Engage Employees While Building Team Relationships

In the workplace, it is easy to get so focused on project goals and quotas that we forget to nurture the relationships that create our greatest assets: our teams.

Teamwork plays a crucial role in getting things done, but a lack of camaraderie within the team only undermines productivity. It’s like a chain; if there is one weak link, the chain will surely break.

When employees, managers, and other staff members build respect for one another, it reduces workplace tension while strengthening communication.

The first step to building this respect is simply spending stress-free time together, working toward a single goal. Sure, we spend a great deal of time with our co-workers each day, but we don’t usually connect with them on a personal level. We have to get out of our comfort zone, and often out of the office altogether, in order to connect with a coworker in a new way.

Here are a few ideas to get teams interacting in new ways – to boost morale, strengthen communication, and help increase productivity.

Collaborative Professional Development (CPD) helps stir up new energy in the workplace. Employees can have a chance to interact with their teammates in new ways, get out of the same routine, and even get out of the office. The following activities accomplish this while also helping employees to continue learning and growing.

In-house staff development workshops
Outside professional development trainings or seminars
Professional conferences
Mentoring relationships

Form a Committee or Group That Works for a Good Cause is one of the best ways to build camaraderie among the team members while serving an important purpose. Find a meaningful cause or organization that appeals to your team or reflects your company values. These activities also help employees develop their skills in leadership, planning and organizing, and problem-solving. Consider activities and ideas such as:

Adopt-a-Family programs during the holidays
Volunteering in soup kitchens or food banks
Assisting the elderly
Environmental projects
Raising funds for school supplies
Any other projects that appeal to your employees!

Team Sporting Events are wonderful to help build team camaraderie, if that is something that appeals to your employees. Whether it’s an event among members of the same organization or against another opposing company, team events like basketball, flag football, and golf can help build team unity.

Company Vacation or Field Trips is a great way for leaders to show employees, staff, and team members how valued they are for working with the company. Whether it’s an evening out, a weekend get-away, or a week long company retreat, this type of activity allows management and employees a chance to strengthen relationships and communication.

These are all tried and true ways of getting employees to interact in new ways. Creating unity and strengthening communication helps to keep your team happy, makes them feel valued, and creates a more positive work environment.

If you are ready to do something with your team, but don’t know what you want to do, consider a Real Colors Workshop for your team! Give us a few details, and we will get back to you about how we can customize a training solution for your team.