Team building activities in the workplace are often met with rolling eyes and a sense of dread. While they might have a reputation for being frustrating and centred around enforced fun and socialising, they can be incredibly beneficial for building stronger teams.

The key to a good team bonding activity is to make it so fun and enjoyable that the individuals taking part aren’t even aware that they are taking part in a team building activity. Rather than focusing on the team building aspect, they let their guard down and focus on the activity. This allows them to enjoy all of the benefits of the team building activity without focusing on the motivation behind it.

With this in mind, let’s look at some of the ways that physical activity in the workplace can help to boost morale and how this can translate into improved workplace morale.

The importance of team building in the workplace

A good workforce is made up of lots of different personality types. While similar personalities might be naturally drawn to one another, it takes a little more effort to get everyone to mix and mingle in the workplace. 

Some people might take a little extra encouragement to come out of their shell, while others might need a little push to get to know people who seem quite different to them. We’re all guilty of making quick judgements based on limited information, and this can stifle workplace innovation and socialising if you let it.

By implementing the framework for individuals in the workplace to get to know one another, you can foster a more positive work environment for everyone. Here are just some of the benefits of making physical activity part of your team building programme to boost workplace morale.

Boost mental wellbeing

There’s no denying that physical activity can help to boost mental wellbeing. When we are physically active, we are better equipped to deal with everyday stress, and this makes us more resilient workers. Handling stress better will also make it easier for individuals to get along with one another, reducing the risk of unnecessary tension.

Foster better conflict resolution

Engaging in physical activity helps us to better control stress levels in the workplace. One of the added benefits of this is that workers will find better routes towards conflict management. They are more likely to communicate their feelings and work together towards a logical solution, rather than push forward with plans that will ultimately fail.

Inspire open communication

Team building activities that are based on physical activity fare better than brain teasers at encouraging people to open up and be more communicative in the workplace for one simple reason. 

Workers are already using the logical and thinking part of their brain in the workplace, so if they aren’t communicating well, you need to try a different approach. By shifting the focus to a physical activity, this becomes a whole new approach that will hopefully inspire everyone to try something new when it comes to communicating their thoughts.

Break down barriers between departments

Another great way that physical team building activities can help to boost workplace morale is that it can help to inspire better bonds between different departments. These departments will often be reluctant to mix since their aims and objectives are not always aligned, but physical activities can break down these barriers and unite everyone behind a single objective.

By making your team building activities company-wide instead of department-wide, you can encourage better cross-department collaboration which could help to uncover cost-saving measures and greater efficiencies that would be otherwise outside of your reach.

Physical activities to try

Now that you’re convinced of the benefits of physical activity for team building efforts, let’s look at some of the best workplace morale boosting activities you could try. These can be adapted to different workplaces to ensure accessibility for all workers.

Charity cycling

A long distance charity cycle might take place on one day, but the run up to the event will pave the way for some serious team building. Employees can decide whether they want to take part or support the team, ensuring no one is left out. The purpose of this event is that everyone should cross the finish line together, not race off and leave their co-workers in the dust.

Sponsored walk

Like a charity cycle, a sponsored walk is a great way to raise money for charity while also giving everyone a space to get to know one another outside of the office. Promoting physical activity in this way can encourage everyone to prioritise their health.

Planting a living wall

Living walls are a great way to introduce more greenery into the workplace. You’ll also give everyone the opportunity to get active and to get their hands dirty as they work together to design, install and maintain the wall. This is a hugely positive move that will also give everyone a sense of pride in their workplace.