Anybody who leaves a team of employees should consider the benefits of creating team-building activities and lots of fun with their crew. From boosting employee morale to creating a welcoming and collaborative environment, there are plenty of reasons to start incorporating work party games and down times with your people. Here are some ideas:
Holiday competition
With several holidays around the corner, it makes sense to start planning for your holiday parties. Whether you do Halloween hurrahs or you plan a Christmas office party every year, something to think of incorporating is a costume competition.
From ugly Christmas sweaters or Christmas onesies to the ‘best Halloween costume’, a holiday competition isn’t a bad idea. Include some great prizes, and you will have some great entertainment for your next holiday activity. You can also have this type of party for any season or day of the year; just create a unique theme and see what happens!
Ice breaker card games
If you’re looking for something relaxed yet fun for your immediate office crew, card games are the way to go. They can allow your team to get to know each other in a casual environment and, in many cases, will have your team in an uproar.
That’s what you want at any office hangout: laughter and fun. Plus, it doesn’t hurt for your team to get to know each other better. Just type “icebreaker card games” online, and you’re bound to find plenty of options that will change the dynamic of your office. If you want to create a more collaborative environment, these are the kinds of games that allow people to get a better glimpse of what’s going on.
Sports, baby
If you have the ability to bring the fun outside of the office, a lot of companies will start up an office sports league as a way to get everyone having fun and enjoying life. There’s just something to be said about people letting their hair down in a way that allows humanity to show up in this type of relaxed environment.
What this can translate to is a team of people who have fun working together and are more open to collaboration. Whether you put a soccer team together or start playing softball, playing sports with your crew will help to bring a unique and welcoming dynamic to your office as well. If your office is a part of a large corporation with different locations in the area, consider setting up a region-wide competition to help bring everyone together.
Old-school games
From two truths and a lie to truth or dare, depending on your office dynamic, you can go old school with games from your youth. Pictionary and Hangman are other simple games that are reminiscent of our youth but are also just a lot of fun. What’s nice about these familiar games is that you probably don’t have to do much explaining. They’re great for that midday lull where our brains are getting a little tired and we need a little relief from the grind. It doesn’t hurt to allow your team to take mental breaks every once in a while.
More games
Freeze dance, musical chairs, tug of war, capture the flag—there are countless games that you grew up doing at summer camp. If you’re planning some type of retreat with your employees, consider putting together some fun games, whether for a party or outdoor fun. Team-building activities can go a long way toward uplifting employee morale. It’s hard to stay down when your whole office is laughing together.
In Conclusion
From party games to outdoor activities, there are a lot of ways to create a workplace environment that is collaborative and connected. Ice-breaking games help your team get to know each other, while outdoor fun helps everyone let their hair down, even if you have stressful projects going on!
