As a manager, you’ve got the basics of team building down. But summer offers a unique opportunity to refine those skills and try new approaches. Think of it as your own professional development course – no textbooks required. Here’s how:
Take It Outside
You’ve been in the office all year. Use the nice weather to your advantage. Plan a company picnic or a nature hike. A change of scenery can spark new connections and conversations among your team members.
Science backs up the benefits of outdoor activities:
- Cognitive Boost: A University of Michigan study found that memory performance and attention spans improved by 20% after individuals spent an hour interacting with nature.
- Stress Reduction: Spending just one hour in nature can reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) by 20%.
- Improved Creativity: Research from the University of Utah suggests that people who spend time outdoors and detach from technology can improve their creativity and problem-solving skills by up to 50%.
- Enhanced Teamwork: Outdoor settings have been shown to foster feelings of trust and community, which are crucial for effective teamwork.
Suggested Team Building Nation Activity: Team Olympics
Open Up Those Communication Lines
Summer’s relaxed vibe is perfect for encouraging open dialogue. Why not put your team at ease — or should we say, at easel? Painting is an excellent way to unwind, relax, and open up. As employees work on their canvases, they’ll naturally chat and share thoughts in a casual, pressure-free environment. As team members focus on their artwork, conversation tends to flow more freely. You might be surprised at the insights you gain when people are comfortable, brush in hand, creating their masterpieces (or happy little accidents).
Suggested Team Building Nation Activity: Joy of Painting Class
Remember, Life Isn’t About Work
Your team has lives outside the office. Show them you understand this by creating a work environment that respects and celebrates work-life balance. Consider introducing summer hours or encouraging folks to actually use their vacation time. When employees feel their personal time is valued, they’ll likely return refreshed and more productive.
But why stop there? You can take it a step further by incorporating meaningful activities that blend team building with giving back to the community. Enter the Charity Rock Band event.
Ready to rock and roll for a good cause? Charity Rock Band gives your team the opportunity to build electric guitars, bass guitars, and drum kits for the benefit of children in your area. It’s a perfect way to show that your company values both employee engagement and community involvement.
Learn Something New
Use any downtime to invest in your team’s skills. Summer’s more relaxed pace provides an ideal opportunity for professional development that doubles as a team building exercise. Here are some ways to make learning a collective, engaging experience:
- Lunch-and-Learn Sessions: Organize casual learning sessions during lunch breaks, led by team members or invited experts.
- Online Course Clubs: Provide access to online learning platforms and encourage small groups to take courses together.
- Skill-Share Workshops: Have team members teach each other skills they’re passionate about.
- Book Club: Start a company book club focusing on professional development or industry-related literature.
- Micro-Learning Challenges: Set up short, daily learning challenges to practice new skills or knowledge.
- Virtual Reality Training: Explore VR training sessions for immersive learning experiences.
Suggested Team Building Nation Activity: Tapas and Sangria Challenge
Transform Your Team This Summer
Are you ready to shake things up this summer? Your team – and your future self – will benefit from the effort. Whether you’re looking to take your meetings outdoors, organize a creative workshop, or host a meaningful charity event, Team Building Nation has the expertise to help you make it happen. We specialize in crafting unique, engaging experiences that foster teamwork, boost morale, and drive productivity. Contact us today to get started.
