All entries tagged with “office”
Posted by Yasmin Parsloe on Sunday Dec 14, 2014 12:08 pm
Team building is a proven method to boost morale and develop better communication in the workplace, however a 2012 study revealed that some team building activities may actually be counterproductive because they inflict peer embarrassment or test employee comfort levels. While growing franchises like Dunkin’ Donuts, Anytime Fitness and Subway are heavily spending on team building activities, you don’t have to break the budget to build morale. We have composed a list of activities that can easily be incorporated into a weekly business meeting or regular regroup.
No. 1: Back-to-Back Drawing
Have a problem with communication? Need to explain the importance of better directions? This is the game for you! Pair off your team and have each person in the pair sit back-to-back. One person will receive a picture of a shape, the other will receive a pen and paper. The person with the picture of the shape must describe the shape without actually saying what it is while the other person draws it. When finished, each pair should compare their drawing and consider how they worked together and where they could’ve communicated better.
No. 2: A Truth & a Lie
This is the perfect activity should you have newcomers or if you want your team to welcome a new employee. Go around the room, introduce yourself and say one fact about yourself and one lie. The group then has to identify which is the truth and which is the lie. This is a great ice breaker and encourages group communication and creativity.
No. 3: Opposites Attract
This game is perfect for a team that’s just getting used to one another and is effective in just two to three minutes. The group is given a list of characteristics, and then instructed to find people that have different characteristics to them. For example, different gender, different height, different marital status, etc. This is an informal way to break down perceived barriers and encourages easy conversation.
No. 4: Tooting My Horn
Have you had a bad day? Is your team going through a tough patch? Has a team member just been let go? This is a great way to remind your team that they are valued and a vital part of an organization. The group is separated into pairs and then each player has 15 seconds to tell their partner ten things they do well. Each person then has to make two lists: one should be a list of ten things they do well professionally, and one list of things they do well personally. The goal of the game is that they should put these lists in a common place where they can re-read the lists and remember just how worthy they are! According to a study, after 21 days of reading the lists each day, the person will have a greater sense of confidence and pride.
No. 5: Have a Ball!
This is a fun game for a sales environment and can boost energy levels in an office. Use a ball, and agree upon a particular event, maybe a sale or a common question. Each time someone makes a sale, they throw the ball to another team member as a signal of success. This generates team acknowledgement of a particular event and connects team members.
As you can see – just a few moments can generate an upbeat and changed atmosphere. Team building exercises, while they sometimes have a negative connotation can be short, sweet and equally effective – all while not breaking the bank.
Posted by Yasmin Parsloe on Tuesday Dec 9, 2014 11:59 am
We are officially in the midst of the holiday season, which means that the art of balancing the stress of gift giving and entertaining with life at the office is being tested. According to the American Management Association, about two-thirds of 600 full-time employees surveyed said they experienced stress during the holiday season. 44 percent of executives similarly say productivity decreases during the holiday season. Workplace consultant Anne Grady says that employee frustration doesn’t come from having too much to do, but rather from unclear expectations. So how can we balance work and play this holiday season? Here are just a few tips:
1. Know and Balance Your Stressors
One of the biggest problems with the holidays is an overload of personal to-do lists interfering with the growing office to-do list. If you’re having a panic moment, regroup and make a list of what takes priority. Dedicate specific times to get your to-do list done and keep your work and personal list separate.
2. Get Flexible At Work
Employers can help boost productivity during work hours by compromising. Understanding the needs of employees can create a better environment and boost numbers over the holiday season. Managers should consider easing up on restrictions during this time of the year, offering incentives for good work and should the question arise – beware of opportunities to work from home. While groveling employees may be a temporary hassle, it’s worth it to keep customers happy.
3. Coordinate Calendars
This is optimal time for PTO. Beware that you don’t cut yourself short in the office by being too vacation happy. Make sure that calendars are aligned and the team understands the needs of the workplace in terms of absences and vacation days. Keep a shared calendar so that if there are any discrepancies – you don’t corner yourself too late.
4. Don’t obsess about hours
You’ve set a plan, you’ve set time off dates, and you’re giving your employees some leg room. Don’t stress about employees taking an extended lunch break or coming in a few minutes late, just be aware of their deadlines and work. If employees are not getting their work done, regardless of their time in the office, you will know and be able to act accordingly.
5. Relax!
Tensions in the office this season will show in your customer appreciation. Relax and remember now is the time to be grateful and enjoy your company and work friends. Setting a healthy environment is key to a positive holiday season.
Posted by Yasmin Parsloe on Thursday Jun 19, 2014 11:44 am
Team building refers to a wide range of activities, presented to businesses, schools, sports teams, religious or nonprofit organizations designed for improving team performance.
Let’s insert some fun into that definition now. Summer is in full swing which means we’re all looking for a reason to escape the office and score some sunshine. We looked high and low to find some of the most exotic and fun summertime excursions for your company.
1. Sailing in the City, Manhattan
Companies get a hands on team building experience on the water with Halcyon Sailing. Groups of up to 24 can enroll in a sailing course and then race in sail boats from the New York Harbor to city landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. The full day, water-bound experience lasts two hours and is followed by a celebratory champagne toast.
2. Reaching New Heights, New Mexico
Corporate groups of 15 can reach new heights in New Mexico with the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado. Along with Adventure Partners, Four Seasons is bringing guests a scenic experience on foot. Guests take route up the Windsor Trail where they reach the top of one of many summits for inspiring views.
3. SWAT it out, Sarasota, FL.
Many local areas offer similar activities like this. It’s a full day tactical obstacle course for corporations hosted by Sarasota’s local Sheriff’s office. The course is all physical and teaches teams to use military-style methods in a fast-paced environment. Team-building includes a hostage rescue, downed officer event, ladder scramble and a zip line over the waters. Better yet? It’s all benefiting the local Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.
4. Lost and Found, Colorado
What better than being lost with your team of coworkers and venturing on a quest back to humanity? Get the full on quest experience with your team at Hotel Madeline Telluride. Teams must find flags using two-way radios, GPS units, maps and verbal and written clues. The expedition is for groups of all sizes.
5. Revving for the Team, Various Locations
Maybe you have a boss who’s a car enthusiast? This will rev his engine as teams reunite on the tracks. Brought to you by the Exotic Driving Experience, groups can turn the ignition on camaraderie as they speed in exotic racing cars. There are rewards and incentive programs for large groups. For some good old-fashioned office laughs, invest in the in-car video.
6. A Team that Swims Together…, San Diego
Get beautiful once-in-a-lifetime views of San Diego bay at night with the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina! Teams of 10-20 are led on a guided tour through San Diego Bay on LED-lit paddleboards. After the tour, guests head to a camp fire for drinks and traditional Hawaiian-style storytelling.
7. Corporate ‘Ohana,’ Waikiki Beach, HI
The blue waters of Waikiki Beach are perfect for companies looking to inspire a sense of ‘ohana.’ The Royal Hawaiian offers a team building experience that puts guests in traditional style canoes and teaches them to race through the turquoise water. Each team member has a different role and the group must work together to move ahead.
8. Flash Mob Mayhem, Various Locations
A lasting experience that requires long-term preparation for large teams. Teambonding has developed a program for corporate flash teams all across America. This activity requires unparalleled communication, spirited energy and shared experience. Every program is customizable and is perfect for lightening up retreats and conferences.
9. Shopping Around, Seattle
Who doesn’t love a fresh farmers market? Who doesn’t love a challenge? The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is unrolling a new activity called Market to Art. Teams of 10 head to the historic Pike Place Market where participants are split into teams of two. Each team is given $60 and 30 minutes to buy ingredients for one of five courses for the evening’s meal. Chefs at the Four Seasons then work to prepare the dishes and each team presents there “plate.”
10. Voted Off the Island, Various Locations
You’ve been voted off the island and sent back to the office! Corporate Survivors is brought to you by TeamBonding. It’s just like the Survivor television show but is 100% inclusive – teams work with their teammates through various challenges, each requiring a different skill. This challenge is perfect for annual meetings, company outings and project kickoffs.
We want to know how you build your team during the summer months! Email us at media@forumevents.com with your best ideas and past experiences!
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