Team building is an effective method to create a culture of collaboration and trust in any
organization. It’s essential because it impacts the organization’s morale, and in turn it impacts the
employees’ performance, which can make or break the work environment. It also contributes to
an employee’s level of loyalty and commitment to the organization. If a firm neglects team
building, they risk stalling their progression towards their goals, and creating cracks and gaps
within their community.
Team building can have different shapes and forms; it can look like potluck lunches, cognitively
challenging activities, and fun events. An organization can benefit greatly from creating a spirit
of fellowship between its employees.
Reasons Why Team Building Is Important:
1. Creates unity
Team building activities break the ice and help employees work towards a shared goal. This
plants in employees a sense of teamwork, and the awareness that they are working with each
other and not against each other. This leads to the prioritization of the success of the organization
as a whole, rather than only seeking individual wins.
2. Leads to new ideas
Being familiar with other employees and establishing a safe zone to share one’s ideas will lead to
a flood of new and fresh perspectives as people feel more comfortable to explore and take risks,
without feeling like their ideas will be shut down by others. If people are more familiar with each
other, they will most likely be more encouraged to exchange ideas with one another, which can
lead to fruitful conversations.
3. Builds a healthy work environment
Team building can positively impact channels of communication at work. It can help employees
understand each other better and communicate effectively, which will prevent or minimize
conflicts. In addition, it will help create new relationships within the firm, which can impact employees socially, emotionally, and professionally.
4. Boosts morale
Team building activities don’t always revolve around fun activities, but the fun games can lead to
a boost in morale and can be a way to create good memories within the organization. In the midst
of a stressful time, using fun activities can be a good way to recharge again.
5. Increases productivity
An increased productivity comes as a byproduct of unity, new ideas, better communication, and
boost in morale. All of these factors not only creates trust within an organization, but also lead to less absenteeism and more motivation to work.
Team building activities help organizations develop trust, foster a culture of collaboration,
enhance communication, and increase productivity. It can take many different forms, like games,
retreats, events, and lunches. If team building is not a top priority for organizations, they risk
developing a toxic work environment that is marked by the rise of conflict, miscommunication,
and a self-seeking perspective.
