The entire objective with online team building activities is to leverage technology in order to create a true team environment. This is not a quick fix. It is not a simple task. For organisations to be savvy with these processes, they need to take a step back and assess which strategies are effective and deliver the best outcomes. We will offer some solutions on this front, particularly for management who have the responsibility to reach those targets.
Empowering Staff to Lead the Activities
Attempting to formulate a true team environment requires professionals in management to take a step back and act as a facilitator rather than a leading voice. This might be a challenge for individuals who love to use their influence and position to set the agenda, but this is a project which should be crafted and developed by the staff involved.
Exploring Successful Case Studies
The joy of online team building activities is that there will be a raft of examples that managers and staff can lean on, helping them to navigate what will be successful and what will generate results. From general lunch conversations to trivia, video games, scavenger hunts, virtual tours, puzzles, murder mysteries, city tours, escape rooms and beyond, there will be enough evidence to suggest what has worked and what fell short. This will be dependent on the appetite from individuals and the types of dynamics that are in play.
Encouraging Diverse Device Use
Businesses looking to develop their team skills shouldn’t have to rely on any single device format. It is especially the case for organisations who have staff and team members based across remote locations, placing them in a position to use anything from desktops to laptops, tablets or mobiles. This is why it is beneficial to encourage all manner of devices to offer genuine flexibility and ensure that the online team culture is welcoming without any form of restrictions.
Establishing Activities Around Tangible Team Targets
Online team building activities don’t have to be obscure exercises. They are far from a general box ticking endeavour that is used purely for PR purposes or to impress outside parties. This is an opportunity to develop and create a thriving team culture. From facilitating leadership skills to opening lines of communication, helping problem-solving skills and offering mental health relief, these programs are able to be customised and shaped according to the requirements of the collective.
Flexible Scheduling
In order for commercial enterprises to get the most out of these activities, they need to be flexible in the way they approach the scheduling. Thanks to access to quality devices and Internet engagement, this is a process which can be saved, live streamed and utilised day and night. Ideally all participants of online team building activities will be present and available for a session, but having some versatility will also be beneficial.
Keep the Exercises Fun & Engaging
The moment that these ventures begin to become monotonous and routine is the time that they have lost their value to the enterprise. Formulating a true team culture requires participants to be enthusiastic about the program and to cherish the time that they have in these settings. If there is one consistent theme or through-line that managers should adhere to in these circumstances, it is the need to keep the atmosphere positive, the exercises engaging and to ensure people are having fun. This will make the project sustainable over the long-term.