Every human is or has been a part of some kind of team. The most fundamental team begins the day a child is born – otherwise known as family. Throughout a lifetime, humans belong to many different teams or groups – at school, work, volunteer, sports, and other activities. And sometimes there are sub-groups, like one classroom at school could be considered a team but those students could be a part of smaller units that work on projects together.
Getting along in a team environment and working together to accomplish a group effort is so important to succeeding in all areas of life. Besides sleeping, most adults spend the majority of their time working. Having a group of coworkers who are an amazing team makes a huge difference to your success and happiness, and the success of the company. Finding a group of individuals who work together well as a cohesive unit and separately makes all the difference.
While some teams naturally work well together, the majority take some motivating and nurturing, at least in the beginning, to work well together. Often, this means individuals need to get to know each other and develop a mutual sense of trust and respect. Such “team building” activities are usually dreaded and often comical, as depicted in popular television shows like Parks and Recreation and The Office, but do not have to be.
Many companies offer days of service and volunteer opportunities for employees, and these events can be a great way to create camaraderie among coworkers. Allow employees to suggest charity organizations or activities that most interest them, and offer many opportunities for giving back to the community year-round. One such option makes it easy. Selfless.ly, a non-profit started in Indianapolis, gives business and non-profit organizations the opportunity to connect and “do good” together.
Besides charity work, employees should regularly be given the opportunity to positively reinforce their team and other coworkers. This could include birthday and anniversary pitch-ins, recognition of a job well done, a half-day off to try out Topgolf or go-karting, happy hour, or yoga class. The options are endless, and your team should be the ones to vote. Regularly change up your “team building” activity and encourage everyone to participate. Ask your employees what sort of activity they’d like to do and arrange it for them. They’ll appreciate the fact that you’re listening to their concerns and requests. For example, if someone says they want to visit an escape room, contact this escape room in margate kent and get the team booked in. Or, get them to put together a list of the activities they’d prefer and put it to a vote. It may be that the team would prefer a building exercise that is low physical energy but highly mentally focused, or they could be looking into getting hands-on with low ropes courses to really put them to the test.
Having a cohesive unit that works well together is something that many find hard to attain. Just as important as having a successful team is ensuring that each individual employee is doing okay. Everyone goes through difficulties and hardships throughout life, and having regular communication with each team member shows that you understand this and care about his or her wellbeing.
Building a successful team at work takes time and effort, but the reward of a happy and engaged workplace is worth the endeavor.
