Joint efforts (or the lack thereof) of a whole team can decide the success or failure of a project.

Office team games help foster better and open communication between employees themselves, and also between employees and the higher management.

They also go a long way in improving professional relations, understanding, and co-operation, and this is very much reflected in the quality of the work done.

This brain teaser is a top-tier way to work on problem solving and communication.

Your team will find that the success of this exercise is dependent on how well everyone works together and it is helpful to have casual clothing.

Also remind others to be mindful of colleagues, especially those with certain physical limitations.

Knot your Average Workday

Time: 15-30 minutes

Purpose: Promote teamwork, communication, and problem solving

Participants: 8-20 people

Materials: None

1. Instruct the participants to stand in a circle, shoulder to shoulder.
2. Tell everyone to put their right hand in the air and grab the hand of someone standing across the circle from them.
3. Now tell everyone to put their left hand in the air and grab the hand of a different person.
4. Someone needs to check that everyone is holding the hands of two different people and that no one is holding the hand of someone who’s standing directly next to them.
5. The objective of the game is to untangle everyone without breaking the circle.
6. If the chain is broken, participants will have to start over.

Summary:

This game will prove to be extremely challenging and will heavily rely on teamwork and communication, without which, participants will find it extremely difficult to successfully complete the task. Now that you’re equipped with a variety of choices, don’t be afraid to incorporate these activities in the office. Not only will you enjoy it and benefit greatly, but so will your colleagues and employees.  Don’t forget to post back and let us know which exercises you used and what you learned from them!

Employee Morale

Improving employee morale is vital to success in the workplace. If your team is feeling drained and stressed, this fun exercise is a great way to refresh and energize them. To boost morale and unleash the creative power within your team, you must identify a new project that requires each member to contribute and be creative.

Then use a collaborative leadership style to fuel the fire. It doesn’t require much time and the recommended group size is 10-20 people.

Your team’s energy can determine the success of a meeting, a workday or even your overall company. How you contribute to your professional environment is as important as what you contribute emotionally.

Focus Game

Time: 8-12 minutes

Purpose: Healthy competition and synergy

Participants: Small groups

Materials: None

1. Participants will need to form two equal lines facing each other.
2. The game starts when one line turns around, giving the second line 40 seconds to change 10 things about themselves. This can include anything from jewelry or clothing being swapped with other people, untied shoelaces, a different hairdo, or a switched watch or ring to the other hand. All changes must be something the other group can see.
3. After 40 seconds, the first group turns around and tries to find all the changes the other group made.
4. Once the changes have been recognized, the groups switch, giving each team a chance to make changes.

Summary

A typical workday can drain the energy out of your employees. Look for ways to create energy boosts throughout the day, in meetings, and throughout projects. This can be as simple as frequent short breaks, laughter, creating a very open environment where fresh ideas and creativity are rewarded.