Bonding with coworkers is not only important for the efficiency of the firm, but it’s also important for the mental and emotional wellbeing of employees. Like a cycle, emotional wellbeing and efficiency inevitably impact each other. Team bonding is defined as the process of a team learning how to trust and communicate with one another. It occurs through fun activities, outings, workshops, or even small acts of kindness. Not only does this process make communication easier because of enhanced interpersonal relationships, but it also increases productivity because of an increased commitment to the organization.
Tips to Enhance Team Bonding:
-
Play games that help you get to know each other
Play games that can help employees reveal fun facts about themselves. An example can be staff bingo, which is an excellent way to start. Hand out to each employee a printed bingo chart with squares that contain fun facts like “has a pet” or “never went skydiving”. Employees will then walk around and ask others if they have a pet or have gone skydiving, so they can cross out the
boxes and win. The goal is for them to find a person to fit in each category, that way they will win and also learn more about their coworkers.
-
Start encouragement trains
People love to be praised and recognized. As a form of encouragement, take a few minutes from your next meeting to acknowledge your coworker’s hard work, to congratulate them for a milestone, to appreciate an act of kindness, or to point out anything positive that they have been doing. An encouragement train makes people feel appreciated and seen, which in turn will enhance the bond they have with others.
-
Have occasional theme days
If it’s currently not feasible to do something outside of working hours, you can also aim to make working hours light and fun. Having theme days at work breaks the everyday routine, and is a perfect way to bring joy and laughter into the firm as people discuss their outfits or costumes.
-
Be an initiator
Sometimes we can avoid initiating with other people out of fear, anxiety, and pride. When we let these factors stop us, we end up missing out on meaningful relationships and memories with others. Think about one person in your organization that you want to initiate with. Reflect on what might be stopping you from initiating with them, and then think of a way you can take active steps to start a friendship with them. This can happen through a random act of kindness, a quick check-in, or a coffee run.
-
Seek professional service providers
Professional service providers plan retreats, workshops, and activities that can enhance and solidify relationships between staff members. Seeking professional services breaks the ice and helps staff form a bond naturally.The services are an essence to all of the above points, since they can assist in planning games, and executing workshops that challenge us into becoming courageous initiators and encouragers.
Reflection Questions:
- How does team bonding impact performance?
- Is there a relationship at work that needs repair? What role can I play in fixing it?
- Who can I encourage this week?
