In team collaboration, there is a fixed group of members with clear tasks, goals, interdependencies, and timelines. In order to achieve the goals, the members have to successfully finish their interdependent tasks within the stipulated time limit.

Most team collaboration requires coordination among all the members with clear communication. An example of team collaboration can be a five-member marketing team working together to launch a new marketing campaign in a month. While each member has a separate task to perform, they are all working together to successfully launch the campaign.

2. Community collaboration

In community collaboration, the goal is to learn instead of completing a task. Members join communities to share and build knowledge which they can then implement in their teams for problem-solving purposes. In case of community collaborations, the time periods are often ongoing or open. While most members have an equal footing in the community, the more experienced members may have a higher status.

Tech conferences or meetups are a great example of community collaborations where people from different regions come together to discuss the same technical issues that they have to deal with every day.

3. Network collaboration

Network collaboration usually involves interactions between people who are geographically distributed and mostly working autonomously, but they all collaborate effectively in order to achieve common goals.

Most members don't know all the other members personally as this type of collaboration is driven by the internet and social media. The timelines and memberships are open and limitless. These networks help in information and knowledge capturing.

A good example of network collaborations can be groups on social media where people ask queries and other members help answer them.

How Kissflow enhances collaboration in the workplace

Kissflow is a workplace collaboration tool that helps team members communicate and collaborate by allowing them to access all the business data and applications through one unified platform.

With Kissflow, you can create projects within teams, assign tasks to different team members, automate processes, streamline workflows, and create custom communication channels.

The biggest advantage of Kissflow is that its a cloud-based tool that can be accessed from any location and any device which makes it easier for remote employees to work closely together. It also makes collaboration seamless for companies that have offices set up in different physical locations.

By streamlining business processes and organizational operations, it is able to improve the overall employee experience.

Related Resources

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Why is Collaboration Important? Benefits and Best Practices

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86 percent of employees believe that a lack of collaboration in the workplace can lead to workplace failures. Have you experienced the same? Achieving effective collaboration in an organization is never easy. Maybe the departments in your companies are siloed, maybe there are too many teammates working remotely, or most meetings are unproductive and taking up the time of employees.

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35 Virtual Game Night Ideas, Games, & Activities For Side-Splitting Fun In 2022 (Free and Paid Options)

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35 Virtual Game Night Ideas, Games, & Activities For Side-Splitting Fun In 2022 (Free and Paid Options)

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What brings people together while keeping them apart?

What takes you to tons of new places with zero travel time?

That's right. A virtual game night.

A virtual game night is an evening of shared delight provided by online games that include anything from professionally hosted virtual trivia nights to classic board games that just got virtual makeovers.

Page Contents (Click To Jump)

Benefits Of Hosting A Virtual Game Night

Games make prime candidates for virtualization. Some mobile versions of classic board games streamline gameplay and include in-app instructions that make following the rules easier than ever. (That means you and your guests can spend more time goofing off and less time reading instruction booklets.) Other benefits include:

Safety for yourself and your friends and family during pandemic times when even small gatherings present a public-health risk.

The flexibility that allows even more friends and family who live in any location or time zone to attend with no trouble.

Memories that are easy to capture via screenshots and screen recordings.

Healthy competition. (Who doesn't love winning?)

Transportation and immersion as guests pursue exciting objectives while pretending to be fascinating characters.

Keep reading to find all the details you need to host a virtual game night packed with side-splitting fun.

Make your next virtual game night with coworkers extra special and send them a little surprise in the mail. Talk to the curation experts at Caroo and learn how they can help each employee feel like a winner - even if you hold the crown for Mario Kart in the office!

Virtual Game Night Ideas & Activities

Good virtual game nights keep guests engaged with the game and socializing with friends and loved ones. You can maximize engagement by making sure the games and technologies that you choose run smoothly.

The ideas below will help you host a game night that goes off without a hitch or hiccup.

Virtual Game Night Ideas For Work

1) Enjoy Some Personally Relevant Water Cooler Trivia (SnackNation Favorite)

Dazzle your work friends with team-building trivia that entertains your team as it makes them stronger. Simply use Water Cooler Trivia, an online trivia interface, to create and distribute quizzes and then peruse the results to learn fun facts about co-workers.

This game will feel like attending a trivia night where you and your teammates are the star subjects. Who wouldn't love that?

Why we love this: Teams who trivia together stay together, or at least learn a lot about each other. Find out who has a photographic memory for science facts or who keeps up with current events.

Where to start playing: Find the best option to start your trivia challenge at Water Cooler Trivia.

Just like being on the classic game show! An entertaining host will lead contestants through multiple rounds in this fun and fast-paced digital take on Family Feud.

Why we love this: This virtual game for work comes with a digital buzzer that allows contestants to compete like they're on the actual game show. You can even request custom questions based on a theme for an added price!

Where to start playing: Book with Confetti here!

We played a round of Virtual Coworker Feud aka Squad Squabble with our friends at Design Pickle to show you how this virtual game night activity works... Still have no idea how 11 people said "Microwaving Fish" as an answer...

3) Get Expert Hosting from Weve

Don't you just wish you could ask your best, most-charming friend to host your virtual game night so you can have fun with your co-workers? Weve will make this wish come true and then some.

When the experts at Weve are in charge of your virtual game night, it will feel like your most entertaining friend is leading you through a night of the best games, laughter, and quality conversations. During your game, expert event hosts lead and listen, finding and feeding conversational sparks every chance they get.

Why we love this: Their expert approach to virtual events doesn't just lead to fun; it also encourages "authentic connection, spontaneous interaction, and creativity."

Where to start playing: Learn more about Weve's Virtual Game Show here.

Having hosted hundreds of thousands of players from companies of all sizes, Team Building Hub offers a variety of games that are not only super fun, but include enthusiastic hosts to lead your team through a virtual game night!

Why we love this: They provide an immersive virtual game night where you and your group can choose from a number of engaging Zoom-based games including...

Virtual Escape Rooms - With several themes including a prison break, a submarine expedition and an art heist

Puzzle Game Show - Your game show host will lead your team through a series of game rounds like Puzzle Pyramid, Phrase Craze and Code Breakers

Mystery Games - Teams of 7-8 "secret agents" race to solve a crime first by reviewing evidence, cracking codes and connecting the dots!

"We were blown away! It was so organized, clever, detailed, and we also laughed so much along the way!" - Myra T, Zappos

Where to start playing: Plan your next game night with Team Building Hub.

Get to know your colleagues and build better connections with this ultra-social virtual game night activity for remote teams. Your group will learn fun facts about one another as you tackle a series of themed challenges together and engage in exploratory conversations.

Why we love this: This activity sets the stage to see the other side of your coworkers in a fun and care-free online environment. Every challenge is designed to inspire conversation and help build bonds between teammates. Since you spend all day with these people. You might as well get to know them!

Where to start playing: Get custom pricing for your group to plan your next Social Shuffle game night.

Do you remember those adolescent games like "Never Have I Ever" or "Truth or Dare"? Who says you have to grow out of them? Perhaps life can continue to be all fun and games with this Fun Bundle For Adults!

Why we love this: The Fun Bundle For Adults contains 6 smartly curated and beautifully designed downloadable PDFs for your next virtual game night. It's as easy as downloading them and printing them off for you and your coworkers, employees, friends, or family to enjoy together. Now, your virtual game night will be as full of intriguing conversations and questions as it is fun.

Where to start playing: Learn more about the Fun Bundle For Adults here!

Distance doesn't matter when you're completing a Let's Roam scavenger hunt. Their expertly designed events will turn your friends, family members, and loved ones into a unified group of adventurers bound by one singular noble mission.

Why we love this: Let's Roam plans all the details of your virtual scavenger hunt, so you can focus on socializing and having fun at work.

Where to start playing: Start your ideal virtual scavenger hunt run by Let's Roam.

Unboxed Experiences by City Brew Tours can help you host a virtual beer and cheese pairing night or online home-brew experience. No matter which event you choose, you and your guests will either be brewing or appraising beer like experts by the end of the night.

Tip: Gamify this idea by downloading some beer trivia to sprinkle throughout your event.

Why we love this: You don't have to be in the same place to bond over the mutual joy of drinking and learning about beer.

Where to start playing: Virtual beer events are hosted through Unboxed Experiences by City Brew Tours.

Laughter On Call knows exactly how to tickle the funny bone if you're feeling stuck "safer at home." Professional comics run a series of virtual games where you'll not only find yourself giggling, but you'll sharpen your listening skills, learn about storytelling, and some fun details about each other you never knew!

Having run 60+ international laughter events for groups ranging from Fortune 500 companies, to family holiday parties, to 7 execs on an island, they know exactly how to make laughing together feel like exactly the adventure we need.

Why we love this: LOC is unique in its commitment to creating connection for people through shared laughter. Being encouraged to laugh out loud with people and play virtual games where you share funny stories (or make them up together) will leave you feeling more connected.

Where to start playing: Talk to Laughter on Call to get laughing as soon as today!

Virtual Game Night Activities

Can one be an expert at having fun? Just meet the team at Outback Team Building to come up with your answer. (It's an unequivocal "yes!")

Outback's event experts have perfected the art of connecting people and building immersive bonding experiences you can enjoy 100% online.

Outback has even leveraged their expertise to create a virtual clue murder mystery that combines video conferencing and a specially designed app to make every aspect of solving the mystery, from examining clues to reviewing case files, flow perfectly.

Tip: Debrief after the mystery and assign everyone funny "superlatives" based on what they contributed to the solution.

Why we love this game: Outback's custom app provides a brilliantly simple way to distribute and study clues.

Where to start playing: Learn more about your virtual clue murder mystery and get custom pricing at Outback Team Building.

2) The Good Natured Identity Thief

Assign all your guests a different guest to act like. Divide your group in half to create two teams. One team will be the guessers and the other team will be the imitators.

The objective is to imitate the other guest so well that the guessing team figures out who you're supposed to be first.

But the teams don't switch just because someone wins. The guessers have to figure out who everyone is imitating before they become the imitators.

Tip: Up the stakes by asking the imitators questions. (e.g. What is your favorite outfit? What would you say if someone challenged you to a backward horseback riding race? etc.)

Why we love this: This activity helps guests solidify (and laugh hysterically at) knowledge about their friends. Plus, players learn new things about their favorite people and poke a little good-natured fun at character quirks and tendencies.

Show what you know in this digital version of the classic game show.

In traditional Jeopardy-style, the game master will quiz participants during this online jeopardy game on a variety of pre-customized topics, culminating in the ultimate Final Question wager.

Why we love this: Confetti handles all of the organizing and facilitating and will even create a custom quiz or round just for you. A truly incredible virtual game show experience.

Where to start playing: Get your game on here.

Tip: Take your virtual game night for work to the next level with a curated one-of-a-kind employee care package through Caroo!

4) Virtual Netflix/Hulu Drinking Game

This easy-peasy activity is a real crowd-pleaser. You don't even have to make up your own game. Here are just a few options that are ready to go:

Find drinking games for practically any show or movie at DrinkWiki.

Why we love this: It's effortless fun that's easy to plan and easy to explain.

Where to start playing: You can sync up your viewing party using Netflix Party.

Tip: Talk to Sourced to create unique cocktail kits inspired by your virtual Netflix/Hulu drinking game and deliver them straight to your friends' doorsteps.

A great way to start your online game night off right is with a virtual mixology class through Sourced. You and your virtual game night guests will each receive a perfectly portioned mini cocktail kit that provides everything you need for happy hour without tons of unwanted leftovers or waste. You'll also get a live demonstration showing you how to expertly mix all your ingredients into a picture-perfect cocktail.

Why we love this: This unique virtual experience caters to the guests. You don't have to make a trip to the store or order special ingredients. Everything you need for your big "cheers" moment arrives right at your door and you get to learn how to mix drinks like a pro - which will come in handy at your next in-person game night.

Where to start playing: Virtual Mixology By Sourced

6) Get Sporty with Homecourt Practice with Matching "Uniforms"

Get some "uniforms" from Swag.com to tie this event together. Your "uniform" can be anything, as long as it's matching and customized with your team or company name and logo. Swag.com makes that part easy. Choose from t-shirts, hats, tank tops, or hoodies -all ready for customization and color-coordination.

Why we love this: Your uniform will really help your distributed team feel as unified and bonded as possible.

Where to start playing: You can find the best interactive drills for your team at Homecourt.

Trivia is more fun when you know about the subjects. Online trivia is exceptionally fun when you know the subjects personally-when the trivia subjects are your very own friends and family.

QuizBreaker helps you build and distribute quiz-format virtual trivia games about people you know. You'll get to know them better and maybe even learn a few things that surprise you.

Why we love this: This activity helps you learn and absorb knowledge about the most important people in your life. Some info will be useful. Some info will be useless. But all the info will be funny and rewarding to learn.

Where to start playing: Try QuizBreaker for free.

8) The Dream Team

Have all your guests create a "dream team" for completing an arctic exploration, taking over the world, building the world's biggest snowman-the objective is totally up to your imagination.

Simply pick your objective and create a list of essential roles that match your number of guests. For example, if you expect seven guests at your virtual game night, and you've chosen "discover a new planet" as your objective, then your list might look something like this:

1. Spacecraft technician

2. Chief navigator

3. On-board chef

4. On-board entertainment specialist

5. Pilot

6. Security/Disaster manager

7. Extraterrestrial relations specialist

Why we love this: It helps everyone consider the strengths and talents they love in their friends in new ways. Players might even acknowledge abilities they never saw in their friends before. (E.g. you might suddenly realize you have 100% confidence in Luther's ability to effectively charm any intelligent life you encounter on your journey.)

Virtual Game Night Online Board Games

Hunt A Killer immerses you and your guests in the captivating experience of solving a murder mystery, slowly but surely, over a few months.

Why we love this: Hunt A Killer sends you new clues every month. (It's a long-running murder mystery party you and your guests will never want to leave.)

Where to start playing: To start your murder mystery game night head over to Hunt A Killer to gather the necessary supplies.

The classic board game Scrabble has delighted millions of people by immersing them in hours of word-building fun. Fun fact if you're already a Scrabble lover: the inventor actually started creating Scrabble as a way to uplift spirits at the end of the Great Depression.
Similar content:
Why we love this: The fun of Scrabble has nothing to do with the tactile aspects. A game board and those wooden squares are nice, but you'll be amazed at how engaging the online version is without them.

Where to start playing: Download the free app from the Hasbro official website.

Why we love this game: Most people know and love the physical version of this Hasbro classic, so it should be easy for them to get into game-play right away.
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Where to start playing: The Clue app is available only on the App Store for iPhone and iPad.

Why we love this: This game is strategic, exciting, and turn-based, so it creates a competitive, yet decidedly orderly, game night experience.

Where to start playing: It's free to play. Just register at conquerclub.com.

Why we love this: It combines vintage railway vibes with a fast-paced race, creating a game that's both charming and captivating.
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Where to start playing: Ticket to Ride is available on Steam here.

Why we love this: This expertly designed game immerses your guests into a different world that feels real and engaging in the best possible way.

Where to start playing: Available to play through the Catan Universe.

Virtual Game Night Apps

Social-distancing game night with Heads Up! features technology within technology. You'll have to view all your guests on your video call technology (set to gallery view so everyone can see everyone at once) and then play the game on your cell phones.

Why we love this: You can take videos of your game to extend the hilarity of your game-night for days or even weeks.

Scattergories, everyone's favorite fast-thinking category board game now comes in a mobile app that allows you to challenge friends to duals and even track your progress (a.k.a. track who's winning) over time.

Why we love this: The app provides a comprehensive gaming experience. You need only the app to play with friends. (Of course, you can always connect to your video chat if you want some face-to-face socializing.)
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Jackbox Games, the heroes of social distancing party games and creators of the virtual party pack, have recreated their virtual gaming success again with Drawful 2.

This game raises the stakes on the classic drawing and guessing game by requiring guests to create their drawings on their mobile apps or tablets. (If you thought drawing with a mouse was challenging, then just wait to see the masterpieces you make during this game. They're not worse per se; they're just a totally different kind of bad.)

Why we love this: It creates hilarity, and unlike most virtual game options, it frees guests from feeling like they have to be glued to their computer for the duration of your game night or company holiday party. (They can easily walk around the house, make snacks-whatever!)

4) Go Fish Mobile

Many people remember Go Fish fondly as the first card game they really understood how to play. Like actual fishing, Go Fish on mobile devices is a slow, easy game that's perfect for non-gamers.
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Why we love this: The slow nature of this game makes it easy to have plenty of socializing during your virtual game night.

Why we love this: Intellect and humor are the only skills you need to make playing this game a glorious experience. Plus, this game will be totally different each time you play.
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Aspiring real-estate tycoons face off in this mobile version of the classic board game. Enjoy all your favorite properties and classic game features in a freeing format that lets you play Monopoly anywhere and anytime.

Why we love this: The new format makes a game most people have played at least 100 times feel completely new.
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Virtual Game Night Themes

1) Virtual Casino Night

Flashing lights, high-stakes, and maybe even a little glitter will transport guests to Las Vegas for one night only.

Why we love this: It makes virtual game night guests forget they're stuck at home as they enjoy that classic "night out" feeling in an online casino environment.

2) Virtual Trivia - Jeopardy Style

Everyone must answer trivia in the form of a question and compete to do the best Alex Trebek impersonation.

Why we love this: This is Jeopardy! Need we say more?

3) Virtual Summer Camp

It's time for s'mores, ghosts stories, classic pranks, and perky counselors. Get some customized camp t-shirts from Swag.com and, of course, pick out a mix of exciting and embarrassing virtual games for your campers. (We've got plenty of ideas above.)

Why we love this: Just thinking about summer camp produces waves of healthy nostalgia.

4) Virtual Dinner Party

Brush up on your table manners. Select the classiest piece of classically classical music you can find. This virtual game night theme encourages guests to show up dressed for dinner, and we mean the kind of "dressed" that doesn't end at putting on big-kid pants.

Why we love this: This sophisticated theme provides plenty of opportunities for those dinner-party conversations we all miss so much.

5) Virtual Luau

Wear a necklace of flowers. Drink out of a coconut. Maybe even bust out that grass skirt if you're feeling adventurous.

Why we love this: This isn't just a virtual game night theme; it's a mini-vacation to a place where you want to drink the sunsets and swim in crystal blue waters all night long.

6) Virtual Music Festival

All you really need to have a music festival is good music, and we're sure you have that part covered. Find the best Zoom chat background you can get your hands on. Dig out those outfits you bought for the fest that never happened last spring. It's time to let your hair down with your closest friends.

Why we love this: Music is powerful. It can transport you to different places, call up old memories, and uplift your spirits. A music festival theme can turn your virtual game night into the refreshing evening everyone has been craving.

7) Virtual Disney Night

Disney decorations, Disney costumes, Disney snacks, and the list goes on and on. Basically, just make sure you and your guests are as Disney-fied as possible. You can even identify the biggest Disney fan (as measured by streaming activity) by playing a version of Bingo where the squares are Disney+ shows.

Why we love this: Lighthearted fun, upbeat songs, and happy endings are never a bad idea. A virtual game night themed around these concepts will leave guests feeling just a little happier ever after.

Virtual Game Night Tips

Select a familiar video chat technology. If you're not using an all-inclusive video and game platform solution, then be sure to pick a video chat technology you and your friends know and love. (We've listed some popular options in the next section.)

Follow your interests. Focus on games that align with what you and your friends already like to do.

Bring in the professionals. If you, as the event host, want to have just as much fun as your guests and skip all the stress, then consider using a professional event host. Our favorite event professionals include:

Encourage everyone to dress up!

Send food, recipes, or swag to bring unifying tactile elements into your virtual event.

How To Host A Virtual Game Night

1) Make your guest list. This is especially important for your video or conference call technology decision. Headcounts matter as much for virtual events as they do for in-person events. Your guest count determines what kinds of games you can play.

2) Select your online games and your themes.

3) Choose your video chat/conference call service. (Even if your game choice doesn't require face-to-face interaction, it's good to see everyone's face outside the game.) Some popular options are:

4) Test your video chat/conference call service.

5) Send virtual invitations and collect RSVPs. Include the event length and a brief outline and description of the game you plan to play.

6) Send Snacks. Send a surprise snack box, packed with delightfully delicious health- and energy-boosters. The perfect snacks can really tie an in-person event together, and they do the same thing for virtual events, adding a sense of ceremony and celebration.

7) Get your costume ready and encourage everyone to do the same.

8) Test out all the games and activities you plan to play.

9) Read the rules carefully and create a quick narrated tutorial video to orient your guests.

10) Send reminders and tutorials on the day of the event. Virtual events can be easy to forget about since they don't involve travel time. Make your guests' lives easier by sending event reminders several hours before game night.

People Also Ask These Questions About Virtual Game Night

Q: What is a virtual game night?

A: A virtual game night is an evening of shared delight provided by a variety of online games that include anything from plan-it-yourself virtual games to professionally hosted trivia nights to mobile versions of classic board games.

Q: Why is hosting a virtual game night important?

A: Hosting a virtual game night is important for maintaining strong and natural connections with friends and loved ones you can't see in person due to physical distance or social distance necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Online game nights have different formats from traditional game nights, but they still provide plenty of laughter and bonding.

Q: What are the benefits of hosting a virtual game night?

A: The benefits of hosting a virtual game night include:

1. Safety for yourself and your friends in the family during pandemic times when even small gatherings present a public-health risk.

2. The flexibility that allows even more friends and family who live in any location or time zone to attend with no trouble.

3. Memories that are easy to capture via screenshots and screen recordings.

4. This post provides all the steps and ideas you need to host your own virtual game night and take advantage of all these benefits.

Q: What are the best virtual game night activities to play with friends?

A: The best virtual game night activities to play with friends include trivia, murder mysteries, and virtual versions of classic board games. Find the best virtual game night activities for you and your friends here.

Q: What do I need to plan for a virtual game night?

A: To plan for a virtual game night, you will typically always need at least your guest list and either a professional virtual game night host or the technology and ideas you need to host your own event. Find everything you need for either option in this article.

Q: How do I host a virtual game night?

A: Host a virtual game night by first making a guest list and then selecting your games and your themes. Find all ten easy virtual game night planning steps here.

Q: What makes a virtual game night a success?

A: Healthy competition, good friends, memorable moments and quality time make a virtual game night a success Facilitate joyful experiences and plenty of memories with these themes, activities, and apps.

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35 Virtual Game Night Ideas For Hilarious Fun In 2022

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What brings people together while keeping them apart? What takes you to tons of new places with zero travel time? That's right. A virtual game night. A virtual game night is an evening of shared delight provided by online games that include anything from professionally hosted virtual trivia nights to classic board games that just got virtual makeovers.

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It's a day that some employees look forward to with great anticipation. It's also a day that some employees dread more than a visit to the dentist for a root canal. Team building, when it is done right, can bring very different people together to create fantastic results and improve productivity. When done the wrong way, it can create the opposite results. Here are the pros and cons of team building to consider before you hold your next event.

What Are the Pros of Team Building?

1. It increases understanding.
Each person has their own unique experiences, education, and opinions. How each person on a team looks at a problem is going to be a little different on the individual level. Team building helps the individuals of a team be able to communicate better with one another so that a greater understanding of these multiple experiences can be obtained.

2. It reduces stress levels.
Team building gets people out of the office and away from the politics that are always present. The goal is to have fun. Even those who hate team building exercises are appreciative of the fact that they have some time away from a stressful work project in most cases.

3. It improves productivity.
When a team understands one another on a core level, they get to know each other's strengths and weaknesses. This allows the team to adapt to one another, allowing for a greater overall productivity level.

4. It fosters unity toward an overall mission or vision.
A company will generally work toward a mission statement or long-term vision, but that can get lost in the drudgery of daily work. Team building can help people reset what they see, allowing them to take a look at the greater perspective, which may not always be available to them.

5. It can create friendships or alliances.
Office politics is generally fostered through negative energy. The enemy of my enemy is my friend - that's the perspective. Team building fosters alliances through positive energy instead, creating the need for people to join forces in order to solve problems.

6. It helps to develop team roles.
Every team member has a certain role to which they are naturally suited. Some people are more creative. Others are good at delegation. You'll have that one person who can find the smallest errors quickly and know how to fix the problem immediately. By creating exercises that focus on these roles, a team can find their individual niches and be more comfortable at what they do.

What Are the Cons of Team Building?

1. The results achieved from team building are generally short-term in nature.
Most teams return to their baseline soon after a team building event has been completed. Even in extensive team building efforts, the return to the previous baseline can occur in 60 days or less. This means teams must include team building as part of their regular routine for it to be beneficial.

2. It can be a costly process.
If you are taking time for team building activities, then you are losing time to be productive. Not only do you have to pay for the cost of the activity or event, but you also have to pay the cost of labor for that team even though they aren't being productive. Good luck trying to get a team to take an unpaid day away from work to spend it with their co-workers as a way to save costs - it just doesn't work.

3. People need time to get comfortable with a team building exercise.
You'll have your extroverts who jump right into an activity like it's a giant free cheesecake. Then you'll have introverts shy away from an exercise like it has an odor that is reminiscent of a closet full of Limburger cheese. Most people need some time to grow familiar with the processes of team building, which means most activities must last a full day at the very least.

4. Some people just don't work well together.
There will always be a few people who don't mesh well together. Forcing these folks to work together is like trying to force a square peg through a round hole. If you're not watching the activities closely, you may find that more resentment is being built through the team building efforts than positivity.

The pros and cons of team building show that greater productivity and communication can be achieved. As long as a team is allowed to be creative, step back from the workplace, and have some control over the process, it is generally a successful experience.

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10 Pros and Cons of Team Building - BrandonGaille.com

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It's a day that some employees look forward to with great anticipation. It's also a day that some employees dread more than a visit to the dentist for a root canal. Team building, when it is done right, can bring very different people together to create fantastic results and improve productivity.

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The expanded anniversary edition of this strengths-based classic features powerful stories, actionable strategies and breakthrough discoveries grounded in 50 years of research. Includes access to Gallup's CliftonStrengths assessment. with grandson Tom Rath. Written in an engaging, conversational style, their book includes colorful stories and five strategies for increasing positive emotions. is a quick, breezy read. It will immediately help readers boost the amount of positive emotions in their lives and in the lives of everyone around them. The book is sure to inspire lasting changes in all who read it, and it has all the makings of a timeless classic.

Organized around a simple metaphor of a dipper and a bucket - already familiar to thousands of people - How Full Is Your Bucket? shows how even the smallest interactions we have with others every day profoundly affect our relationships, productivity, health and longevity. Coauthor Don Clifton studied the effects of positive and negative emotions for half a century, and he and his colleagues interviewed millions of people around the world. Their discoveries contributed to the emergence of an entirely new field: Positive Psychology. These same discoveries are at the heart of How Full Is Your Bucket? Now, Discover Your Strengths , penned

Clifton, who also coauthored the bestseller How Full Is Your Bucket? How Full Is Your Bucket?

The expanded anniversary edition includes updated research and content and a workbook for individual and team development

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How Full Is Your Bucket? Expanded Anniversary Edition

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How Full Is Your Bucket? Expanded Anniversary Edition: Rath, Tom, Clifton, Don: 9781595620033: Books - Amazon.ca

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Learn about the concept of bucket-filling and how it relates to student wellbeing. Bucket-filling refers to kind actions and behavior practiced by students.

What is bucket-filling?

Bucket-filling is a term used to refer to positive attitudes and behavior.

It relies on the analogy that every person carries with them an invisible bucket.

This bucket contains a person's feelings and emotions.

When the bucket is full, this represents us feeling happy and content.

However, when it is empty, we feel low, upset and dissatisfied.

Bucket-fillers are people who act in a way that fills another person's bucket, and refers to those who practice kindness and good behavior.

The analogy comes from the book How Full Is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton.

Examples of Bucket Filling Behavior

Being kind to everyone you meet

Helping those who are struggling

Paying someone a compliment

Being respectful

Showing someone you care for them

Bucket Dipping

Bucket dipping is the opposite of bucket filling.

It refers to actions or behavior that has a negative effect on those around us. It can include things like

Making fun of someone

Saying unkind things

Refusing to help someone else

Bullying someone

Being disrespectful

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What is Bucket Filling? - Answered - Twinkl Teaching Wiki

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Learn about the concept of bucket-filling and how it relates to student wellbeing. Bucket-filling refers to kind actions and behavior practiced by students.

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7 Building Blocks of Effective and Creative Teamwork

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7 Building Blocks of Effective and Creative Teamwork

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Creativity
7 Building Blocks of Effective and Creative Teamwork

Effective and creative teamwork are two different things, but they rely on the same 7 building blocks.

In his bestselling book The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, author Patrick Lencioni connected productive teamwork to trust. In his bestselling book The Speed of Trust, author Stephen Covey linked trust to credibility. In my own (not yet bestselling...) book Un-Kill Creativity, I linked team creativity to trust and respect. In reality, the model has multiple layers that build on each other. Here are those elements and layers that lead to effective and creative teamwork.

1. Competence

At the lower foundation are two elements. The first is competence. Competence includes two of Covey's credibility core elements: capabilities and results. The relevant type of competence is technical competence. This includes a person's talents, attitudes, skills, knowledge, and style, but also track record, performance, and ability to get things done. You will never respect someone who doesn't know what he or she is doing, or that doesn't get things done. Competence can also include their creativity, as they developed it themselves.

2. Shared Values

The second element in the lowest foundation is Shared Values, which includes Covey's other two cores of credibility. It's "walking the talk," being congruent, inside and out. It includes the motives, agendas, and the behaviors that result from them. Some values are universally wrong (at the extreme: disregard for human lives). However, others are simply different between people (for example, the importance of being on time). We may not share values, yet still hold valid values separately. To the extent our values are shared--respect can evolve. However, if our values collide, as valid as they might be individually, so will our personalities and interactions.

3. Respect

Respect is built upon those first two elements, competence and shared values. Those are the things we must respect in each other for trust to eventually emerge. If you don't think I'm technically competent, and/or don't share the same values with me, you will never respect me. Without respect, trust will never develop between us.

4. Time together

Respect will develop into trust, but not instantly. When others are not predictable, you can't trust them. Predictability comes with time spent together. I developed a formula for the amount of time required to develop predictability and trust. It is based on the amount of time spent on interaction, multiplied by the intensity (face-to-face is the most intense, followed by conference calls, and finally by email)," multiplied by the type of experiences shared (positive vs. negative). The higher those are, the shortest time is required to increase that predictability, and inherently trust.

5. Team-building

Sharing life-altering events does a lot to build trust. One of the reasons why Israelis build so many successful startups is because many of them (us...) served in the Israeli Defense Forces (military service is mandatory in Israel), and shared life-altering experiences, and developed bonds that could rarely develop otherwise. The closest alternative is in the form of team-building activities. The more intense those activities are, and the more trust they require, the more effective they are in building day-to-day trust among team members otherwise. With increased emphasis on cost-cutting, team-building activities is frowned upon. It is considered a waste of time and money. It is not. The impact of shortening time-to-trust and thus time-to-productivity is significant.

6. Trust

Trust is defined as "the safety in relationships." Lencioni wonderfully described it as what will allow you to be vulnerable with other team members, be willing to ask stupid questions, and be willing to be told that they are such. It also includes the confidence in providing such feedback to other team members. Finally, trust allows you to use humor and sarcasm in meetings, and science shows that those help increase your creativity as well.

7. Constructive Conflict

There are three possible types of conflict. One end of the spectrum has Conflict Avoidance. That's when we hold a politically-correct debate. We avoid controversial issues. We focus on saying the right things over reaching the right conclusions or making the right decisions. We hold "the meeting after the meeting." Decisions are made outside of the meeting room. That is what happens when there is lack of trust, and we don't know how debating an issue would be perceived by the other side, so we would rather avoid it altogether. On the other end of the spectrum is the Destructive Conflict. This is when everything turns from being issue-based to emotional and personal. It's not that your idea or question are stupid. YOU are stupid. We look at each other as extensions of inflexible positions rather than rational human beings that could be persuaded to change their minds. And we are not willing to change our own minds. That happens, too, as the result of lack of trust, and typically lack of respect. When you don't respect your counterpart to an argument--it doesn't matter what they say. They simply can't convince you. Finally, in between the two, is the Constructive Conflict. It is when you trust the others enough to be vulnerable and confident at the same time. Constructive Conflict allows for an issue (not the people) to be "attacked" from multiple directions, and to reach the most creative and productive solution or decision.

The model in summary

Competence + Shared Values = Respect

Time = Amount, Intensity, Type of interactions

Time can be shortened through team-building activities

Trust leads to the selection of Constructive Conflict over Conflict Avoidance and Destructive Conflict

Constructive Conflict leads to Creative and Productive Teamwork.

In his bestselling book The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, author Patrick Lencioni connected productive teamwork to trust. In his bestselling book The Speed of Trust, author Stephen Covey linked trust to credibility. In my own (not yet bestselling...) book Un-Kill Creativity, I linked team creativity to trust and respect. In reality, the model has multiple layers that build on each other. Here are those elements and layers that lead to effective and creative teamwork.

1. Competence

At the lower foundation are two elements. The first is competence. Competence includes two of Covey's credibility core elements: capabilities and results. The relevant type of competence is technical competence. This includes a person's talents, attitudes, skills, knowledge, and style, but also track record, performance, and ability to get things done. You will never respect someone who doesn't know what he or she is doing, or that doesn't get things done. Competence can also include their creativity, as they developed it themselves.

2. Shared Values

The second element in the lowest foundation is Shared Values, which includes Covey's other two cores of credibility. It's "walking the talk," being congruent, inside and out. It includes the motives, agendas, and the behaviors that result from them. Some values are universally wrong (at the extreme: disregard for human lives). However, others are simply different between people (for example, the importance of being on time). We may not share values, yet still hold valid values separately. To the extent our values are shared--respect can evolve. However, if our values collide, as valid as they might be individually, so will our personalities and interactions.

3. Respect

Respect is built upon those first two elements, competence and shared values. Those are the things we must respect in each other for trust to eventually emerge. If you don't think I'm technically competent, and/or don't share the same values with me, you will never respect me. Without respect, trust will never develop between us.

4. Time together

Respect will develop into trust, but not instantly. When others are not predictable, you can't trust them. Predictability comes with time spent together. I developed a formula for the amount of time required to develop predictability and trust. It is based on the amount of time spent on interaction, multiplied by the intensity (face-to-face is the most intense, followed by conference calls, and finally by email)," multiplied by the type of experiences shared (positive vs. negative). The higher those are, the shortest time is required to increase that predictability, and inherently trust.

5. Team-building

Sharing life-altering events does a lot to build trust. One of the reasons why Israelis build so many successful startups is because many of them (us...) served in the Israeli Defense Forces (military service is mandatory in Israel), and shared life-altering experiences, and developed bonds that could rarely develop otherwise. The closest alternative is in the form of team-building activities. The more intense those activities are, and the more trust they require, the more effective they are in building day-to-day trust among team members otherwise. With increased emphasis on cost-cutting, team-building activities is frowned upon. It is considered a waste of time and money. It is not. The impact of shortening time-to-trust and thus time-to-productivity is significant.

6. Trust

Trust is defined as "the safety in relationships." Lencioni wonderfully described it as what will allow you to be vulnerable with other team members, be willing to ask stupid questions, and be willing to be told that they are such. It also includes the confidence in providing such feedback to other team members. Finally, trust allows you to use humor and sarcasm in meetings, and science shows that those help increase your creativity as well.

7. Constructive Conflict

There are three possible types of conflict. One end of the spectrum has Conflict Avoidance. That's when we hold a politically-correct debate. We avoid controversial issues. We focus on saying the right things over reaching the right conclusions or making the right decisions. We hold "the meeting after the meeting." Decisions are made outside of the meeting room. That is what happens when there is lack of trust, and we don't know how debating an issue would be perceived by the other side, so we would rather avoid it altogether. On the other end of the spectrum is the Destructive Conflict. This is when everything turns from being issue-based to emotional and personal. It's not that your idea or question are stupid. YOU are stupid. We look at each other as extensions of inflexible positions rather than rational human beings that could be persuaded to change their minds. And we are not willing to change our own minds. That happens, too, as the result of lack of trust, and typically lack of respect. When you don't respect your counterpart to an argument--it doesn't matter what they say. They simply can't convince you. Finally, in between the two, is the Constructive Conflict. It is when you trust the others enough to be vulnerable and confident at the same time. Constructive Conflict allows for an issue (not the people) to be "attacked" from multiple directions, and to reach the most creative and productive solution or decision.

The model in summary

Competence + Shared Values = Respect

Time = Amount, Intensity, Type of interactions

Time can be shortened through team-building activities

Trust leads to the selection of Constructive Conflict over Conflict Avoidance and Destructive Conflict

Constructive Conflict leads to Creative and Productive Teamwork.

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7 Building Blocks of Effective and Creative Teamwork

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Creativity In his bestselling book The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team , author Patrick Lencioni connected productive teamwork to trust. In his bestselling book The Speed of Trust , author Stephen Covey linked trust to credibility. In my own (not yet bestselling...) book Un-Kill Creativity , I linked team creativity to trust and respect.

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The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team

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The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team

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Learn how to build and maintain champion level teams, then lead your team to the peak level of success regardless of the field you're in.

Individual all-stars can only take you so far. Ultimately, success--whether in business, family, church, athletic teams, or any other organization--is entirely dependent on teamwork. But how does one build that team?

Leadership expert and bestselling author John C. Maxwell knows that building and maintaining a successful team is no simple task. Even people who have taken their teams to the highest level in their field have difficulty re-creating what accounted for their successes. In his practical, down-to-earth style, Maxwell shares the vital principles of team building that are necessary for success in any type of organization.

In The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork , Dr. Maxwell shows how:

The Law of High Morale inspired a 50-year-old man who couldn't even swim to train for the toughest triathlon in the world;

The Law of the Big Picture prompted a former US president to travel across the country by bus, sleep in a basement, and do manual labor;

Playing by The Law of the Scoreboard enabled one web-based company to keep growing and make money while thousands of other Internet businesses failed;

Ignoring The Law of the Price Tag caused one of the world's largest retailers to close its doors after 128 years in business;

Building a successful team has plagued leaders since the beginning of time. Is the key a strong work ethic? Is it "chemistry"? The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork will empower you--whether coach or player, teacher or student, CEO or non-profit volunteer--with the "how-tos" and attitudes for building a successful team.

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The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team

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The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team: Maxwell, John C.: Books - Amazon.ca

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Here is our list of the best team building books.

Team building books are guides that outline essential steps of building strong and productive teams. Accomplished industry leaders write these books to help employees and managers form successful teams.

These books usually contain team building tips, team building elements and team building trends, and contribute to the development of team building skills.

Specifically, this list includes:

books on team building

team building books for employees

team building books for managers

books on building a team

books on team dynamics

So, here is your reading list!

List of team building books

From conversations to creativity to trust, these books cover all the most important team building topics.

1. The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team by John C. Maxwell

Team building demands much more than gathering a group and assigning a project. Good team management requires important skills, preparation, and careful consideration.

John C. Maxwell breaks down all the basics of forming great teams in one of the most thorough books about team building, The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork. The author describes why teamwork is critical and what managers can do to get the most out of teams, while sharing insights like "the goal is more important than the role," and "all players have a place where they add the most value."

"For the person trying to do everything alone, the game really is over. If you want to do something big, you must link up with others. One is too small a number to achieve greatness. That's the Law of Significance."

Learn more about The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork on Amazon

2. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni

Even in the best situations, leading a team is a challenge. In times of trouble, skillful and empathetic leaders steer teams toward success.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team outlines obstacles modern teams face. The book tackles topics such as:

Absence of trust

Fear of conflict

Lack of commitment

Avoidance of accountability

Inattention to results

By exploring the roots of these problems and sharing specific examples, the book suggests strategies and solutions to help leaders avoid these common pitfalls.

"If you could get all the people in an organization rowing in the same direction, you could dominate any industry, in any market, against any competition, at any time."

Learn more about The Five Dysfunctions of a Team on Amazon

3. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, et al.

Communication is key for teams, remote teams especially. Sometimes, we need to initiate difficult conversations with coworkers. Crucial Conversations covers how to keep calm and communicate clearly in tense situations.

Crucial Conversations teaches skills like controlling emotions, persuading instead of bullying, and creating safe spaces for employees to be honest. Unlike other team building books which focus on team formation, Crucial Conversations minimizes workplace conflict by teaching teammates to avoid unnecessary confrontation and ease unavoidable upset.

"This is the first principle of dialogue-Start with Heart. That is, your own heart. If you can't get yourself right, you'll have a hard time getting dialogue right."

Learn more about Crucial Conversations on Amazon

4. Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell

Modern teams are not static. As new projects arise, teams expand and welcome new collaborators. In large and remote organizations employees are often challenged to cooperate with unfamiliar coworkers.

Malcolm Gladwell's Talking with Strangers analyzes interactions between strangers and pinpoints how miscommunications and mishaps occur. By taking a closer look at how we approach strangers, we can reimagine our conversations to make sure we form allies instead of enemies.

"That's the consequence of not defaulting to truth. If you don't begin in a state of trust, you can't have meaningful social encounters."

Learn more about Talking with Strangers on Amazon

5. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

Teams that trust work as a unit. Teams that do not trust function as individuals. Trusting teams are happier, more motivated, and more successful.

In Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek emphasizes the importance of trust and stresses that teams must trust leaders. Leaders build trust among teams by putting employees first and sacrificing comfort during crises. As one of the more leader-centric books on collaboration, Leaders Eat Last shows how leaders become respected members of teams instead of mere order-givers.

Notable Quote: "Leaps of greatness require the combined problem-solving ability of people who trust each other."

Learn more about Leaders Eat Last on Amazon

6. The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy by Jon Gordon

Attitude is contagious. Good or bad energy can quickly spread between team members, so leaders must work to develop positive team environments.

The Energy Bus is one of the more useful books on building team culture because the book shows how to stay positive and encourage others to do the same. While we cannot control external events, we can control our own outlooks. Optimistic viewpoints lead to friendlier workplaces and achieve better results. Author Ken Blanchard teaches leaders how to foster cool heads and sunny dispositions among teams by modeling the behavior.

"To run a successful organization," I say, "you must learn to manage people's energy, including your own."

Learn more about The Energy Bus on Amazon

7. Conscious Coaching: The Art and Science of Building Buy-In by Brett Bartholomew

Motivation takes skill. Anyone can bark orders, but only the wisest leaders truly inspire. By understanding team members and adopting an approach that aligns with team members' goals, leaders achieve greatness.

In Conscious Coaching, Brett Bartholomew shares psychological tricks to mentally train teams. Many team building books are sports-based, this one included. Conscious Coaching focuses on athletes, but contains lessons that can easily be applied to the workplace.

"The starting point for all interaction must come from an understanding of what the other person cares about most."

Learn more about Conscious Coaching on Amazon

8. Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by Stanley McChrystal, Tantum Collins, et al.

Sometimes, the "way it has always been done" no longer works. Effective management evolves with the times. Adaptable leaders build flexible teams. Companies thrive when dynamic teams embrace change.

Retired Army General Stanley McChrystal joined forces with fellow authors to pen Team of Teams. Drawing on lessons from the service, he wrote a guide to forming bonds and creating efficient teams that can perform well even under duress.

"We nurtured holistic awareness and tried to give everyone a stake in the fight. When we stopped holding them back-when we gave them the order simply to place their ship alongside that of the enemy-they thrived."

Learn more about Team of Teams on Amazon

9. The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything by Stephen M.R. Covey

Every relationship starts and ends with trust. If team members do not trust each other, teams will be less joyful, more stressed, and will waste more time second-guessing and double-checking each other's work.

Stephen Covey, author of the legendary The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, describes why trust is so critical and how you can earn it in The Speed of Trust. The author has written several team bonding books that teach how to let your guard down and have more confidence in your coworkers.

"In a high-trust relationship, you can say the wrong thing, and people will still get your meaning. In a low-trust relationship, you can be very measured, even precise, and they'll still misinterpret you."

Learn more about The Speed of Trust on Amazon

10. Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace

If leaders do not allow team members opportunities to innovate, managers risk frustrating employees. Leaders who fail to leave room for creativity stifle team members' imaginations and limit what teams can achieve.

Author Ed Catmull is one of the founders of Pixar Animation Studios. In Creativity Inc, he educates readers on tips and techniques to create and influence creative teams.

Some of his insights include: "Everybody should be able to talk to anybody," and "It's not the manager's job to prevent risks. It's the manager's job to make it safe for others to take them."

"Give a good idea to a mediocre team, and they will screw it up. But give a mediocre idea to a great team, and they will either fix it or come up with something better."

Learn more about Creativity Inc on Amazon

11. The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle

Team building and company culture have a symbiotic relationship. While team building solidifies and promotes company culture, a healthy company culture also helps leaders build strong and happy teams. In The Culture Code, Daniel Coyle draws on examples of successful troupes to point out the qualities of growth-friendly environments. By breaking the process down into three main tenets (build safety, share vulnerability, and establish purpose,) Coyle outlines a plan to establish a thriving culture in any organization.

"Vulnerability doesn't come after trust-it precedes it. Leaping into the unknown, when done alongside others, causes the solid ground of trust to materialize beneath our feet."

Learn more about The Culture Code on Amazon

Conclusion

Team leaders can improve management skills by reading advice from accomplished professionals. All of the books about team building on this list are also available as audio-books, so you can benefit from the knowledge during commutes and airport layovers too.

For further reading, check out our lists of employee engagement books, books on company culture and diversity & inclusion books.

We also have a list of team building quotes and a post on the psychology of team building.

FAQ: Team building books

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get about team building books for employees and managers.

What are team building books?

Team building books are guides that break down the often overwhelming process of team building into basic concepts and strategies. Authors use personal successes and failures to better educate readers.

What are some good books about team building?

The best books about team building identify common team problems and suggest ways to avoid or fix these pitfalls. Some good books about team building include The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team by John C. Maxwell, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni, and Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek.

Why should you read books about team building?

You should read books about team building because these works identify all the elements of great teams and offer advice on how to form a team that will work effectively with your management style.

Press " CTRL + D" or " Command + D" to bookmark this page for updates.

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11 Best Team Building Books to Read in 2022

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Here is our list of the best team building books. Team building books are guides that outline essential steps of building strong and productive teams. Accomplished industry leaders write these books to help employees and managers form successful teams. These books usually contain team building tips, team building elements and team building trends, and contribute to the development of team building skills.

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22 Team-Building Activities Your Coworkers Won’t Hate (In-Person)

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22 Team-Building Activities Your Coworkers Won’t Hate (In-Person)

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*List consist of activities for Outside the office, during meetings, and during the work day

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What's the best job for you?

Use The Muse to find a job at a company with a culture you love. Select the career path that aligns with you:

How many years of experience do you have?

What company benefits are most important to you?

Calculating your job matches...

And yes, you've probably done team-building activities (and maybe played some icebreaker games) in the workplace, too. While they tend to get a bad rap-picture some mandatory HR event where everyone looks miserable and no one wants to go along for the ride-the right kinds of team-building exercises can bring people closer together, help teams work more effectively, and identify gaps and strengths in individual members.
SEARCH OPEN JOBS ON THE MUSE! See who's hiring here, and you can even filter your search by benefits, company size, remote opportunities, and more. Then, sign up for our newsletter and we'll deliver advice on landing the job right to you.
Want to skip right to the good stuff? Here are our suggestions for:

Read More: 100+ Icebreaker Questions-So You'll Never Have to Think of a "Fun" Fact Again

Why Team-Building Activities Are Important

Besides offering up a fun and creative alternative to bonding over happy hour (which can make people who don't drink feel left out), team-building activities provide companies and employees with plenty of added benefits.

At the base level, team building allows people to get to know each other-their interests, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they communicate, among other things. "Just like any professional sports team works and practices with one another to be at their best, teams at work can and should do the same thing," says Muse career coach Al Dea. And just like you can't jump onto the field with a team that has zero clue who's playing what position, who's passing the ball to whom, and who's the best at handling XYZ situation, you can't achieve anything if your team members don't understand one another.

Team-building activities also build camaraderie and trust-one of the most important aspects of a successful team. "Building a sense of trust amongst teammates [allows] people [to] bring the full power of their skills, personalities, and who they are to work," says Dea. "When people don't have trust to do that, they hold back, thus sometimes limiting their abilities to be at their best."

Finally, team-building activities can help remind people that work is never just about them-it's about the entire group. When you're encouraged to do something together, rather than solo, it brings to life the idea that the group's success (and ultimately the company's) should be a priority. This can be a particularly useful learning experience for teams that struggle with teamwork, are overly competitive, or lack unity and confidence as a result of a bad manager or hard times.

So what do these exercises look like? Check out some of our favorites.

Team-Building Activities to Do During a Meeting

Team building doesn't have to be an all-day affair. In fact, taking 20 minutes out of the first half of your next group meeting can be enough to spark innovation and teamwork.

1. Solve a Puzzle

This can be a literal puzzle, like a 500 piece set (if you're down to spend a few dollars on Amazon), or a brain teaser that requires thinking and brainstorming out loud. Toss one out to your team and, if you're feeling overly ambitious, give them a time limit to complete the task. The key is that everyone has to contribute to the success of the project.

Once they're done or time runs out, take a moment to reflect on the experience. Ask your team: What was your strategy to solve it? Who did what? Why did you make the decisions you did? Allowing everyone to think through their process might highlight unique perspectives or strengths in each individual-or at least lead to an eye-opening conversation.

2. Count to 20

This one's super simple and great if you want to take a couple of minutes to bond.

Have everyone sit in a circle. Anyone can start the count off or say a number at any time, the goal being to count from one to 20. However, if two people jump in at the same time to say a number, the count starts over. This game requires team members not only to be cognizant of the group dynamic, but to work together-with limited communication-to get to the end.

3. Try a Compliment Circle

There are different variations you can take on this to encourage your team to express appreciation for one another. One option is you can simply spend five minutes having individuals compliment one another, whatever pops into their mind (if you're the manager, you should start to get the ball rolling!). This can be as easy as saying, "I wanted to tell Gina I loved her proposal this week" or "Big shoutout to Danny for bringing in donuts last week when we were all heads-down to meet a big deadline." Or you can go around and have each person address the coworker to their right, so that everyone gets a chance to shine.

4. Host a Brainstorming Session

Team building can absolutely be work focused, and oftentimes that's the best kind. The key is to make these brainstorming sessions less about day-to-day accomplishments and more about bigger team goals. Maybe you want to outline your KPIs for the rest of the quarter. Maybe you want to hash out some new ideas for an upcoming campaign. Maybe your team's strategy feels stale and you're looking for ways to refresh it.

Whatever your goal, try organizing your conversation using one of these suggestions:

An idea board: The simplest form of brainstorming. Give everyone an agenda ahead of time, and have them come to the meeting with three to five ideas. Talk through them, and have people contribute additional thoughts, questions, or concerns.

Fist to five: Have everyone brainstorm solutions to a problem, then go through them one by one by holding up a fist or a number of fingers up to five. A fist means you're not on board and five fingers up means you think it's a great idea. Then, have everyone state their case as to why they chose the fingers they did.

Went well, went OK, could have done better: At The Muse, we use this process for quarterly retrospectives and project post-mortems. Have everyone jot down on Post-it notes things they thought went well, things they thought went OK, and things that didn't go well or could have been done better, and sort the Post-its into their respective categories. Once all the ideas are on the table talk through them and come up with potential solutions to the problem areas.

5. Have a "Show and Tell"

This can be a great way to get your team to brag a bit about their accomplishments, and to encourage them to stay updated on what everyone else is working on.

One great example of this at The Muse is something we call "Sip it and Ship it." One Friday of the month, our engineering team hosts an open meeting where anyone at the company has the option to take a look at and test out our latest "shipped" or completed products-while "sipping" on alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages.

You can do this on a small scale, too. If you're a team of two or three, spend a few minutes a week or once a month getting together and highlighting something each member is working on, and allow people to ask questions, give suggestions, and offer up positive feedback.

Team-Building Activities to Do During the Workday

These activities are great for longer meetings, or if you want to spend an afternoon or a few hours away from your desk.

6. Share Your Personality

Have everyone on your team fill out a personality test (here are some of our favorites), then get together and discuss. What you decide to do with this is really up to you-the key is to have each employee understand their colleagues' strengths, weaknesses, and ticks. Maybe you group similar personalities together and have them chat about how their traits come out in the workplace, or have them complete an assignment like designing their "ideal" office based on their personality type and sharing it with the group.

Another option? Have everyone fill out this "user manual" and share their findings with the team.

7. Play Team or Board Games

You don't need me to tell you that board games bring people together (just read this article on the benefits of networking over games). And there are some many great, office-friendly options out there!

There's Apples to Apples (a SFW version of Cards Against Humanity), Code Names, Pandemic, and Jenga-all games that require teamwork. There are also non-tabletop games like Celebrity or Heads Up (available on iOS and Android) that require nothing but a phone or a pen and paper.

It may feel silly to pull out some games in the middle of the office, but you may be surprised to find that doing so loosens your team up and forces them to work together in different and creative ways.

8. Create a Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts can be great for new hires to get to know the landscape and their team-requiring them to identify things around the office and ask seasoned employees questions during their first week such as "When was [Company] started?" or "Who was our first client?" or "How many people work on the marketing team?"

But they're just as effective with veteran teams. Maybe you set one up for employees to uncover X number of facts or artifacts by the end of the day together. Or divide the group into multiple teams and see who finishes first. However you choose to do it and whatever you choose for them to find, this will definitely encourage team members to work together on something far removed from their usual work and team of people.

9. Untangle a "Human Knot"

This is a camp favorite, but also a fun way to have team members come together to solve a problem. Have everyone squish together in a circle and grab hands with people not directly next to them. The goal, once everyone's hands are interlocked, is to untangle yourselves without breaking the chain. You can make it even more challenging by not allowing people to talk or putting a time limit on it. It requires a bit of leg room to crawl over each other (not to mention an office culture where people feel comfortable holding hands-tread carefully with this one), but if you feel up to it it can make for a fun puzzle.

10. Give Out Blind Directions

Pair team members up and have one put on a blindfold-it's then the other person's job to direct them in making moves as best they can, whether that's getting them to the other side of the office or having them complete a task like moving an object or drawing a picture. Have individuals who normally don't work as closely together do this exercise, and it'll help them practice communication and build trust.

11. Do a Silent Line-Up

Set a timer, and have people line up in various orders say, by height, birthday, or company tenure-without saying a word. Your team will learn a bit about each other while overcoming an unusual challenge.

12. Host a Lunch and Learn

Your team is probably full of unspoken talent-use those strengths as a way to bring everyone together. Maybe someone's a great knitter, or speaks another language, or is a pro at using Excel. Have them host a "lunch and learn" where they teach the rest of the crew a new skill over your midday break. Your employee will practice mentoring and giving presentations, and your team will learn something new and exciting about their peers.

13. Have a Hack Day

Hack days are big in the tech and engineering sphere, but they can be beneficial for just about any team.

The idea is simple: Have everyone drop what they're working on and spend the day completing a special project that benefits the team or company. If you can, have multiple departments (if not the whole company) participate and require employees to work with people on different teams. The point is to have people think outside the box by creating something that requires a new set of skills or way of thinking.

Maybe you spend the day rethinking your onboarding document for new hires, or brainstorming a new sales pitch, or building a new feature into a product-whatever it is, it should cost $0 to create and be something you can make (or conceptualize) in a workday.

14. Put on a Contest

For example, you could host a department desk decorating face-off (this is a big hit in The Muse office on Halloween), or plan a cookie or guacamole-making contest, where employees bring in their best recipes and the team judges their favorites (plus, who doesn't like food during the workday?). It creates a bit of healthy competition, while encouraging employees to spend time together and bond over a common hobby.

Team-Building Activities to Do Outside the Office

It's certainly trickier to have people hang out outside of work, but if you can get everyone together (or can take the afternoon to go on an adventure), these can be great activities for team building.

15. Complete an Escape-the-Room Challenge

Everyone's doing them these days, and it's no wonder why: Trying to escape when you're "trapped" in a room with people (in a set time period) is a team effort. If you live in a city that offers them (some options here and here), you can find an assortment of escape-the-room challenges, including a submarine, jail cell, or even an office (how ironic!). Per person it may cost you around $30, the same price of say, taking your team bowling or paying for a few drinks at happy hour.

16. Take a Cooking Class

Cooking classes are a great way to help teams bond because they're not just an individual activity-often what you're making requires multiple sets of hands. CourseHorse and Groupon are great places to find these kinds of opportunities, for cheap.

17. Take an Improv Class

A lot more interactive than cooking classes, improv classes can teach you a lot of valuable skills for the workplace-including how to communicate with others and overcome various challenges as a team. Plus, they force you to get out of your comfort zone and have a laugh with your colleagues. You can check out sites like CourseHorse for options, or do a quick Google search to find the best comedy cellars near your office.

18. Sign Up for Trivia

Who doesn't love trivia? Besides the fact that it allows employees to flex their history and pop culture muscles, it's also incredibly team-oriented. Go together to a local spot's trivia night, or bring in a host to your office and split the department into teams to battle for the winning title.

19. Volunteer

If your team is passionate about a certain cause or initiative, consider taking the day to do some community service. Not only will you bond, but you'll come out feeling great and making a positive impact on your community. Here's how to bring volunteer opportunities to your office, and some tips on various volunteering activities you can do, depending on your level of commitment.

20. Start a Book Club

Grab a book related to your field and have everyone read it over a few weeks. Then, set aside some time to sit and chat about it (over snacks!). You'll spark interesting conversation, encourage colleagues to share ideas, stories, and input, and help everyone learn a bit more about their role within the team.

Check out our best reads if you need inspiration.

21. Tackle a Ropes Course

This is a bit more ambitious, but it's a great day trip or retreat activity to get your team outdoors and still working together. Ropes courses require teamwork in so many ways, whether you're encouraging a teammate to overcome an especially challenging part or trying to get through a maze as a group. Just make sure everyone on your team is on board with this before moving forward (for example, ensuring no one's afraid of heights or has mobility issues)-if they're hesitant you may have more success trying something else out.

22. Form an Intramural League

If your team is full of athletes, this could be the perfect option for bonding outside the office.

It doesn't have to be a tiring sport, either! Plenty of cities offer opportunities to play things like skeeball, bocce, or cornhole. If you want your efforts to go toward a cause, consider signing up to run (or walk) a 5K for charity together.

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22 Team-Building Activities for Any Kind of Workplace

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Team-building activities offer plenty of benefits beyond an escape from work. Here are some great ideas for team bonding, whether you want to be inside or outside the office.

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Northern Ontario's most popular attraction invites you to learn about science with fun, hands-on exhibits, live animals, IMAX Theatre, Planetarium & more!

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Video length: 8 minutes

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