10 Team Building Activities for Employee Engagement
Are you in search of some team building activities for employee engagement?
Many companies consider “customer satisfaction” as their top priority. That’s great, but how about “employee satisfaction”? Do you equally treat your employees as you treat your customers. Researches show that high employee turnover and underperformance are mainly due to the dissatisfaction of employees. So, as a leader, you should invest in activities that help you build a positive and engaged team.
In this article, let’s see 10 team building activities for employee engagement.
Why is Employee Engagement Important in the Workplace?
Employee engagement is crucial because it directly impacts productivity, morale, and retention. Engaged employees are more likely to be motivated, contribute creatively, and collaborate effectively with their colleagues. When employees feel valued and connected to their work, they become more committed to organizational goals and are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Furthermore, fostering engagement creates a positive workplace culture, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. By prioritizing employee engagement, organizations can drive success while building a supportive, unified team.
10 Team Building Activities for Employee Engagement
Here are some team building exercises that can help you keep your employees engaged.
#1. Speed Networking
This activity helps employees connect quickly with one another through brief, focused conversations. It encourages collaboration and builds relationships.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: A timer or stopwatch
Participants: 4-10 people in a group
Instructions
- Ask the participants to form two lines facing each other, creating pairs.
- Set a timer for 1-2 minutes for each conversation and announce when it begins.
- Provide a prompt or question like, “What is your favorite project you’ve worked on?” to break the ice.
- After the timer ends, instruct one line to shift so participants pair with someone new.
Debrief
Discuss with the group how their understanding of coworkers’ skills or interests has improved. Reflect on how better communication could enhance their teamwork.
#2. Collaborative Problem-Solving
This activity challenges employees to work together to find solutions, fostering teamwork and enhancing critical thinking skills. It promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: A specific problem or scenario (real or hypothetical), paper, pens, or a whiteboard
Participants: Groups of 3-6 people
Instructions
- Divide the participants into small groups and present them with a problem to solve or a challenge to complete.
- Provide clear instructions and any necessary materials for the task.
- Set a time limit and encourage the groups to communicate and collaborate to achieve the best solution.
- Once time is up, have each group present their solution to the larger team.
Debrief
Highlight how teamwork and diverse perspectives contributed to problem-solving success. Reflect on how these insights can be applied to workplace challenges.
#3. Office Trivia
Office Trivia is a fun and simple way to boost employee engagement while helping team members learn more about their workplace and colleagues. It fosters camaraderie and creates a lively atmosphere.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: Pre-prepared trivia questions about the company or team, a notepad or whiteboard to keep score
Participants: Any size group
Instructions
- Create a list of trivia questions related to the company’s history, achievements, or fun facts about team members (be sure to keep it lighthearted and appropriate).
- Divide participants into teams and explain the rules, such as how points are scored and any time limits.
- Take turns reading the questions aloud and awarding points for correct answers.
- Declare the winning team at the end and consider a small prize or recognition for their victory.
Debrief
Discuss any surprising facts from the trivia and reflect on how shared knowledge about the workplace can improve team connections.
#4. Two Truths and a Lie
This classic icebreaker is a great way for employees to learn interesting and unexpected things about each other. It builds trust and bonds among team members.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 5-15 people (or adapt for larger groups)
Instructions
- Gather the participants and ask each person to think of two true statements and one false statement about themselves.
- One by one, participants share their statements with the group.
- The rest of the group guesses which statement is the lie.
- Repeat until everyone has had a turn.
Debrief
Talk about what was learned and how these insights can help the group understand each other better. Consider asking participants which “lies” surprised them the most and why.
#5. Escape Room Challenge
An escape room challenge is an interactive activity that requires team members to collaborate under pressure to solve puzzles and “escape” the room. It encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in a fun and immersive setting.
Time: You decide
Materials: A physical or virtual escape room setup
Participants: Teams of 4-8 people
Instructions
- Arrange for an escape room experience, either by booking an external venue or setting one up in the office.
- Divide the group into small teams and provide them with instructions and the context of the challenge.
- Teams must work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and complete tasks to achieve the end goal within the time limit.
- Announce the results and celebrate the teams’ efforts at the end.
Debrief
Discuss how well the teams worked together and identify any standout moments of collaboration or creativity. Reflect on how these dynamics can translate into effective teamwork at work.
#6. Volunteer Day
Organizing a volunteer day allows employees to come together for a cause they care about, fostering teamwork while giving back to the community. It’s a meaningful way to build stronger connections within the team.
Time: Half-day or full-day
Materials: Coordination with a local nonprofit or charity, any supplies needed for the activity
Participants: Entire team (flexible based on the volunteering activity)
Instructions
- Choose a volunteer activity that reflects the team’s interests or values, such as a food drive, park cleanup, or work with a local shelter.
- Provide clear instructions and assign roles if necessary.
- Encourage participation and collaboration throughout the activity.
- Take time to celebrate the team’s contributions when the work is done.
Debrief
Reflect on how the experience allowed team members to connect outside of their typical work roles. Discuss how shared values and teamwork during volunteering can strengthen bonds in the workplace.
#7. Blindfolded Team Obstacle Course
This activity challenges employees to communicate effectively and trust one another to achieve a common goal. It helps build trust, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Blindfolds, objects to create an obstacle course (cones, chairs, ropes, etc.)
Participants: Groups of 4-10 people
Instructions
- Set up an obstacle course with various challenges.
- Divide participants into teams and blindfold one member from each team.
- Team members guide the blindfolded participant through the obstacle course using verbal instructions only.
- Rotate roles so that each participant has a chance to lead and follow.
Debrief
Highlight the importance of clear communication and trust. Share observations about how different leadership styles emerged and how they can benefit workplace collaboration.
#8. Creative Brainstorming
This activity encourages innovative thinking and collaboration as team members work together to generate fresh ideas. It’s especially helpful for tackling workplace challenges or planning future projects.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Whiteboard or flipchart, markers, sticky notes, and pens
Participants: 4-8 individuals in a group
Instructions
- Choose a topic for brainstorming, such as improving a specific process or tackling a project challenge.
- Encourage team members to share their ideas and write them down on sticky notes.
- Group similar ideas together and discuss the potential impact of each group.
- Select the most feasible and effective idea(s) to implement.
Debrief
Reflect on how working collaboratively can produce more innovative solutions compared to individual efforts. Discuss how different perspectives contributed to the final idea(s).
#9. Office Scavenger Hunt
An office scavenger hunt is a fun and engaging way to encourage collaboration, creative thinking, and exploration of the workspace. It’s ideal for building camaraderie and breaking the monotony of daily routines.
Time: You decide
Materials: A list of items to find or tasks to complete, optional props for hiding or setting up clues
Participants: Teams of 3-6 people
Instructions
- Create a list of items for participants to find or challenges to complete around the office. Examples might include taking a picture with a specific object, solving a puzzle, or locating hidden items.
- Divide employees into small teams and give each team the list of tasks or items.
- Set a time limit for the scavenger hunt and establish any ground rules, such as areas that are off-limits.
- Once the time is up, gather everyone and tally the points to determine the winning team.
Debrief
Celebrate the teams’ efforts and creativity. Discuss how the activity reinforced teamwork and encouraged employees to think outside the box. Highlight any unexpected problem-solving moments or hilarious discoveries that occurred during the scavenger hunt.
#10. Storytelling Circle
Storytelling can be a powerful tool for building connections and fostering empathy among team members. This activity allows employees to share personal or professional experiences, enhancing understanding and trust.
Time: 15-20-minutes
Materials: None (optional seating arrangement to create a relaxed atmosphere)
Participants: 4-10 people in a team
Instructions
- Gather participants into a circle and introduce a theme for the stories, such as “a significant moment in your career” or “a memorable challenge you overcame.”
- Give everyone a few minutes to think about their story.
- Have participants share their stories one by one while others listen attentively.
- Optionally, encourage follow-up questions or reflections after each story to deepen the conversation.
Debrief
Discuss how sharing personal experiences helped participants connect on a deeper level. Reflect on the value of storytelling in fostering empathy and mutual understanding within the team.
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Final Words
Conducting employee engagement activities at work can increase team performance and productivity. You can conduct any of the above employee engagement activities depending on the nature of your business. These activities will foster teamwork, develop leadership skills, and build stronger relationships among team members. Remember, a happy and engaged workforce is essential for the success of any organization. So take the time to invest in these activities and see the positive impact on your employees’ engagement levels!
FAQ: Employee Engagement Activities
You might have these questions in mind.
How often should employee engagement activities be conducted?
It is recommended to conduct employee engagement activities at least once a month. However, the frequency can vary depending on the needs and size of your organization.
Is it essential to debrief after each activity?
Yes, debriefing after each activity allows for reflection and discussion on key takeaways and learnings from the experience, enhancing its impact on employees. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to address any concerns or feedback that may arise during the activity.
What types of activities are best for remote teams?
For remote teams, virtual engagement activities like online trivia games, virtual escape rooms, or video call storytelling sessions work best. These activities are designed to foster collaboration, communication, and team spirit despite physical distances. Tools like video conferencing platforms and online collaboration software can help facilitate these activities seamlessly.
Can these activities improve employee retention?
Yes, fostering a positive work environment through regular engagement activities can increase employee satisfaction and loyalty. When employees feel valued, connected, and motivated, they are more likely to stay with the organization long-term, reducing turnover rates and strengthening workplace culture.
