With so many people working from home or hybrid working, searches for team building have increased by 24 percent since last year as companies look for ways to start conversations and spur creativity while spending valuable time together.

However, six out of 10 Brits admit to finding them “cringe,” according to new research by Easy Offices.

Team building can increase workplace confidence, happiness and productivity by strengthening bonds and friendships. It is also a great way to combat isolation while working from home.

 

Working from home: isolation

Workplace friendships and connections have become a meaningful way to beat WFH isolation. People agree the best way to bond at work is through: 

  • After work drinks – 46 percent
  • Connecting in office breakout areas – 30 percent
  • Team building weekends – 21 percent

Unfortunately, according to YouGov, 60 percent of people found their last workplace team building experience embarrassing, with most admitting they would rather be working. 

Some of the worst experiences shared include ‘building a boat, which sank’, ‘feeding my boss chocolate while lying on the floor’ and ‘forming a conga line with everyone blindfolded’. 

 

What are the benefits of team building?

Considering this, the choice of team building event can significantly impact its effectiveness, and there are ways to make it more appealing.

Positively, four in ten people say team building helps them work together more effectively. The trick is finding an activity the group is invested in. 

Online searches for different team building activities give us an idea of what is popular. We researched more than 30 different activities, including murder mysteries, obstacle courses, karaoke, pub quizzes, paintball and escape rooms, to find out which had the most significant demand increase this year.

The most searched team building activities in the country vary.  

With an almost 200 percent increase in interest, Human Monopoly is the most in-demand activity, followed by Yoga and happy hour socialising.

Some classic team building activities have dipped in popularity, like murder mysteries and escape rooms, while activities like paddle boarding and bubble football are at the bottom of the list.

 

 

 

 

Amelia Brand
Amelia Brand

Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.