Are you looking for some team building activities to motivate employees?
You might want your employees to be responsible and help you achieve the company’s goals. That’s why keeping them engaged and motivated is crucial.
As a busy leader, finding suitable exercises or games that genuinely inspire employees can be a challenge.
In this article, let’s see 14 team building exercises that will help you motivate your employees. They can help you create a positive work environment, and boost productivity.
14 Team Building Activities to Motivate Employees
Here are some of the motivational activities for your employees.
#1. Corporate Commitment Game
This exercise motivates employees to reach their goals and strive for the success of the company. It can also promote mutual accountability within the organization.
Time: You decide
Materials: Paper and pen
Participants: Upto 10 members per group
Instructions
- Invite each group to come up with a goal for the company. The goals can be short-term or long-term. For example, something related to business growth, productivity, or any other areas of improvement.
- Have each group discuss how they can contribute to the success of the company goal. This can include ideas like better communication between departments, improved customer service, or other initiatives.
- List down the suggestions from each group and agree on an action plan to meet the goal.
- Finally, have each member sign off on their commitment to make it happen. This will help ensure that everyone is held accountable for their actions.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of setting goals and how everyone’s contribution matters in achieving them. Also, emphasize the role of accountability in achieving success.
#2. Escape Room Challenge
In this activity, groups must work together to solve puzzles and find their way to escape the room.
Time: 15-30 minutes
Materials: Prepare some puzzles
Participants: Upto 10 employees per group
Instructions
- Divide the participants into small groups.
- Each group is given a scenario. For example, they could be told that they’re locked in a room and must find the key to get out.
- Provide each group with a set of puzzles, clues, and tasks that they must solve in order to reach the goal.
- The group that unlocks the door first wins the challenge!
Debrief
Reflect on the importance of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in achieving a common goal. Highlight how employees can apply these skills in the workplace to achieve success.
#3. “Boss for a Day” Activity
This exercise gives employees the opportunity to experience being a “boss for a day” by delegating tasks and making decisions.
Time: 1 day
Materials: None
Participants: Any number of employees
Instructions
- Choose a team member to be the “boss” for the day. Ask them to come up with tasks and goals that they would like their team to accomplish.
- Give the “boss” the authority to delegate tasks and make decisions.
- Allow other team members to provide feedback and suggest ideas, but give the “boss” the final say in any decisions.
- At the end of the day, award prizes to the “boss” and the team for a job well done.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of leadership and decision-making skills in motivating a team. Encourage employees to take on leadership roles and highlight the value of delegation and collaboration in achieving success.
#4. Improv Class
The improv class can help motivate employees by teaching them valuable skills such as creativity and communication.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Costumes (optional)
Participants: Groups of 3-8 people
Instructions
- Ask each group to come up with a skit based on a given theme or situation. Then, distribute the costumes (e.g. hats, masks) if needed.
- Give them a few minutes to brainstorm ideas and prepare their skits.
- Finally, let each group perform their skit.
Debrief
Reflect on the importance of thinking on your feet and working with limited resources, both skills that are crucial in a dynamic work environment. Emphasize how creativity and communication can lead to successful collaboration.
#5. Sports Tournament
In this activity, groups of employees face off in a fun sports tournament to encourage friendly competition.
Time: You decide
Materials: Sports equipment and a field
Participants: Two or more groups
Instructions
- Assign each group a sport to compete in. For example, Basketball, Soccer, etc.
- Provide them with any sports equipment they may need.
- Set up the tournament and have the groups compete against each other to determine the winner.
- Give out prizes or awards for the winning group such as a gift card or certificate of achievement. This will encourage employees to strive for success!
Debrief
Discuss the importance of teamwork, communication, and healthy competition in achieving success. Emphasize how friendly competition can motivate employees to work harder and improve their skills.
#6. Task Hunt
In this exercise, groups will compete to complete certain tasks in a set amount of time.
Time: 15-30 minutes
Materials: A list of tasks to complete
Participants: Upto 10 employees per group
Instructions
- Divide the participants into small groups.
- Provide each group with a list of tasks they must complete.
For example,
a) Take a photo of the team in front of an iconic landmark.
b) Find a certain type of flower.
c) Ask a stranger for directions.
- The group that completes all tasks on the list first wins the challenge!
Debrief
Highlight the importance of time management, problem-solving, and teamwork in achieving success. Encourage employees to collaborate and work efficiently to complete tasks.
#7. Collaboration Day
This is one of the best team building activities to motivate employees. It also fosters collaboration and team spirit in the workplace.
Time: 15-30 minutes
Materials: Supplies for the project
Participants: Less than 10 members per group
Instructions
- Assign each group a project with specific goals and objectives. For example, designing a logo or creating a new product.
- Provide all the necessary supplies and resources that the teams will need to complete their tasks. Also, give them a timeline for completing the project.
- Allow space for the teams to work together.
- Finally, give each team a chance to present their projects and celebrate their accomplishments.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success, and how different perspectives can lead to innovative solutions. Emphasize the value of open communication and brainstorming ideas together.
#8. Team Lunch
This activity motivates employees by encouraging them to bond over out-of-office team meals.
Time: You decide
Materials: Food and beverages
Participants: Any number of people
Instructions
- Select a restaurant or venue that is suitable for all the employees.
- Plan a menu that caters to the dietary needs of everyone.
- Allow the team members to select their own dishes and drinks.
- Make sure that the event is fun and relaxing. So, encourage conversations between team members.
- Finally, thank all the employees for participating in the lunch.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of team bonding and building relationships outside of work. Highlight how taking a break and celebrating each other’s accomplishments can boost morale and motivation in the workplace.
#9. Group Volunteering
This activity is a great way to give back to the community while having fun and building team spirit.
Time: Normally half-day or full day
Materials: Depends on the event you choose
Participants: Any number of employees
Instructions
- Decide on an organization or cause that your groups would like to support.
- Find out more information about the organization and arrange a time for the group volunteering activity.
- Assign tasks to each group member and provide all the necessary materials.
- Celebrate when the task is complete, and thank everyone for their contributions.
Debrief
Reflect on the impact of helping others and working together towards a common goal. Discuss how volunteering can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to employees, ultimately boosting their motivation in the workplace.
#10. Cooking Competition
Cooking Competition is one of the amazing motivational activities for employees. It can promote teamwork and time management skills.
Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour
Materials: Cooking utensils, ingredients, and plates
Participants: Groups of 3-6 people
Instructions
- Provide each team with cooking utensils, ingredients, and plates to cook their dish.
- Give them time to prepare a meal using the given ingredients.
- Have a judge or panel of judges evaluate the dishes based on taste and presentation.
- Award prizes or rewards for the best dish.
- Finally, encourage the teams to share their recipes with one another.
Debrief
Discuss how effective communication, time management, and teamwork are crucial in achieving success. Emphasize the importance of trying new things and collaborating to come up with creative solutions.
#11. Karaoke Night
In this activity, the employees can show off their talent by working together as a team while having some fun.
Time: A few hours
Materials: Karaoke machine and microphones
Participants: At least two teams of any size
Instructions
- Book a karaoke night at a local venue or rent a karaoke machine.
- Form at least two teams and assign each team a set of songs.
- Give each team time to practice their songs before performing on the stage.
- On the night of the performance, allow them to perform in front of each other.
- At the end of the night, reward everyone for their performances with prizes.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of breaking out of comfort zones and working together to achieve a common goal. Emphasize how engaging in activities outside of work can bring team members closer and boost motivation in the workplace.
#12. Board Game Tournament
This activity motivates employees by challenging them to compete in a board game tournament.
Time: You decide
Materials: Board games and accessories
Participants: Any number of people
Instructions
- Select a variety of board games that are suitable for all levels of experience or interest. For example, chess, checkers, and Scrabble.
- Divide the participants into teams of 2-4 people.
- Explain the rules of the game and provide all the necessary equipment.
- Set a time limit for each round, and keep track of the scores throughout the tournament.
- Finally, give out prizes to the winning team.
Debrief
Reflect on the importance of healthy competition and how it can drive motivation. Discuss how working towards a common goal, such as winning a game, can bring team members together and boost camaraderie in the workplace.
#13. Field Trip
This activity is a great way to get employees out of their comfort zones and experience something new. Plus, it can be educational and fun!
Time: Half day
Materials: None
Participants: Any number of people
Instructions
- Choose a museum or park to visit.
- Purchase the tickets and make arrangements for transportation.
- Invite all the teams to join the field trip.
- During the field trip, allow team members to bond with each other.
- At the end of the trip, offer rewards or prizes to all the participants.
Debrief
Reflect on the importance of trying new things and stepping out of comfort zones. Discuss how experiencing new places and activities can spark creativity and inspire innovative ideas in the workplace.
#14. Painting Party
This exercise can motivate your employees by allowing them to express their creativity while having fun.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Canvases, brushes, and paints
Participants: 3-6 members per group
Instructions
- Encourage each group to come up with a creative painting idea. Then, provide them with a canvas, brushes, and paints.
- Give them some time for the painting session.
- At the end of the party, award prizes for creativity and originality.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of creative expression and how it can contribute to a positive work environment. Emphasize how activities like painting can help employees de-stress and recharge, leading to increased productivity and motivation in the workplace.
Want Some Unique Team Building Exercises?
If you want some unique activities that you can conduct with your employees, you can get my new e-book:
Or Want Some Unique Leadership Development Activities?
If you want some unique activities to equip your employees with leadership skills, qualities, and mindset, you can get my new e-book:
Final Words
Incorporating team building activities into your company culture can benefit not only your employees but your business as well. The above activities can help to boost morale, enhance communication skills, and strengthen relationships among employees. Remember that team building is an ongoing process, so it’s important to keep these activities consistent and add new ones periodically.
Start implementing these exercises today to create a more motivated and engaged team in your workplace!
FAQ: Team Building Activities to Motivate Employees
You might have these questions in mind.
What type of team building activities should I use to motivate employees?
There are many activities that you can use to motivate and engage your employees. Some examples include escape rooms, cooking competitions, and improv classes.
How often should I conduct team building games to motivate employees?
It is recommended that you conduct team building games on a regular basis to ensure that your employees remain motivated and engaged. You can start by scheduling one or two activities per month and then gradually increase the frequency as needed.
What should I look for when selecting a motivational team building activity?
When selecting a motivational activity, make sure that it fits your team’s interests and skills. It’s also important to choose activities that are fun, engaging, and provide opportunities for learning.