Team Building Activities For Employees: 45+ Games That Are Actually Fun

21 mins read

“Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” - Michael Jordan

Former basketball player Michael Jordan’s quote sums up the importance of teamwork. In any field, from sports to corporates, teamwork is integral to success. It’s why organizations often plan engaging and effective team building activities for employees, that can help boost morale, enhance communication, and foster a positive work environment.

From collaborative challenges to creative problem-solving tasks, these activities are designed to strengthen bonds among team members and improve overall productivity. Let’s understand more about why they’re important, the different types of team building activities for employees, and how to pick the best one(s) for your organization.

Importance of Team Building Activities

Fostering Unity and Camaraderie

Team building activities for employees foster unity and camaraderie within a company. Engagement in team building activities also helps to break down barriers between team members, regardless of their positions within the organization. For example, participating in a team-building retreat where they solve challenges together can create lasting msemories.

Through shared experiences like group problem-solving tasks or outdoor adventures, employees learn to appreciate each other's strengths and work better as a cohesive unit.

Improving Morale and Motivation

When employees feel connected to their peers through shared experiences outside of work tasks, they tend to be more satisfied with their jobs. This increased job satisfaction leads to higher productivity levels and lower turnover rates within the organization.

Moreover, team building events often include elements that challenge individuals both mentally and physically. Overcoming these challenges as a team instills a sense of accomplishment and pride among employees, motivating them to tackle work-related obstacles with the same determination.

Enhancing Communication and Collaboration

Team building activities for employees provide opportunities for staff members to practice active listening, effective communication skills, and constructive feedback exchange. As an illustration, engaging in trust-building exercises can help break down communication barriers that may exist among team members.

Furthermore, collaborative tasks during team-building events require participants to work together towards a common goal. This fosters teamwork skills such as delegation, cooperation, and coordination – all vital components of successful workplace collaboration.

Types of Team Building Activities

Outdoor Adventure Activities

Outdoor adventure activities are fantastic for promoting teamwork and enhancing problem-solving skills among employees. Engaging in outdoor adventures can also help employees develop resilience and communication skills while working towards common goals.

These activities often include challenges like rock climbing, obstacle courses, or wilderness survival tasks. They create opportunities for individuals to rely on each other's strengths to overcome obstacles effectively.

Learn from an example: A company might organize a team hiking trip where employees must navigate through rough terrain together to reach a destination. Such experiences foster trust and collaboration among team members.

Indoor Team Building Games

Indoor team building games provide an excellent platform for fostering creativity and encouraging critical thinking within teams. These games can range from puzzles and escape rooms to group problem-solving activities.

Participating in indoor games allows employees to think outside the box, collaborate closely, and practice effective communication strategies in a fun setting. Moreover, indoor games often require teamwork to achieve success, reinforcing the importance of cooperation in achieving shared objectives.

Learn from an example: An office may host a "murder mystery" game night where employees work together to solve a fictional crime scenario.

Virtual Team Building Activities

From virtual hiring to permanent remote workers, a hybrid workplace is the norm in 2024. Thus, virtual team building activities for employees have become increasingly popular due to the rise of remote work environments. These activities leverage technology platforms such as video conferencing tools and online collaboration software to bring distributed teams together virtually. Examples include virtual escape rooms, online trivia contests, or digital scavenger hunts tailored for remote participation.

Virtual team building provides opportunities for social interactions beyond work-related discussions. It helps combat feelings of isolation by creating shared experiences that strengthen connections between team members who may not physically meet regularly.

Find a host of employee engagement activities on Unstop and pick the one that best suits your needs.

Outdoor Team Building Activities for Employees

• Trust Fall: One team member falls backwards, relying on their teammates to catch them. The goal of Trust Fall Game is to build trust and communication within the team.
  • Team Size & Time Required: The ideal team size is 4-6 members, and the activity typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
• Obstacle Course: Teams navigate through a series of physical challenges together. The goal is to promote teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
  • Team Size & Time Required: The team can be between 6-8 members, and the activity can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Scavenger Hunt: Teams work together to find and collect items on a list within a specified time frame. The goal is to encourage collaboration, communication, and creativity.
  
  • Team Size & Time Required: A team size of 4-5 members is ideal, and the activity usually takes around 1-2 hours.
• Team Relay Races: Teams compete in relay races with various challenges. The goal is to foster teamwork, coordination, and friendly competition.
  • Team Size & Time Required: It usually needs 4-6 members per team, and the races can be completed in 20-30 minutes.
• Wilderness Survival: Teams learn basic survival skills in the wilderness. The goal is to promote teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving under pressure.
  • Team Size & Time Required: The ideal team size is 3-5 members. This activity needs a day-long commitment.
• Outdoor Escape Room: Teams solve puzzles and riddles outdoors to "escape" within a time limit. The goal is to enhance teamwork, communication, and lateral thinking.
  • Team Size & Time Required: Usually, a single team requires 4-6 members. A single game typically lasts for 1-2 hours.
• Orienteering: Teams use a map and compass to navigate through a course. The goal is to improve communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
  • Team Size & Time Required: A team of 2-4 members is ideal for the activity. The course itself can take 1-2 hours to complete.
• Raft Building: Teams build a raft using limited materials and race it across a body of water. The goal is to enhance teamwork, creativity, and resourcefulness.
  • Team Size & Time Required: The team size is 6-8 members, and the activity can take around 1-2 hours to build and race the raft.
• Camping Trip: Teams go on a camping trip together, participating in various outdoor activities. This is a type of work retreat or offsite. The goal is to strengthen relationships, foster camaraderie, and promote work-life balance.
  • Team Size & Time Required: The ideal team size can vary but usually ranges from 4-10 members, and the trip can last for a weekend or longer.
• Paintball or Laser Tag: Teams compete against each other in a paintball or laser tag game. The goal is to encourage teamwork, strategy development, and friendly competition.
  • Team Size & Time Required: Usually, teams are divided into groups of 4-6 members per team. A single game of paintball or laser tag lasts for 30 minutes to an hour.

Indoor Team Building Activities for Employees

• Office Trivia: Employees participate in a trivia game based on company history, policies, or industry knowledge to boost teamwork and knowledge sharing.
  • Team Size & Time Required: The ideal team size is around 4-6 members, and the game usually takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.
• Blind Drawing: One team member describes an image to their teammates who must draw it without seeing the original, emphasizing clear communication and listening skills.
  • Team Size & Time Required: This game works best with teams of 3-5 members, and it typically takes 20-30 minutes to finish.
• Marshmallow Tower: Teams compete to build the tallest tower using only spaghetti noodles, tape, and marshmallows, encouraging creativity and collaboration.
  • Team Size & Time Required: Teams of 4-8 members are ideal for this activity, and it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to build the towers.
• Memory Wall: Employees share personal anecdotes or fun facts on sticky notes, then try to match each story to the correct colleague to strengthen team bonds.
  • Team Size & Time Required: A team size of 5-7 members is recommended for this game, and it usually takes about 30-40 minutes to complete.
• Lego Building: Teams race against the clock to build a specific structure using Lego pieces, enhancing communication, creativity, and time management skills.
  • Team Size & Time Required: Teams of 3-4 members work well for this game, and it typically takes around 45 minutes to finish building the structure.
• Team Pictionary: Employees take turns drawing and guessing various words or phrases as a team, improving collaboration, creativity, and quick thinking.
  • Team Size & Time Required: The ideal team size is around 4-6 members, and the game usually takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.
• Indoor Scavenger Hunt: Teams follow clues around the office to find hidden items or complete tasks, fostering teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Team Size & Time Required: Teams of 5-8 members are recommended for this activity, and it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to finish the hunt.
• Board Game Tournaments: Organize friendly competitions with classic or modern board games, promoting laughter, communication, and team spirit.
  • Team Size & Time Required: Team size can vary depending on the game chosen, but typically 4-6 members per team work well. The duration of the tournament will depend on the number of games played.
• Improv Comedy Workshop: Learn basic improv techniques to enhance creativity, communication, and spontaneous thinking in a playful setting.
  • Team Size & Time Required: This activity can accommodate larger teams of 6-10 members, and workshops usually last for about an hour.
• Role-Playing Scenarios: Discuss assigned topics or simulate real-world situations, practicing persuasive communication and active listening. These can also be a fun way to break barriers.
  • Team Size & Time Required: Teams of 3-5 members are ideal for this activity, and the duration can vary depending on the complexity of the scenarios, but typically around 30-45 minutes per scenario.

For example, Unstop organized a “roast your manager’’ session where team members took turns roasting their managers. The event was a success, with team members bonding over shared jokes and idiosyncrasies.

Easy Team Building Activities for Remote Employees

• Virtual coffee breaks: Schedule regular virtual coffee breaks where team members can casually chat and catch up with each other. The end goal is to foster social connections and boost team morale.
  • Ideal team size: Any size; Required time: 15-30 minutes
• Online trivia games: Organize virtual trivia games for team members to participate in to encourage friendly competition and teamwork.
  • Ideal team size: 4-8 members; Required time: 30-60 minutes
• Virtual happy hours: Host virtual happy hours where team members can unwind and socialize over drinks. This promotes team bonding and relaxation.
  
  • Ideal team size: Any size; Required time: 1-2 hours
• Remote team lunches: Coordinate remote team lunches where team members can eat together virtually. It helps create a sense of togetherness and camaraderie.
  
  • Ideal team size: Any size; Required time: 30-60 minutes
• Online scavenger hunts: Organize online scavenger hunts where team members have to find specific items within their own homes. The end goal is to encourage creativity, teamwork, and fun.
  
  • Ideal team size: 4-6 members; Required time: 45-60 minutes
• Virtual book club: Start a virtual book club where team members can read and discuss books together. This promotes learning and fosters stronger connections between colleagues.
  
  • Ideal team size: 6-10 members; Required time: Ongoing, based on book length
• Remote fitness challenges: To promote health, wellness, and team spirit, initiate remote fitness challenges where team members can participate in physical activities together.
  
  • Ideal team size: Any size; Required time: Varies based on challenge duration
• Virtual Bingo: Create bingo cards with squares containing funny work-related phrases or inside jokes. As someone mentions a phrase, mark it off. The first to complete wins bragging rights.
  
  • Ideal team size: 4-10 members; Required time: 30-60 minutes
• Online team building games: Play online team building games such as Pictionary, charades, or virtual escape rooms. The end goal is to encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
  
  • Ideal team size: 4-8 members; Required time: 45-60 minutes
• Virtual Show & Tell: Give everyone 30 seconds to share a unique object, photo, or experience from their life. Sparks conversation and fosters interest in diverse backgrounds.
  
  • Ideal team size: Any size; Required time: 30-45 minutes

Quick tip! Remember to consider time zones and schedules when planning activities.

Team Building Activities For New Employees (Icebreakers)

Icebreaker Games: An icebreaker game is a fun and interactive activity designed to help people get to know each other better (break the ice in a group setting) and create a more comfortable and engaging atmosphere. Icebreaker games can be tailored to suit various preferences and team sizes.

These games are often used at the beginning of meetings, workshops, training or mentorship sessions, or social gatherings to encourage communication, build relationships, and set a positive tone for the rest of the event. Icebreaker games can range from simple name games to more elaborate team-building exercises, all aimed at fostering connections and promoting a sense of camaraderie among participants.

Examples of Icebreaker Activities

• Two Truths and a Lie: Team members take turns sharing two truths about themselves along with one lie while others guess which statement is false. The goal of this activity is to help team members get to know each other better.
  • Team & Time Requirements: This icebreaker activity works well with teams of any size, but smaller groups of 4-12 members allow for more engagement. It typically takes around 15-30 minutes to complete.
• Storytelling Relay: Start a story prompt, and each team member adds a sentence remotely, creating a collaborative and humorous tale. This activity not only fosters creativity and teamwork but also encourages active listening skills as participants build upon each other's contributions to shape the narrative.
  • Team & Time Requirements: This activity works well with larger teams of 6-20 members and can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes to complete.
• Emoji Charades: Each person picks an emoji card and acts out the emotion without speaking while others guess the emotion being portrayed. The purpose of this activity is to engage participants in a fun and interactive way while also practicing non-verbal communication skills.
  • Team & Time Requirements: Best suited for smaller teams of 3-8 participants and typically lasts around 10-20 minutes.
• We Have Something In Common: Participants are tasked with finding something they have in common with each other. This can be anything from sharing the same favorite color to having visited the same vacation spot. The goal is to encourage conversation and connections based on shared interests or experiences.
  • Team & Time Requirements: This activity works effectively with teams of any size, but smaller groups of 4-12 members allow for more meaningful connections. This activity can take around 15-30 minutes.
• One-Word Icebreaker: In this activity, participants take turns saying a single word that describes how they are feeling or what comes to mind when prompted by a specific topic. This game is meant to be quick and spontaneous, allowing individuals to express themselves succinctly and creatively while also learning more about each other's thoughts and emotions.
  • Team & Time Requirements: This game is ideal for groups of 5-15 members, and it usually lasts around 10-15 minutes.

Customizing icebreakers also involves considering the time constraints and objectives of the activity. Some quick icebreakers are ideal for short meetings or workshops where time is limited but connection-building remains crucial.

Fun Team Building Activities for Different Goals

To Stimulate Creative Thinking and Innovation

When teams engage in activities that require them to think outside the box, it fosters innovation and creative thinking. These activities encourage individuals to approach challenges from different perspectives, leading to unique ideas that may not have surfaced in a traditional work setting.

Examples:

• Build a Bridge Contest: Divide teams and provide limited materials to construct the strongest bridge, pushing creativity and resourcefulness. Tasks like building a structure with limited resources or solving complex puzzles can push employees to explore unconventional solutions.
  • Time & Team Requirements: This game typically requires around 1-2 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the bridge design and construction. Teams of 3-5 members are ideal for this activity to encourage collaboration and creativity.
• For the Plot: A moderator will describe the plot of a movie to players who are divided into teams. The teams will then try to guess which movie or television show is being described. This activity aims to stimulate creative thinking and innovation by encouraging participants to think critically and use their knowledge of popular media to solve the challenge.
  • Time & Team Requirements: This game can be played in approximately 30-45 minutes, making it a quick and engaging activity for teams. It is best suited for teams of 4-6 members to ensure active participation and diverse perspectives when guessing the movies or TV shows described by the moderator.

To Improve Analytical Skills & Problem-Solving

One of the key benefits of team building activities is the opportunity they provide for employees to enhance their problem-solving skills. The challenges presented during these exercises require participants to analyze situations, identify issues, and develop effective solutions collaboratively.

Examples:

• Puzzles like Jenga: Games like Jenga are fun and educational. As the tower becomes more unstable, players must analyze the situation, anticipate the consequences of their moves, and adapt their strategy accordingly. This constant need for problem-solving helps improve analytical skills and decision-making abilities in a fun and engaging way.
  • Time requirement: Each game typically lasts around 10-15 minutes.
  • Team requirement: Can be played individually or in teams of 2 or more.
• Guess who: Organizers pick a theme (sports players, entrepreneurs, celebrities, etc.) and select famous personalities. Participants are divided into teams. Each team sends one member to select the celebrity to enact. The rest of the team members take turns guessing the celebrity.
  • Time requirement: The game can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of participants.
  • Team requirement: Participants are divided into teams, usually consisting of 3 or more members.

To Boost Communication and Collaboration

By engaging in activities that require sharing ideas and opinions, team members learn to express themselves freely.

Examples:

• Word Chain: Start with a word and each person takes turns saying another word that starts with the last letter of the previous word. Promotes quick thinking and vocabulary skills.
  • Time & Team Requirements: This game can be played with as little as two people and has no specific time limit. It can be a quick icebreaker activity or a longer game depending on the group's preference.
• Collaborative Art Project: Create a piece of art together, discussing ideas, dividing tasks, and coordinating efforts.
  • Time & Team Requirements: The time and team requirements for this activity can vary depending on the complexity of the project. It is recommended to have a small team of at least 3-4 people to ensure effective collaboration.
  • The time needed can range from a few hours for a simple project to several days for a more elaborate piece of art. It is important to establish clear communication and roles within the team to complete the project successfully.

To Reduce Stress Levels and Promote Well-being

By engaging in fun group activities, employees can unwind from work pressures, fostering a more relaxed mindset.

Examples:

• Fun games & activities: Organizing a team picnic or sports day can provide a refreshing break from daily routines. Companies can also organize in-house Tambola Night, or plan a cricket match. The idea is to take a collective break from work and indulge in some good, old-fashioned fun and games.
  • Time & Team Requirements: Team picnic or sports day can typically last a few hours and require participation from all team members. In-house Tambola Night or a cricket match can be organized during after-work hours or on weekends, with teams consisting of a minimum number of players to ensure an enjoyable experience.
• Compliment Circle: Compliment Circle is a team-building activity where team members sit in a circle and take turns giving compliments to each other. This activity helps boost morale, strengthen relationships, and promote a positive and supportive work environment. Participants are encouraged to express genuine appreciation for their colleagues, which can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Compliment Circle is a simple yet effective way to foster a sense of camaraderie and unity within a team.
  • Time & Team Requirements: This team-building activity can be incorporated into a regular team meeting or as a standalone session lasting around 30 minutes to an hour. It is ideal for small to medium-sized teams where each member can actively participate in giving and receiving compliments.
• Most Likely To...: Ask questions like "Who is most likely to be late for a meeting?" and have everyone vote anonymously. This creates laughter and reveals personalities in a lighthearted way.
  • Time & Team Requirements: This game can be played during a break or at the end of a workday, lasting around 15-30 minutes depending on the number of questions asked. It works well with teams of any size, as long as there are enough participants to vote anonymously and create a fun and engaging atmosphere.

Aligning Team Purpose and Values with Strategic Activities

Strategic team building exercises are designed to help employees grasp their significance in achieving company goals. These activities provide insight into how each individual's contributions fit into the broader organizational objectives.

Reinforcing Organizational Culture

By aligning team building activities for employees with company values, organizations can strengthen the core principles that guide their operations. When team members understand the impact of their work on the company's success, they are more motivated and engaged in their roles.

Inspiring Shared Purpose

Mission-focused team building activities inspire a shared sense of purpose among team members by connecting them to the organization's overarching mission or vision. When employees participate in activities that reflect the company's core values and long-term objectives, they develop a deeper understanding of why their work matters.

Examples:

• Volunteer work: Engaging in volunteer projects as a team can demonstrate how collective efforts can make a positive impact on society while strengthening bonds among colleagues.
  • Time requirement: Varies based on the project.
  • Team requirements: Ideally, the entire team can participate, but smaller groups can also work on different projects simultaneously.
• Job Shadowing: Organize job shadowing experiences within the team. Freshers shadow senior employees and vice versa, fostering empathy for each other's roles and challenges.
  • Time requirement: Typically a half or full day per shadowing session.
  • Team requirements: Pairing up individuals from different experience levels within the team.
• Start-up Simulations: Divide into teams and simulate launching a new service or product targeting the company’s audience. Promotes teamwork, innovation, and strategic thinking.
  • Time requirement: Can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the depth of the simulation.
  • Team requirements: Small teams of 3-5 members to ensure active participation and collaboration.

Final Remarks

Team building activities foster a cohesive and productive work environment. By incorporating a variety of engaging exercises, organizations can enhance communication, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall employee well-being. Whether in-person or virtually, these activities contribute to aligning team values with strategic goals, ultimately leading to a more motivated and connected workforce.

To maximize the benefits of team building efforts, encourage participation across all levels of the organization. Emphasize the importance of these activities in building strong relationships, improving teamwork, and enhancing overall job satisfaction. By prioritizing team building initiatives, companies can create a positive and inclusive workplace culture that drives success and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the significance of team building activities in a workplace?

Team building activities foster stronger relationships, improve communication, and boost morale among employees. They enhance collaboration, trust, and overall productivity within teams.

2. How can icebreaker games benefit teams in a work environment?

Icebreaker games help break down barriers between team members, encourage interaction, and create a positive atmosphere. They promote teamwork and build camaraderie among colleagues.

3. Why are virtual team building activities essential for remote teams?

Virtual team building activities bridge the gap between remote employees by fostering connections and maintaining engagement. They boost morale, strengthen teamwork, and combat feelings of isolation or disconnection.

4. How do team-building strategies contribute to enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills?

Team-building strategies encourage brainstorming sessions, promote out-of-the-box thinking, and provide opportunities for collaborative problem-solving exercises. This fosters creativity while improving the ability to tackle challenges effectively as a team.

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