Team meetings and team-building events are something that often gets put in the employee group chat as an obligation. The engagement and overall zeal can be so-so. And the team-building activities from a quick Google search can be a little under par, to say the least.
If you’re looking to host team-building events this year for your New York-based company, keep reading. We’ve put together some unique and fun-infused tricks to get employees excited and keep them engaged. Team building doesn’t have to be cheesy unless an activity involves some actual cheddar.
1. Team-Building Meeting Spot Awards
Spot awards can be implemented and awarded throughout the year outside of designated team-building events or at the events themselves. Spot awards are best as part of a recognition program that brings employees who go the extra mile in any aspect that the company values.
If your company values work-life balance above and beyond customer service or just great camaraderie, these would all be great aspects to highlight periodically. It helps continue to encourage this behavior and can be paired with different kinds of incentives!
2. Build in Some Downtime for Long Events
Not every aspect of team-building events has to be “together” the whole time. Downtime and processing time go hand-in-hand with longer events, especially if they’re retreat-style. Line up some entertainment, interactive leisure options, and even snacks (cue the cheese!) New York has so much to offer that’s fun, fabulous, and productive. It would be a shame not to incorporate some activity outside of the office in this great city.
In all seriousness, downtime or free time can allow team members to process certain exercises, reflect on any speaker presentations, or unwind a little. Integrated breaks can help attendees maintain event endurance overall, too, which helps keep morale and motivation higher.
3. Make It Different!
An alternative way to an all-for-one event is to break it up into “mini” events. Sort of like a lunch and learn series, but with team building. Another option is to make it into a pop-up event. For team-building events, a workshop pop-up type setup may work best. And it doesn’t have to be extensively formal, which makes it unusual, fun, and unique.
4. Competitive or Cooperative?
What kind of vibe do you think your office emanates? For the more high-drive, independent roles, a change of pace might be warranted to help the team foster more genuine connections. Incorporate more cooperative-style activities or discussions and see what the group struggles and soars with.
Competitive-type team-building activities are a great option to boost engagement, get a sense of how the group organizes itself, and see who adopts leadership roles naturally. Activities of either kind are incredible gateways to further discussion.
5. Start a Team-Building Event Page
Build anticipation in the company event by starting a dedicated event page. Teasers, hints, and communication can all be handled on one platform. Just make sure it’s the platform your employees use to be the most effective. Regular interaction on newsfeeds can remind employees about upcoming team-building events or even provide a way to give feedback and RSVPs.
6. Get Periodic Feedback
The best way to create a great future event is to get feedback from past events in the same genre. What did employees love or hate about the last team-building meeting? There could be some aspects that were more or less beneficial or speakers that spoke to the office culture at the time. These nuances may need to shift with the times and even with current events.
7. Ramp It Up with an Event Planner
If you really want to create something exciting and motivating for the company, consider hiring a professional event planner. They know exactly how to curate and develop a custom team-building experience that’s both enigmatic and effective.
EMRG Media has the best event planners in New York City. With local New York connections right at our fingertips and genuine, personable care for each client, you can’t ask for better. Mindfulness regarding budget, time, and locations is taken into advisement. Hit our EMRG Media team up here and talk to one of our professional event planners to see how fantastic your next team-building event can be.
