Believe it or not, you can have fun at work! Switch things up at the office and try some new, fun team building activities for work to get everyone energized.
“I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun.”
–Thomas A. Edison
Realistically, work tends to be a bore at times. It doesn’t have to be though! There are tons of highly effective fun team building activities for work that you and your team can do to become more engaged, better acquainted with each other and more productive, all while having some fun. It’s important to team build often and even more important to get everyone participating. With the right amount of effort, you can expect good lines of communication and strong team working skills! If you are trying to fuse fun, and work look no further!
(1) Lunching with Coworkers
Lunch time is a glorious time for many people in the work place, and with good reason. Having time to eat and take a mental break is very important, even if it’s a short amount of time for some. Next lunch break, try something new with your employees. Start by taking one day out of the week to spend lunch getting to know your team even better. Try out a new spot each time and make up a game to play on your way there or once you arrive. Below are just a couple examples, check here for more! Newly opened lines of communication between everyone will be great to take back to the office.
Teamwork Game: “Two Truths and a Lie”
Each person submits two truths and one lie about themselves at the game or to the party organizer. Each person should let the game organizer know which statement is the lie. Compile all the information into a document in a multiple choice style quiz and create an answer key. At the party, pass out the game sheets and have everyone answer each question by designating which answer is a lie for each person. Have one or two people who don’t participate in the game score each submission and declare the winners! You’ll be surprised how much (or how little) you know about your coworkers.
Teamwork Game: “Name That Tune (or Movie)”
Create a list of movie one liners or lines from fairly well known songs. Write them on slips of paper and divide the group into teams. Each team takes turns drawing a slip of paper and the either reads or sings the line written. Each team has 30 seconds to guess until another team can steal. See who knows their movies or who is a budding singer.
(2) Office Makeover
Kickoff a mini makeover for the office. If your office is in need of a few changes, work as a team to spruce it up! While your team sets out for lunch, create a simple list of things that could use an overhaul. Working in a team will be beneficial for all. The organization doesn’t need to have a big budget. Minor changes like adding some new plants, art, or a few colorful pillows to the couch in the lounge can really make the difference. In addition to teams becoming stronger, the work environment will be better suited for all who helped out which will improve the mood around the office.
(3) Outdoor Team Building Activities
Fall has arrived and that means cooler air, and autumn leaves! Take your team outside for meetings when you can. Being outdoors will instantly lighten the mood and result in a much better time than that spent indoors. A DIY team building activity is the perfect way to spend your time outside.
If you want something more structured, try Go Team Smartphone Scavenger Hunt. This program is highly customizable and lots of fun! Teams use a tablet or smartphone to complete a themed scavenger hunt. What is even better about this program is that you can download an app and do it yourself (without a program facilitator). Whichever method you choose, you’ll have a fun and effective team building experience.
(4) Recognition Tools
Use recognition tools as a fun way to show that someone has done something meaningful at the office. Fill a box with various items and treats for team members who accomplish tasks or do something worth noting. This act will demonstrate a sense of positivity in the office and create a desirable work culture. Below are a few examples of different items to place in your box. Come up with your own items that have their own meanings behind them, too!
- A Gumby figure for somebody who has shown flexibility.
- A pair of cheap sunglasses for a bright idea.
- A rubber ball for somebody who has bounced back from a challenge.
- Fun size pieces of candy to sweeten someone’s day.
(5) Office Teams or Clubs
Is there a disconnect between people at work? Do you want to see them bond more? Create a team or club to further your team building efforts. A sports team or book club can be just what you need to see your team become stronger through shared interests and experiences.
Being a part of something outside of work will give team members something to relate to and provide new topics of conversation. A healthy team or club can make all the difference at work and will improve the work culture.
(6) Social Activities
All work and no play doesn’t just make for a dull office. While the priority for workers always should be on performing the jobs for which they are paid, there are even more low-cost social activities that can break up the office routine and foster an esprit de corps.
- Talent Show
- Board Games
- Alternative Dress Day
Don’t have time to plan these fun team building activities for work? TeamBonding can help. Programs like Team Painting, Art For A Cause and Ultimate Tailgate get you working as a team.
