Team building is a crucial aspect of any successful small business. It fosters relationships, encourages creativity, and boosts productivity among employees. But with a tight budget and little time, coming up with fun and effective activities for your crew can seem daunting. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of engaging team-building activities for small businesses that are sure to bring your employees closer together while keeping within your budget.
Escape Rooms
One of the hottest trends in team building is the escape room, where groups of people work together to solve a series of puzzles and, ultimately, escape a locked room. Small businesses can benefit greatly from this activity since it helps improve communication, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills. To find an escape room location in your area, a quick Google search will set you on the right track. Additionally, you won’t have worry about shelling out a pretty penny; most escape rooms offer group discounts for businesses.
Cooking Classes
Nothing brings people together quite like food. Booking a group cooking class not only teaches your employees a valuable skill but also allows them to work together to create a delicious meal. This team-building exercise is perfect for fostering creativity and collaboration among your small-business staff. Many culinary schools and chefs offer classes specifically for team building, but you can also look into local community centers or kitchen supply stores for a more budget-friendly option.
Inflatable Obstacle Courses
Introducing a little friendly competition to your team-building event can be a fun way to break the ice and encourage cooperation. Renting age-appropriate inflatables, such as obstacle courses or jumbo-sized games (think giant Jenga), will ignite laughter and camaraderie among your staff members. When choosing the right inflatable for your event, consider the ages and abilities of your employees, as well as your available space. Reach out to local party rental companies for pricing and options that work for your team.
Volunteer Opportunities
Another noteworthy team-building activity for small businesses is collective volunteer work. Giving back to the community is not only a rewarding experience, but it can also bring your team together. Signing your employees up for a volunteer day at a local nonprofit organization fosters camaraderie and helps develop a sense of pride in your company values. Based on your team’s interests and skillsets, you can choose to volunteer at animal shelters, food banks, or local environmental clean-up events—the possibilities are endless!
DIY Workshops
Unleashing your employees’ inner artists is another fantastic team-building idea. Signing up for a group DIY workshop at an art studio or crafting store allows your staff to express their creativity and collaborate on fun projects, such as painting, pottery, or woodworking. They’ll walk away with beautiful mementos of the day, as well as stronger bonds and lasting memories with their fellow coworkers.
When building a culture for your small business, you should never miss out on a chance to make your team feel included. Whether you opt for an escape room or decide to bring crafting fun to the workplace, your staff will appreciate the time you put into building a stronger team.
