7 Teamwork Games to Keep Employees Engaged

Great companies regularly organize team-building activities as part of a staff engagement program. I outline 7 great team-building games that don’t cost a fortune to execute. The benefits of teamwork apply across all industries.

Individuals all have their own strengths, their own skills, and ideas to bring to the table and, when they work together as a team, will create something far more powerful than anything that is turned out by one single person.

Teamwork helps to improve internal communication and productivity, boost morale and promote innovation.

Organizational success is largely dependent on people who are connected with each other for mutual benefits. Previously, I’ve defined many strategies and techniques to get the best team collaboration. As before once again today I have something interesting for you guys.

Everyone loves to play games. Don’t you?

What if I told you that you can build the best team collaboration by playing games?

Obviously, it will be the best way for you

Here, I am sharing some interesting games that would help you to inspire your team members to give efforts to raise the organizational dream.

1. Talking in Circles:

(Source-greeleytribune.com)

Objective: This is a fun and challenging game that requires a lot of communication and coordination among teammates.

The group is asked to stand in a circle around a long piece of rope attached at the ends to form a circle. The team is next asked to create shapes with the string – square, triangle, figure 8, rectangle, and many other shapes.

To increase the difficulty level, the members are asked to shut their eyes/be blindfolded, and repeat the action. To further the complexity of the task, random team members may be “muted” at different time thereby making communication more challenging.

This activity also tests the level of leadership and trust within a group.

2. Game of Possibilities:

Objective: This team-building exercise inspires creativity and individual innovation

This game requires only 5-6 minutes of involvement to carry one or multiple small groups.

This is a great 5-minute team-building game. Give any random object to one person in each group. One at a time, someone has to go up in front of the group and show a use for that object. The rest of the team must guess what the player is showing.

The demonstrator cannot speak, and demonstrations must be original, possibly wacky ideas.

So that you can enhance your team collaboration by building a good communication bridge between team members.

3. Human Knot:

(Source-3.bp.blogspot.com)

Objective: This game for team building relies heavily on good communication and teamwork.

It’s a 15-30 minutes duration game taking 8-20 people (without using any tool).

Everyone has to stand in a circle facing each other, shoulder to shoulder. Instruct everyone to put their right hand out and grab a random hand of someone across from them.

Then, tell them to put their left hand out and grab another random hand from a different person across the circle. Within a set time limit, the group needs to untangle the knot of arms without releasing their hands.

If the group is too large, make multiple smaller circles and have the separate groups compete.

4. The Perfect Square

(Source-adrenaline.gr)

Objective: Focuses on strong communication and leadership skills. By instructing some team members to be silent, this game also requires an element of trust across the team, allowing team members to guide each other in the right direction.

It’s a 15-30-minute game taking 5-20 people. In this game, you just need a long piece of rope and a blindfold for each person.

Ask your coworkers to stand in a circle holding a piece of the rope. Then instruct everyone to put on their blindfold and set the rope on the floor.

Everyone has to take a short walk away from the circle. Next, ask everyone to come back and try to form a square with the rope without removing their blindfolds.

Set a time limit to make it more competitive. You can make it even more difficult by asking some team members to stay silent.

5. The Egg Drop:

(Source- kaitlyngilham.files.wordpress.com)

Objective: This classic team-building game is an engaging exercise. It uses teamwork and problem-solving tactics to bind team members.

This game takes 1-2 hours with two or more small groups.

Split everyone off into groups of three to five people and give each group an uncooked egg. Put all the office supplies in a pile. They have 15 to 30 minutes to use the supplies to build a contraption around the egg that will keep the egg from breaking when dropped.

Some needs for supplies are tape, pencils, straws, plastic utensils, packing material, newspapers, and rubber bands. Once time is up, drop each egg contraption from the second or third floor of your building and see which eggs survive the Eggpocalypse.

6. The Barter Puzzle:

(Source – cdn-images-1.medium.com)

Objective: This activity relies heavily on problem-solving and leadership skills. Some team members might stand out and some might stand back, but it’s important to remember that the entire team must come to a consensus before a decision is made.

This game takes 1-2 hours carrying 4 or more small groups. It needs different jigsaw puzzles for each group.

Break off everyone into small, equal-sized groups. Give each group a different jigsaw puzzle with the same difficulty level. The goal is to see which group can complete their jigsaw puzzle the fastest.

However! Some pieces will be mixed around in other groups’ jigsaw puzzles. It’s up to the team to come up with a way to get those pieces back — either through negotiating, trading, exchanging team members, etc. Whatever they decide to do, they must decide as a group.

7. Balloon Questions:

Objective: When new/scattered/virtual teams are concerned, the objective is often to learn more about other team members in a stress-free, fun, and interactive way.

Balloon Questions is a funny game. All you need is balloons, paper, and pens/pencils. Give each person a balloon and a small strip of paper.

Ask them to write down a question on the slip of paper and place it in their balloon, then blow the balloon up and tie it.

Once everyone has finished, instruct the group to hit their balloons into the air, trying to keep all the balloons in the air for as long as possible. After a few seconds tell everyone to grab any balloon and sit in a circle.

Each person takes a turn popping his/her balloon and then answering the question. For small groups, you may have each person in the group answer every question.

What is the Importance of Games in Improving Employee Engagement?

1. Enhances Communication: Games provide a fun and interactive platform for employees to communicate and collaborate with each other. It promotes open dialogue, active listening, and effective expression of ideas, leading to improved communication skills among team members.
2. Fosters Teamwork: Games encourage employees to work together towards a common goal, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork. They help build trust, cooperation, and mutual support, strengthening the bonds between team members and enhancing overall collaboration.
3. Boosts Morale: Engaging in games and playful activities can significantly boost employee morale. It provides a break from routine work, alleviates stress, and creates a positive and enjoyable work environment. High morale leads to increased job satisfaction and motivation among employees.
4. Promotes Creativity and Innovation: Games often require out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem-solving. By engaging in these activities, employees are encouraged to think innovatively, explore new ideas, and develop creative solutions. This can have a positive impact on the overall innovation and productivity of the organization.
5. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: Games often present challenges and obstacles that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Employees can develop and sharpen their problem-solving abilities through game-based activities, which can be applied to real-world work situations, leading to more efficient and effective problem-solving in the workplace.
6. Improves Decision-Making: Games that involve strategic thinking and decision-making can help employees hone their decision-making skills. They learn to analyze situations, evaluate options, and make informed decisions under pressure. These skills are valuable in the workplace, where employees often face complex decisions.
7. Increases Employee Engagement: Engaging in games and recreational activities at work increases employee engagement. It creates a sense of excitement and involvement, making employees more invested in their work and the overall success of the organization. Engaged employees are more productive, loyal, and committed to their roles.
8. Encourages Healthy Competition: Games that incorporate friendly competition can be highly motivating for employees. Healthy competition encourages individuals to push their limits, strive for excellence, and achieve their goals. It also promotes a sense of achievement and recognition, contributing to a positive work culture.
9. Strengthens Relationships: Games provide opportunities for employees to interact and build relationships outside of their regular work responsibilities. They create a relaxed and informal setting where employees can get to know each other on a personal level, fostering friendship and building strong social connections within the team.
10. Promotes Continuous Learning: Games often involve learning new skills, strategies, and techniques. By incorporating learning elements into games, employees can acquire knowledge and develop new competencies in a fun and engaging manner. This promotes a culture of continuous learning and personal growth within the organization.

Wrap Up:

In many cases, developing teamwork and effective communication must be encouraged through regular practice and positive support.

Research consistently shows that participating in group games and exercises improves employee communication and motivation, which helps create a happier and more productive work environment.

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