A happy workforce is a productive workforce. It’s likely to produce better work, be more creative and suffer from fewer sick days too. But, how can you ensure your workers become a strong team that is happy and pulls together to get great results? One way is to get your team together outside of the office (although communication and celebration are equally important too). To adapt an old adage: a team that plays together, stays together.
If you want to arrange a team night out, it’s important to pick the right activity. You want something that everyone will enjoy (rather than endure) and bring you together in a fun way that doesn’t descend into a long work chat.
Here are five ideas to consider…
Theatre
How about a trip to the theater? Clearly it helps if you’ve got a good one in town but the right show can be a great night out – with maybe a meal before and drinks after if you want. Check out a classic – something like Miss Saigon – so that you can guarantee a quality night out that even non-theater goers will appreciate.
Cook-off
Everyone loves food right? A culinary team-building night in which you team up to throw together a feast of food can be a great way to break the ice, and end up with some delicious delights to sample. You could pick something simple – such as pizzas – or test your skills on more complex cuisine if your team has a love of fine food. Maybe even get a chef in to show you what to do.
Cheers!
If you don’t fancy food, then why not bond over a glass or two of something alcoholic? A brewery tour or wine tasting session can be a great way to loosen any nerves and get your team to come together.
Live sport
Maybe your team has a passion for a particular sports team – or game? Get a row of tickets and head out together so that you can bond over your shared passion. It’ll be a good talking point at the water cooler before and after too, and might even turn into a regular thing. You might even find that different team members have different sporting passions. Why not try a night at each as a team and see which you enjoy?
Art workshop
If you work in a fairly dull-looking office, why not do something practical with your team night out and create a piece of art to brighten up your walls? Find a studio that offers you the chance to turn up, pick up paintbrushes and graffiti cans and let your creativity go wild. You could take it as seriously as you want – you’re bound to have fun regardless.
Whether it’s art, sport, theatre, food or drink, find something your team loves to do and book some time to do it all together – you’ll certainly see the rewards when it comes to your workplace atmosphere and, as a result, your bottom line.
See also: Three team building ideas that have not yet lost their charm
