With layoffs, corporate mergers and a dark cloud of gloom hovering over many a workplace, it s little wonder that those left on the office team are in sore need of a morale boost. What was sometimes viewed as a frill, team building is taking on a new sense of urgency in these troubled times.

Scott Flynn, Director of Sales for TeamBondingWest, recognizes the trend in metro areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Phoenix and Las Vegas which he oversees for TeamBonding, a national team building company.

“So many companies have downsized because of the economy, their configurations are now different,” he says. “Offices have closed, people have been moved and the result is that new teams have been formed. Team building programs help these people bond together and learn each other’s strength. It’s more important than ever.”

Along with building morale, facilitators also say team building serves an important purpose in getting people unplugged from an increasingly technological environment.

“We’re way too connected to our computers,” Flynn says. “Clients tell us there is less and less need for them to leave their office to do their job. Communicating with coworkers mostly involves email and IM.”

“The idea of team building is to get people off their computers, out of their offices and bring then together in a non-work environment for a few hours of fun and bonding. They’ll meet people who may just work on another floor, but that they never see. It’s amazing when you get them all together.”

New approach

Flynn believes that the down economy and the emergence of younger people in the workplace have also intensified demand for socially responsible team building programs.

“Economic conditions have created more people in need, and the Y Generation is very conscious of it,” he says. “They really feel the purpose of giving back, more so than previous generations. And green concerns have never been such a priority.”

He also believes that team-building programs in general are essential for motivating and retaining younger employees.

“The Y Generation is different from other generations when it comes to work. Company loyalty and commitment are on the decline,” he says. “Ys respond to perks and to fun events. Their mantra is life first - work second. Companies that build fun activities for employees into their monthly schedule have a higher retention rate and can attract more quality new hires than companies that don’t offer perks and stress-relieving activities like team building.”

"I just wanted to thank you very much for providing an outstanding teambonding day for our group. The feedback I have received has all been positive and I will definitely recommend you to other departments within our organization."
- B.N., Regional Municipality of York