My name is Karl Burrows. I’m a New Zealander of Maori descent and the founder of Haka Works, and I’ve been running haka team building workshops for more than fifteen years. What started as a way to share my culture has become something I genuinely believe is one of the most effective tools for building cohesion in professional teams. I’ll show you why.

What is the haka?

The haka is a traditional Maori dance form originating with the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. Far more than a performance, it’s a living expression of culture, identity, and collective emotion. Traditionally, different types of haka served different purposes: some were war dances performed before battle, others celebrated births, welcoming ceremonies, or farewells to the deceased. Each carries its own words, its own story, and its own intention.

This practice engages the whole body: the stamping feet, the outstretched tongue, the wide eyes, the powerful voice. Every element has meaning. The meaning of haka is rooted in the idea of fully inhabiting the present moment and channeling that energy outward, toward the group and toward a shared purpose.

How has the haka evolved over time?

Originally, the Maori haka was performed exclusively within tribal contexts, a practice tied to land, ancestry, and communal identity. Over the centuries, it entered new contexts, gaining visibility on the world stage in the 20th century.

The most widely recognized version today is “Ka Mate,” performed by the All Blacks, New Zealand’s legendary rugby team, before every test match. For millions of viewers around the world, that haka experience introduced the practice as something both ancient and electric: a ritual of preparation that unites the team and connects them to their core purpose.

The New Zealand haka dance has since crossed borders in remarkable ways. Hollywood figures like Dwayne Johnson and Jason Momoa have embraced it publicly. American football players have performed it on the field. And increasingly, organizations around the world are discovering that the cultural significance of this tradition translates powerfully into the corporate environment.

The cultural significance of the haka

Understanding the cultural significance of the haka matters before we bring it into a business context. This isn’t a novelty or a party trick. It’s a sacred practice passed down through generations of Maori people. When performed with respect and intention, it’s an invitation to participate in something much larger than yourself.

That’s precisely what makes it so effective for team cohesion. It asks you to let go of self-consciousness and commit fully to the group. It asks you to be present, to trust the people beside you, and to contribute your voice and energy to a shared purpose. They’re exactly what high-performing teams are built on.

After a haka performance for IBM, an Executive Director from the company said:

“What you just did: the commitment, the unity, the energy. That’s exactly what I want from my team.”

So we asked ourselves: what is it about this that creates such strong unity? What builds the cohesion? What drives such commitment to shared purpose?

The answers led to a discovery: what creates unity in haka teams also creates unity in professional teams. We’ve broken it down into five key points.

5 ways the haka builds cohesion in professional teams

1. The haka is authenticity

To build an effective team, you need a culture of collaboration, and that means people have to set aside their egos. The ego says, this is me. This is who I am. No one messes with me. It’s fragile, defensive, and ultimately not real. It’s a protective layer we develop to create a sense of self in a complex world.

Authenticity recognizes this for what it is. It says: I’m not attached to this false idea of self. I’m open. I’m vulnerable. And behind that vulnerability is real strength: strength in humility, strength in compassion, strength in genuine connection with others.

When we haka, there is no room for ego. You give everything to the moment. You’re in flow. It’s a mindful, embodied practice that moves you out of your head and into your body, into the group, into the present. That shift from performance to presence is what allows real trust to form between team members.

2. The haka is energy

We all know the energy that comes from working in a connected team, where people share ideas freely, support each other, and build on each other’s momentum in a safe, open space. That’s the energy this practice is designed to generate.

“Haka” literally means “to ignite the breath” or “to fire the spirit.” Once you strip back the layers of ego and connect with your authentic self, you release energy. That energy reverberates through your body and voice. And then, here’s the important part: you share it. With the people beside you. With the audience watching. In a generous, open-hearted way.

That’s exactly what great team cooperation looks like in practice: people bringing their full energy and sharing it freely for the benefit of the whole.

3. The haka is the spirit of team

Unity starts with a mindset: putting others before yourself. In tribal societies, people worked collaboratively out of necessity. The group was the basic unit of survival, which created deep respect, loyalty, commitment, and selflessness.

Modern organizations haven’t changed as much as we’d like to think. The businesses that thrive are the ones where teams operate with tribal levels of trust and collaboration, agile enough to adapt, connected enough to move as one. This is a collaborative pursuit. You don’t haka alone. You move together, support each other, and show up for each other. That togetherness creates a synchronized energy that binds the group and gives rise to something you simply can’t manufacture any other way: genuine team spirit.

4. The haka is purpose

A compelling shared purpose galvanizes professional teams. When people are driven by something meaningful, they commit. They make sacrifices. They put the team before themselves and align their individual effort with a shared goal.

When we haka, we do it for a reason. It might be to celebrate, to welcome, to mourn, or simply to enjoy ourselves together. Without purpose, it becomes a show. The ego creeps back in. Energy scatters and dissipates. But when there’s a clear, shared purpose, haka channels all of that energy into a single, powerful expression, one that moves people in ways that a slideshow or a strategy memo never could.

5. The haka is bravery

What is bravery, really? It’s a calculated commitment to take your chances, and it’s essential in business and in life. Professional teams need a corporate culture that enables people to make bold decisions, commit to action, and accept the possibility of failure.

That culture is built from everything we’ve described:

• Authenticity: Being humble, being open about the risks, and being honest about the possibility of failure
• Energy: Creating an environment of trust where vulnerability is welcomed, and possibility is exciting
• Spirit of team: Knowing you’re not doing it alone. You’re supported, seen, and moving forward together
• Purpose: Being so committed to your ultimate goal that you’re willing to make personal sacrifices to achieve it

When all four of these elements come together, you get bravery. That’s when teams stop playing it safe and start doing remarkable things.

Experience the haka with your team

In our haka workshops, we ask participants to let go of ego, be authentic, and commit with a generosity of spirit. When you do, you connect to your authentic source of power. Sharing that energy with others creates unity. Focusing it on a shared goal turns that unity into momentum.

That’s how haka builds cohesion, and it’s why this ancient New Zealand dance has found a new home in boardrooms, conference centers, and corporate retreats around the world.

Ready to give your team a haka experience they won’t forget? Explore TeamBonding’s Haka Team Building program and see how it can transform the way your people show up for each other.

The post The Haka: 5 Ways It Builds Cohesion in Professional Teams appeared first on TeamBonding.

As one of the most prestigious honors in the business world, the Stevie Awards celebrate outstanding organizations and professionals making meaningful contributions across industries. To be acknowledged on a national stage alongside so many inspiring companies is a true honor and a reflection of our team’s deep-rooted commitment to giving back.

A win for our team & communities we serve

This recognition highlights more than just our charitable programs. It celebrates the heart of everything we do. Since the beginning of 2023, our clients have helped us host more than 1,873 CSR-focused events across the globe. From packing care kits to building bikes and assembling water filters, these experiences go far beyond team building. They represent real, measurable impact.

“This nomination showcases TeamBonding’s exceptional integration of CSR into its core business model. Through thousands of purpose-driven events across the globe and impactful partnerships, the company has made social contribution an essential part of team development.”
— Awards Judging Committee

Together, we’ve:

• Donated over $1.6 million in goods and resources
• Partnered with 407 charities worldwide
• Helped provide clean water access to over 1.72 million people across 51 countries
• Delivered thousands of school supply kits, care packages, and disaster relief donations

Thanks to our ongoing partnership with B1G1, every TeamBonding interaction supports global philanthropic initiatives, including newsletter sign-ups, bookings, and events. These efforts align with our mission to make the world a little better, one team at a time.

Why this award matters

This Silver Stevie represents more than a milestone. It validates the years we’ve spent building and designing events that empower teams to give back in tangible, memorable, and emotionally impactful ways. The judges recognized our CSR initiatives for their meaningful contributions to communities, employee morale, and company culture—a powerful combination that sets our programs apart.

From building bikes and assembling care packages to decorating skateboards, crafting guitars, and designing mini golf courses, each event is more than just a team activity. It’s a shared purpose.

“TeamBonding brings heart to corporate team building by weaving meaningful charitable activities into their events. Since 2023, they’ve powered over 1,800 CSR initiatives, raising more than $1.6 million for 407 charity partners. Through their creative, customized programs—and a new partnership with B1G1—they help teams bond while making a real difference in communities near and far.” — Awards Judging Committee

The heart behind our CSR programs

Corporate social responsibility isn’t just a category for us. It’s part of our mission. We’ve built a portfolio of team building experiences that prioritize both people and purpose. These hands-on philanthropic experiences spark creativity and excitement, and leave a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Our event specialists are equipped with the expertise and resources to help companies select a team building event that not only aligns with their objectives but also connects with a charity that resonates with all participants. With access to an extensive network of hundreds of nonprofits supporting a wide array of causes, we match teams with organizations that reflect their values. This approach not only empowers participants to give back meaningfully, but also strengthens team bonds and communication skills, all while supporting a cause that has genuine significance to them.

More than a moment, it’s a movement

We’re especially proud of how this award recognizes our belief that CSR shouldn’t be an add-on; it should be built into the experience. That’s why we continue to design hands-on, purpose-driven programs that make it easy for teams to come together and give back in meaningful, memorable, and impactful ways.

CSR isn’t just good karma, it’s good business. From building customer trust to attracting top talent, corporate social responsibility is a win-win.

To our incredible clients, partners, and nonprofit collaborators: thank you. This award is yours, too. Your support fuels the good we’re able to do, and we can’t wait to see where we go from here.

It’s an honor to be recognized by The Stevie Awards as a Silver winner in The 23rd Annual American Business Awards® for Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility.

Here’s to building stronger teams and stronger communities, together.

The post TeamBonding Wins Silver Stevie® Award appeared first on TeamBonding.

Traditional motivational tactics—like monetary incentives—don’t cut it anymore. Sure, employees need to be paid well to be happy, but today’s talent craves meaningful experiences. They want to feel a sense of connection and purpose at work. 

Engagement is essential if you want to stay competitive. Unmotivated teams lack productivity, crush morale, and spike turnover rates. The solution? Thoughtful team building and motivational group activities that go beyond generic workshops and the occasional pizza party. 

For over twenty years, TeamBonding has been reimagining how teams connect, communicate, and build camaraderie. We spark transformation while planning fun ways to motivate employees.

If you’re ready to revolutionize your team’s potential, we’re here to help. Keep reading for a look at workplace motivation and a list of activities to kindle it!

The Science of Workplace Motivation 

Not all motivation is created equal. Enter the Needs-Based Theories of Motivation—a game-changing framework that helps break down what gets people to engage. 

It comes down to this: Motivation is personal. It’s all about an individual’s efforts to meet their own needs. It goes beyond the standard job description, too. 

For example, if a remote worker is feeling isolated and disconnected from team culture, their motivation can tank. 

The numbers tell an even more compelling story. For example, one 2024 employee engagement report found that just 27% of employees feel that their organization works to maintain high levels of motivation. Likewise, a 2019 study found that 64% of the employees identified encouragement and recognition as motivators. 

None of this is about grand gestures or throwing money at problems—it’s about consistency, connection, and acknowledgment. 

The Connection Between Managers and Team Motivation

Managers aren’t just task managers in today’s workplaces. If you want your team to be motivated, you’ll need to understand what drives each person and then create environments to help them thrive. 

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal, either. Your team is made up of a unique blend of personalities, goals, and, well, motivations. To succeed at managing a team, you’ll want to design experiences and craft organizational culture like a master architect. 

These experiences (and the culture as a whole) should resonate with employees on individual and collective levels. You’ll want to listen, adapt, and create spaces where team members can realize their full potential and feel excited to work each day. 

Strategic, fun, motivational ideas for teams and employees can help improve morale, productivity, job satisfaction, and so much more. But you need more than good intentions—you’ll need to commit to nurturing and understanding your team members.

Remember, it’s not just about managing your team. It’s about team motivation. It’s up to you to inspire them and give them time to grow, learn, and laugh together. Help your team members become friends and see how much stronger they are when they work together. And set a good example by joining in on the fun, too! 

Our Top 5 Breakthrough Motivational Activities for Employees

Great teams have the ability to challenge, inspire, and connect with each other. Likewise, excellent team motivation exercises open doors and help your employees challenge, inspire, and connect with each other. 

The best motivational team building activities teach leadership skills and use the power of play to break down barriers, spark creativity, and uncover hidden strengths. They turn ordinary workdays into extraordinary experiences and share the joy of collaboration and discovery with your employees. 

So, whether your team is remote, in-person, or hybrid, check out these staff motivation ideas to spark true change in the workplace. 

1. Game Show Activities

Some of the most fun, motivational games for employees are based on popular game shows. You might be surprised at how well they land compared to other motivation activities for teams. Game show ideas are a favorite here at TeamBonding, too. 

Whether you are playing Spin to Win, bingo, trivia, or another game show-based activity, they’re sure to get your team members working together and increase motivation. 

For team members and employees, these activities represent a chance to unwind and relax. They’re an invitation to step away from day-to-day tasks and cut loose. For managers, these games are often ideal motivation activities for employees who thrive on shared social experiences. 

2. Volunteer Together

Motivational activities for employees are already great, and they’re even better when you’re giving back! Corporate social responsibility (CSR) events offer tons of benefits for businesses. They also create space for team members to find shared interests, bond, boost morale, and make a difference in the lives of others. 

Many organizations try to plan at least one activity that allows their team to give back every year. They’re usually added to an annual roster of other motivational activities for employees. If you target the things your teams care about, they’re sure to be a hit. 

You might fundraise as a team for a joint cause, spend a day volunteering at a soup kitchen, or donate items to those who need them. Or, if you want a more social experience, consider a Charity Bike Build! This activity promotes collaboration as your team works together in a bike build that will later be donated to a local children’s organization. 

While volunteering starts out as an act of service for others, it quickly becomes a motivational activity that will spark employee growth and purpose.

3. Give Your Team A Thrill

If you’re looking for exciting motivational activities for employees, what about a thrilling experience like go-kart racing, scuba diving, or zip-lining? Or maybe something like mountain climbing, glass walking, surfing, rafting, or bungee jumping is more your team’s speed. 

If your team thrives on adrenaline, team motivation activities like these are great ways to reward and recognize them. While these events can be expensive, remember that a motivated employee is more productive, which spells a boost to the company’s bottom line. 

You could even use a thrilling event as motivation for team members to do their best on a project. Let them vote on which activity they want to do and make it happen once the project is complete! 

4. Solve a Problem as a Team

Problem-solving is the ultimate goal for many teams—it’s what drives company success, and it’s almost always better when multiple people work together. These activities can transform your teams into collaborative innovation superheroes. 

If you want to design your own, do it together. Start with a twist on traditional brainstorming to come up with a fictional problem that must be solved.

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Have someone on your team devise an idea for a fictional problem on a big piece of paper. Just a sentence or two is fine. 
2. Next, have them pass the paper to the person to the left. This person uses that new idea to create another solution. 
3. Repeat this process enough to give every team member one or two chances with the paper. 
4. After several rounds, see what they come up with. Review the paper together and discuss how each person’s input took you toward the end result. 

When you use motivational activities for employees and teams to work together and solve a problem, you shine a light on the power of teamwork and creativity. The best part? It’s a free activity that you can do frequently! 

If you’d like something that’s a bit more structured, try Corporate CSI—one of our favorite interactive experiences. It’s designed to test your team’s deductive reasoning, communication, and critical thinking. Team members must work together, eliminate suspects, and uncover the truth. 

5. Experience Virtual & Augmented Reality

Welcome to the future of team building! Virtual or augmented reality experiences break down traditional boundaries and transport your team to worlds without limits. 

These motivational activities are an excellent way for employees to see how effective and fun it is to embrace change and new technology. 

The popular VR activity, Infinite Loop, challenges a team of players to exchange roles in the real world to save a character trapped in the virtual world. They’ll communicate and solve problems in real time, working together to overcome obstacles and unlock solutions. 

With an electronic leaderboard to encourage friendly competition, this experience provides continuous feedback and improvement. The more accurately a team member describes their virtual world, the closer they get to solving the puzzle! 

Try Motivational Team Building Activities with Your Team

Motivation is all about investing time and effort into inspiring your team and fostering a positive, productive work environment. You’re showing that you value your team members beyond their professional contributions and are actively working towards building a more cohesive and motivated workforce. 

The shared experiences from these fun, motivational activities for employees help create memories and inside jokes that contribute to a unique team culture and connection. 

No matter which of these motivation exercises you choose—or what ideas you add to this list—your employees will appreciate that you care about their morale. Check out our extensive list of activities for more ideas! 

Ready to transform your workplace? We’re here to help you turn potential into performance. Contact TeamBonding today. 

The post Our Top 5 Motivational Activities for Employees in 2025 appeared first on TeamBonding.

Ranking no.4,583 and no. 447 in the top 500 in business products and services.

TeamBonding has earned a spot on Inc. Magazine’s 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Ranked at 4583, and 95% 3-Year Growth – this marks the seventh time TeamBonding has been named to the reputable and exclusive list. View the press release here.

This list provides a unique look at the most successful small businesses and privately-owned companies in the U.S. and how they reached their lofty goals. The annual Inc. 5000 company is hosting a conference and gala honoring the companies on the list will be held in person from October 19 to 21 in Phoenix, Arizona. As always, speakers will include some of the greatest innovators and business leaders of our generation.

“TeamBonding is honored to make the INC 5000 list. It is truly a recognition of the hard work that our team has contributed to our overall company growth.  This year, it has been amazing to see in-person team building events come back to life. Charitable events are also back, and the donations continue to have a lasting impact on non-profits as well our clients. Seeing teams building bikes, wheelchairs, back to school kits and so much more is nothing short of heartwarming. We take pride in helping teams virtually and in person and we are excited about what the future holds.”
– David Goldstein | Creator of Opportunities

This year, TeamBonding witnessed the sudden leap from virtual to in-person events. The opportunity to reacquaint teams in person placed a strong emphasis on team building. In turn, organizations rely on the expertise of TeamBonding to maintain and achieve a thriving company culture. With a strong emphasis on customization and personalization for clients and users, TeamBonding launched a new and improved website to make it easier than ever to find your perfect event to help engage, connect, and inspire teams.

Following the impact the pandemic had on the event industry, the interest in team charitable events is back on the rise, and TeamBonding didn’t fall short to accommodate, launching its own Corporate Volunteering division. Partnering with charities across the globe, companies can now have an easier way of managing consistent employee volunteer programs. These charitable programs form into powerful, transformational experiences with lasting benefits for teams.

The top 500 companies are also being featured in the September issue of Inc., available on newsstands on August 16.

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 come from nearly every realm of business. From health and software to media and hospitality, the 2020 list proves that no matter the sector, incredible growth is based on the foundations of tenacity and opportunism.”
– Scott Omelianuk | Inc. Editor-in-Chief

This isn’t the first time TeamBonding gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. In 2019, TeamBonding was also named in the Inc. 5000 for the 6th time after a 3-year revenue growth of 70% for Inc.’s fastest-growing companies and has been in business for over two decades.

Just 3 years ago in 2019, TeamBonding announced its partnership with Catalyst Global, an international network of 47 team building partners spanning 90 countries. TeamBonding and Catalyst Global were both established over 25 years ago and have been leaders in the team building industry since. This partnership allowed for the availability of team building resources, technology, services, and events to be facilitated worldwide, making TeamBonding internationally known and expanding its reach to nearly every corner of the globe.

TeamBonding continues to build an array of valuable team building resources. The successful podcast series Team Building Saves the World is on season 3 and brings thought leaders from around the globe to share tips, tricks, and insights for people who care about company culture. We also offer a range of free downloads and webinars designed to provide the tools people need to adapt, manage, and maintain teams in today’s fast-changing environment.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000

Methodology
The Inc. 5000 2022 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2018 to 2021. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2018. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent–not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies–as of December 31, 2021. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2018 is $100,000; the minimum for 2021 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Inc. Media
The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About TeamBonding

With over 35 years in business, TeamBonding is a leader in team building that facilitates true, authentic bonds between members of corporate teams. TeamBonding helps companies foster professional relationships between employees using activities, events, and icebreakers to encourage the development of skills such as problem-solving, communication, and conflict resolution. With experience working with major Fortune 500 companies to non-profit groups, small start-ups, and universities, TeamBonding has delivered thousands of team building events to different corporations and groups worldwide. All events are customizable to meet your teams’ needs and boost engagement, communication, and productivity.

Do you need to organize team building activities in-person, online, or both? Wondering how that’s even possible in these crazy times? Don’t worry – whether you have a team of 10 or 1,000, we cover all the details to ensure a fun, successful event where everything runs like clockwork.

View all our events or contact us for more information!

The post For the 7th Time, TeamBonding Named in Inc. 5000 appeared first on TeamBonding.

In the last few years, I have dedicated my life to a new mission — making art creation accessible to anyone. Think about this for a moment: Many people can cook, but it does not make them professional chefs. Many can take beautiful shots using their phone, but it does not make them professional photographers. Many can throw a ball, but they are not Tom Brady. However, when it comes to art, most adults can’t express themselves artistically.

Can art creation be part of our daily lives?

I kept asking myself why does the art world only belong to the gifted ones? Why can’t I join this fantastic process of creativity and bring ideas and emotions into the form of art? Even more than that, creativity is proven to positively affect our brain and our mental state. Making art is a process that involves special tools, precision, and practice. It is a messy experience to do at home. But there’s something even deeper than that. We were all raised in a right-or-wrong educational system. By nature, we try to avoid criticism and follow the rules. These rules do not apply to art. There is no right and no wrong in art. After looking into it for over four years, I found the answer: Art is hard to do:)! I am sure you expected a more sophisticated conclusion, but that’s the truth.

“Me??? Na! I am the worst when it comes to art”. If I had a penny for every time I heard this line, I’d be a millionaire!
– Elad Katav

Art creation is not magic.

Many people don’t know this – but art creation is not magic, it’s a highly structured process. Artists are using well-defined methods and techniques to create their art. Very few just walk in front of a canvas and create a masterpiece without careful planning.

These techniques make it possible to deliver an idea onto a canvas in a beautiful way. It doesn’t take away from the artist’s creativity. The famous 17th-century Dutch painter Vermeer, used a camera obscura to project the objects he painted onto the canvas. This technique enabled him to paint details the human eye couldn’t see from a distance. And no one doubts Vermeer’s creativity.

We had all these thoughts in mind when we were building the Sketch it Forward Handcrafted Greeting Cards program, and the Team Painting program. Our goal was to design clean, fun, fail-proof, personalized experiences with “wow” results that ANYONE can do. We were looking to invent techniques that will help people with no artistic background to get great results. We soon realized that mobile apps can help guide our users and make art creation accessible. This app allows you to choose from thousands of different licensed artworks. By offering this, we allow users to connect with artists from all over the world through art creation. You can explore art by visiting a gallery, but now you can paint and experience it on a whole new level.

Take any photo and turn it into artwork.

The most incredible feature, which we’ve spent years to perfect, is the ability to take any photo and turn it into an artwork you can paint. The app takes photos you took and extracts their outline. Then, we use augmented reality to superimpose the outline over the surface. The process of painting involves looking through your phone while the hand is drawing on the surface. We expected people would love it, but we didn’t expect the level of precision and the final results people shared with us! It became clear that these benefits of art creation are a dream come true!

Benefits of using this art creation technique:

• Boosts creativity
• Relaxing, like meditation or therapy
• Practice and-eye-brain coordination
• Everyone can be an artist

Which medium would best facilitate the creative experience? Handcrafted Greeting Cards were an obvious choice. Especially now, during and after the COVID crisis, the importance of sharing gratitude, support and encouragement has never been more critical.

We recently launched the popular Sketch it Forward program, where teams and companies create beautiful hand-crafted cards filled with stunning artworks and personal messages for deserving first responders, health care heroes, veterans, isolated seniors, and for many other occasions we want to celebrate such as Mother’s day. We LOVE this program as it is all about the act of kindness and sharing gratitude. If you are looking for a “state of the art” experience involving creativity and purpose, we believe this program is for you! The added bonus- it benefits the heart and soul of both sender and receiver.

The post Meaningful Ideas For Mother’s Day Cards appeared first on TeamBonding.

12 Steps to Take Two this Twosday

1. Set goals.
2. Add to your bucket list.
3. Write yourself a future letter.
4. Find inspiration.
5. Share positivity.
6. Give back.
7. Get organized.
8. Prioritize your tasks.
9. Take a break.
10. Take care of yourself.
11. Reconnect with your team.
12. Shift your perspective.

In addition to Twosday, 2/22/2022 is also National Margarita Day, and our personal favorite taco Twosday! Whether you are looking at Twosday to start a new chapter or an excuse to celebrate, we have some ways you can use this day as inspiration to take 2 steps forward, and 2 steps back with a new approach to your life and work experiences.

1. Set goals. Take 2 steps forward and look into your own personal growth and development. Where do you stand on your goals? Look into achieving a personal goal you’ve set aside and take one step to accomplish it. This can be any goal you’ve set for your career, education, or even taking up a new hobby.
2. Add to your bucket list. Better yet, do something new from your bucket list. A bucket list differs from your goal list because it is based on experiences rather than setting a goal to work towards. Make a simple list to jot down things you want to experience not only in your lifetime, but this year! Schedule it, and go!
3. Write yourself a future letter. How do you envision your future? Write yourself a future email and share anything you want from expectations to funny life moments. Once you receive your email from 2 months, 2 years, or even 22 years, it will bring a smile to your face.
4. Find inspiration. What inspires you? Practice tracking your inspiration by creating a vision board full of your ideas. A quick way to view and track the sources that inspire you can be a physical vision board or even an album on your phone.
5. Share positivity. Twosday is a great day to spread a smile. Share a special quote, a note of appreciation, or give a compliment to someone on your team. Sharing positivity with your team will put a pep in someone’s step and can even boost productivity.
6. Give back. There are different ways to give back personally and ways to involve your team. Donate your time, items, or start a fundraiser in your community. Organizing a charitable event for your team is a fun, interactive way to embrace corporate social responsibility. In lieu of the past two years, programs like healthcare heroes have been established to give back locally and the positive impact it creates is unparalleled.
7. Get organized. Take 2 steps back and re-evaluate your workspace at home or in the office. Clean up, file away last year’s paperwork, or shred that pile you’ve been putting off. By de-cluttering your space, you allow yourself room to feel confident and competent. A successful approach would be to de-clutter on a Friday, for a fresh start on Monday.
8. Prioritize your tasks. Lists, calendars, charts… everyone has a different method of outlining their tasks. Finding a project management system is beneficial to developing a process that works for you. Exploring a solution to manage and track tasks is a productive way to hold yourself accountable.
9. Take a break. It can be easy to forget to take a lunch or be so deep into a project that we forget to step away and take a breather. Taking a break to relax and de-stress is a healthy habit to form to get your mind clear and focused on the work ahead.
10. Take care of yourself. Maintaining your personal health and fitness goals can be daunting, but it is critical for your overall wellness. Prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional health can be as simple as getting enough sleep, doing a few days at the gym, and incorporating some nutritious foods into your diet. Better yet, propose a wellness activity or program to participate in to get your team involved.
11. Reconnect with your team. When was the last time you planned something with your team? You can plan a potluck for lunch, get some fresh air with your team for an outside activity, or bring the margaritas to your door with a virtual happy hour to include those working from home. Streamline effective ways of bonding with your team by scheduling reoccurring times to connect throughout the month, or year.
12. Shift your perspective. One thing is guaranteed in life, and that is change. Approaching changes with a positive outlook will impact everyone around you. Instead of saying “I have to go for a walk today.”, take a more positive approach such as “I’m so lucky I get to walk outside today and enjoy the nice weather.”  This will gradually make you feel empowered and the people surrounding you will notice, strengthening your interpersonal relationships.

This Twosday, we encourage you to take two – taking two steps forward, and two steps back towards a rewarding 2022. Accomplishing a little every day will help you reach your goals and reshape your relationships, career, and future.

If you are looking for unique ways to give back or to connect with your team, try using a fun, themed holiday like taco Twosday, national margarita day, or celebrate St.Patrick’s day with a team building event. Excite your team with the many virtual and in-person events we have to offer.

The post Take Two Twosday: 12 Steps to Take in 2022 appeared first on TeamBonding.

What is the 3-Minute Rule and How Can You Apply It to Virtual Events?

Giroux says that, in general, you have three minutes to get people to engage at any event — live or virtual. While you have a lot of tools at your disposal for an in-person event, when it comes to virtual, the group notes, it can be a bit more difficult — but it’s not impossible.

Listen to this full Episode “Behind the Curtain!” on our Podcast page.

“It’s all about understanding the virtual platform and showing people quickly that it’s going to be fun and that it’s okay to relax,” Giroux says. There are several different ways to get your team involved right from the start, and this podcast touches on a few of them in more detail, including the following:

• Use movement — no one wants to just be sitting still staring at a screen, or watching someone else sitting still. Get up and move around, and encourage your team to do the same! Be animated, and you will engage with your audience right from the start.
• Use music — get people to dance, to sing along, to even bob their heads to a tune they like. Music is a great way to fire up a crowd, whether live or in person.
• Call on people by name! Virtual events aren’t pre-recorded shows, but it can be hard to remember you’re not just watching a video. Break through that by engaging with team members directly, and get them talking to each other.

What it comes down to, the TeamBonding experts agree, is getting people to engage with the event and the facilitator right from the very start. The ability to do that not only speaks to the expertise of the person hosting, but to the quality of the experience being promised to the entire team.

“If I walked out, live in front of 800 people or 20 people, it didn’t matter. You have three minutes, and they’re in, or they’re out,” said Giroux, who stresses that live events are no different when it comes to virtual events. “They’re going to judge you within those three minutes — ‘I’m with you for the ride,’ or ‘I’m out.’”

So How Do You Create an Engaging Event?

Rininsland, Brunet, Pertusiello, Goldstein, and Giroux go further to examine what it takes to develop a wildly successful and highly engaging virtual team event. To hear all the tips and tricks you’ll need to tune in to the entire podcast, but here are a few highlights:

1. Collaboration.

As Giroux points out, a great event starts with a team working together to find the right idea, for the right group, and then determine how to execute it perfectly.

“Collaboration — oftentimes I’m working with owners and they’re brainstorming something. They go, ‘Oh, that would be great at this.’ If they give me a call, ‘what do you think about this idea?’ And then I’ll add in all the different pieces of the pie, from different things we’ve led or different ideas I have, or online platforms, and then take that idea and then put it into reality.”

A great event has to begin with that idea, but it also has to be the right event for your team. As you plan your next team bonding event — live or virtual — take a few minutes to talk to your staff. What types of events do they enjoy? What do they dread? What gets them excited? This collaboration will lead you toward the right event.

2. Use the lure of the famous and familiar.

People like things they are already familiar with — maybe it’s a game show the entire staff loves, or a show they all watch. If an event is built with that at the core, then automatically the team will be more engaged from the very start. It’s not as hard to get people excited about events they already have a positive emotion toward.

“We have to make sure when we design things, people don’t want to reach for that remote,” said Giroux. “They want to stay tuned in. They’re either engaged or fully part of [the event], or they want to know what’s coming next.” That, he stresses, is a big key. If you only have three minutes to get someone to go all-in with a virtual event, starting from a place where they’re already excited is going to make it quite a bit easier.

3. Zoom time!

When the pandemic first started and everything went virtual, the group noted, there was a belief that no one would want to spend much time in front of a camera on a virtual event. 30 minutes, the “conventional wisdom” suggested, was the ideal length of a meeting. But the reality is that if the event is fun and engaging, people don’t actually mind being there.

“Over and over and over when people even book these 60-minute events [the feedback we’re getting is that] is they were having so much fun, they would’ve stayed longer,” said Goldstein. “That they wish they had booked 90 minutes.” She notes, “I think that has been one surprise of the whole thing, is the intention span on Zoom and through these virtual events is actually, I think, a little bit longer than people anticipate.”

But, she stresses, getting that engagement comes right back around to having an engaging event in the first place. No one wants to sit for yet another Zoom meeting where they’re just listening to people talk. But events where they are actively participating and having a good time they are more than willing to give their full time and attention, and it doesn’t matter if it’s live or virtual — a great event is always going to end with people walking away talking about what they learned, and what a great time they had.

That’s just a small preview of the great conversation and tips that Rininsland, Brunet, Pertusiello, Goldstein, and Giroux share in the podcast. To learn more, listen to this entire podcast and stay tuned for the next exciting episode. Watch all episodes on our Team Building Saves the World Podcast.

The post You’ve Got 3 Minutes — Combating Zoom Fatigue appeared first on TeamBonding.

While we aren’t quite out of the woods yet, based on TeamBonding’s experience, expertise, and conversations with our diverse clientele, we’re comfortable making a few predictions for the foreseeable future. Granted, no plan survives the first encounter, as the cliché goes, and especially in a year marked with unprecedented events, it can be hard to predict with 100% accuracy. But that being said, there are a few things we’re pretty sure about, and we think you can be too.

The Road to Recovery: Spring 2021

Pre-pandemic, live events were exciting, motivating experiences that brought people together and forged strong bonds that translated into more productive teams. As the world went into lockdown, TeamBonding transitioned to virtual events, giving teams a way to stay connected in fun, unique ways to keep motivation high and not lose momentum even as staff worked alone in home offices.

WFH Scavenger Hunt

Some of the favorite virtual team bonding events that businesses have embraced — and that will continue to be offered even once live events return — include the Improv for Team Building, the WFH Scavenger Hunt, and the popular Curated Online Chocolate Tasting Experience, and many more.

As we look forward, don’t expect virtual events to disappear overnight. In fact, in the near future, we expect a “proceed with caution” phase of live events. That means small hybrid events, with some in-person attendees, but the majority still logging in remotely to participate.

These events will be focused on safety first, with hand sanitizing stations, social distancing, face masks, and safety equipment as precautions. In general, expect the first hybrid events to roll out to consist of 25 people or less in person, and to take place in office spaces, rather than dedicated venues like ballrooms or conference centers. They will bring together people who have already been interacting on some level — those who have already returned to the office or have been interacting with one another regularly — rather than consisting of people working from home with little to no contact.

A few of our favorite Hybrid TeamBonding Events we’re excited to offer include the Hybrid Murder Mystery Dinner, Hybrid Team Painting, and Hybrid Happy Hour & Mixology — just to name a few.

The Road to Recovery: Summer and Fall 2021

Starting in May/June and moving through December, we expect the trend of hybrid events to continue. Businesses across the board have told us they want to host TeamBonding events, but they also don’t want to force employees back too soon or ask them to put themselves into situations that may make them uncomfortable.

Especially in the earlier months, as the vaccine continues to roll out, COVID will be the driving factor behind hybrid events, with safety top of mind. We expect, as the year progresses and everyone who wants a vaccine has a chance to get one, that hybrid events will remain the go-to as people understand their value— they are a great way to include people from a wide range of geographic locations and environments and don’t leave anyone out.

Hybrid events are also a great contingency plan — what happens if there is another surge and live events take another hit? What happens if attendees have something come up and they can’t make it to a live event? Planning a hybrid event from the start gives the most amount of flexibility to both the company and employees, ensuring that no matter what unexpected challenges might crop up, everyone will still be able to come together.

Road to Recovery: 2022 and Beyond

As we close out our second year of the pandemic, hopefully with it in the rear-view mirror, we expect most people to feel secure enough to return to live team building events and hope to see larger scale live events make a strong comeback.

As the weather warms up, and as people have months to mentally readjust to life post-vaccine, we think both businesses and employees alike will be ready to let go of the fear of large gatherings, and once more embrace live events. And not just the small gatherings we expect to see in the hybrid virtual event or virtual team bonding models — but full conferences and large-scale events that get entire teams together in the same place once more, in most cases for the first time in years.

Corporate Survivor

The in-person events we’re most excited about bringing back? The Go Team Scavenger Hunt, Axe Throwing, Drone Control, Ice Sculpting, and Corporate Survivor are just a few of the options that both TeamBonding and the businesses we’ve helped bring together have loved. These — and more — are all ready to be offered again as sprint is upon us with COVID safety guidelines.

We are excited to get to that point, and get back to helping you plan and execute the TeamBonding events that bring your employees together and foster the connections and camaraderie that lead to stronger, more productive teams. We are just as ready as you are to return to hosting live events. In the meantime, we strongly believe the virtual and hybrid models are here to stay to ensure morale and productivity stay high as companies rebuild their new work models.

The post The Road to Recovery: Predicting the Path to Live Events appeared first on TeamBonding.

Despite these past two years being full of unprecedented changes, it is still more important than ever to foster new relationships within your workforce, engage employees, and toast to one another’s accomplishments. Conventionally, holiday parties offered a good opportunity to remind your employees of their importance within the organization, and TeamBonding strives for this year to be no exception. The Ultimate Virtual Holiday Party combines the most popular team building events and entertainment experience into one big customizable celebration for your team. With this party, teams can choose from a variety of events such as, ‘Oh What Fun’ Holiday Team Trivia, Reindeer Games, Wild Card Bingo and can even add on Virtual Santa, Holiday Happy & Mixology, and more!

“Here we are again it’s the holiday season in a pandemic and we’re much better prepared for virtual and in-person events after delivering hundreds of unique holiday celebrations last December. Like Santa, we’ve made a list and we’re checking it twice to make sure that we can deliver holiday fun for everyone.  Clients too are more prepared as they know what is possible to make their spirits bright. Our TeamBonding elves are making the gingerbread, preparing the mixology kits, writing the holiday trivia, and setting the puzzles for the escape rooms.  The good news this year is the return of the charitable programs and the donations to those in need!” – David Goldstein | Creator of Opportunities

From Virtual Gingerbread House Hunters to Holiday Ice Carving, TeamBonding has a plethora of creative virtual holiday event ideas to preserve holiday traditions. Elevate your holiday party with the Curated Chocolate Experience or bring about some friendly competition and try the holiday version of Jeopardy or Quickfire Festive. Whether it is modifying activities for different holidays such as Amazing Race Around the World – Festive Edition, or using your content to customize events, TeamBonding’s phenomenal facilitators and event managers will tailor any event to meet your needs.

This year TeamBonding is looking forward to helping clients give back to communities all around the world. Corporate volunteering allows employees to contribute to meaningful causes and is especially important during the holiday season. Programs such as Teddy Bear Rescue and the Charity Bike Build can be done virtually and benefits your team and local children by providing them with long-lasting gifts to boost their spirits. Impact Online provides meaningful contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and countries around the globe.

Although traditional in-person holiday experiences may not be an option this year for some, companies have not eliminated them altogether. TeamBonding provides your team with a memorable holiday experience that is engaging, captivating, COVID-safe, and fun for all no matter if your team is virtual or in-person. Looking forward to 2022, TeamBonding is planning new events to be available alongside their 125+ unique activities in Virtual, Hybrid, and In-Person format.

Check out one of our favorites this holiday season, reindeer racing!

The post Holiday Traditions Gone Virtual appeared first on TeamBonding.

A recent study found that 65% of employees haven’t received any form of recognition for good work in a year. Therefore, if you are satisfied with the work of remote employees, show them that. You’ll have a better chance of retaining great workers if you do so. Here are some ways in which you can show appreciation to remote workers.

10 Ways to Show Appreciation to Remote Workers

1. Pay Attention to Important Days

Set alarms to remind you of important days and milestones of your remote workers. It can be their birthday, their work anniversary, Employee Appreciation Day, or any other relevant day that they informed you of. Wish them Merry Christmas and remember them on other holidays. Gestures such as these will make your employees feel like a part of the family.

Your kind words and showing that you remembered will let the employee know that they are relevant to you. Send them a card in the form of an email or if it’s not too much trouble for you, write them a hand-written note and send it.

2. Say Thank You Regularly

According to research, 70% of employees say that motivation and morale would improve “massively” with managers saying thank you more. Employ saying “thank you” regularly. Make it a routine.

Whenever an employee sends a finished task, express your gratitude. They have invested their time and effort in it and hearing “thank you” would be like a pat on their back.

3. Include Them in Meetings

Even though most remote workers do just one part of the project, that doesn’t mean that they should be cut off from the rest of it. For example, if you are building a website and you hired a remote worker for copywriting, they still deserve to know the progress of the website.

When you set a progress review meeting with your team, include the remote worker. They can partake through a video call. This will show them that they are a part of that company just like anyone else. Give them an opportunity to share their opinions and be present while your project grows.

4. Write an Appreciation E-mail

Dedicating a whole email solely to thank them for their work will emphasize your appreciation. Write about the skills you value in that worker, why they make the perfect team member, and how they contributed to your company.

You can collaborate with writing services such as TrustMyPaper or GrabMyEssay to create a well-written template and then you can personalize it. Receiving kind words and hearing about their positive traits will make the employees feel better about themselves.

5. Encourage Professional Development

Writers and researchers for Harvard Business Review have emphasized how progress has a motivational power. Improving existing skills and developing professionally can turn an average employee into an exceptional one. Add the employer’s encouragement to that and the employee will thrive.

Whether the worker has thought about it or not, suggest to them that they take an online course that can help them advance in career. You can find free online courses or pay them to take a course. This will be a signal to them that you believe in their capabilities.

6. Send an Appreciation Kit

An appreciation kit can serve as a physical reminder that they are doing a great job. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, it’s the intention that matters. There are even some amazing team-related appreciation kits you can purchase.

For example, TeamBonding offers appreciation kits that are created for employees. Even a small gift can mean the world to an employee if it comes from you and represents your appreciation.

7. Create an Individual Certificate of Achievement

Each great employee has a specific skill that is outstanding. That skill should be recognized and praised. What a better (and more original) way to do it than through a certificate of achievement?

Make personalized certificates of achievement that will state the role, skill, or task in which an employee is best at. It can be a certificate for “the most diligent employee”, “the most positive team member”, “the best original thinker”, etc. Single out a trait that the employee is exceptional at and showcase that achievement.

8. Ask Them about Vacation Time

Just work and no fun would exhaust even the most dedicated employee. The remote workers should know it’s important for you that they take vacation and rest. Ask them in advance about the time they would like to take a vacation. You can arrange your business to accommodate that.

Some employees feel intimidated to request specific vacation days. If you make the first step and tell them that they can take time off whenever they wish, you bet that they’ll feel happy about choosing your company as their place of work.

9. Offer Opportunities for Advancement

Show the remote worker that you see potential in them. Talk to them about advancement opportunities. Knowing that they can move up the ladder in the company will motivate them to do better.

In a study by Quantum Workplace, employees listed professional growth opportunity as one of their highest drivers of engagement. Let the remote employees know that they have the possibility of financial or career growth just as local workers.

10. Give Them an Extra Day Off

If you had a good week and did more work than you expected, give your remote employee an extra day off. Or, tell them on Friday that they can take the rest of the day off. The gift of time can sometimes be the best gift ever.

Remote workers can have a hard time separating their professional and personal life so providing them with an extra day off will be a push towards relaxation. Gifting them with time away from obligations will give them acknowledgment for their hard work.

Final Thoughts

Getting appreciation for hard work boosts employees’ morale, productivity, and retains them at a company. These simple ways of showing that you value your employees will not only keep them a part of your team, but they can also improve their work. You don’t need to invest a lot of effort to show appreciation. All you need is some time and kind words. Don’t you agree that a great employee is worthy of that?

The post 10 Ways To Show Appreciation To Remote Workers appeared first on TeamBonding.