Employee motivation is no different from personal motivation. When an individual is motivated, they are driven to complete tasks, remain committed to achieving milestones and pursue opportunities that challenge them. Similarly, when employees are motivated, they are more productive, go the extra mile and stay aligned with the organization’s vision. Successful organizations invest in employee motivation and engagement. It has been proven that happy employees create happy customers. But how do these organizations do it? How do they bring out the best in their teams? How do they make sure their employees return to work enthusiastically every day?
While there are no predetermined ways to motivate employees, team-building activities such as puzzle games, scavenger hunts, cooking events can all be fun as well as channels for communication, ice-breaking between team members, collaboration, etc. Team building is a long-term investment in employee happiness. Sometimes, organizations tend to consider team building as a fun one-day gaming exercise. Although this is partly true, if done in the right way team building can help your team bond together and leave memories that last forever.
Here are a few ways in which team building will improve employee motivation in your organization:
Team Camaraderie
Team bonding activities that are fun and memorable are successful in building great team camaraderie. As employees interact on a personal level, they tend to become more comfortable in communicating better. The idea of having a great company and team to work with motivates employees to return to work every day. Moreover, research has shown that activities that generate an adrenaline rush can build very cohesive teams. Building camaraderie is more relevant today than ever as people start returning to offices post-pandemic. Some organizations may be going fully remote or into a hybrid model. Nevertheless, team-building activities can help teams engage and collaborate better.
Having said that, companies hold team building activities filled with fun and relaxation. But the main goal of team building is to harness camaraderie among employees, especially when they engage in competitive fun and games. Recognition and awarding in the form of certificates, plaques, or trophies create lasting memories of achievements among the participants.
Stressbusters
Employees who are overworked or feel burn out are more at risk of being demotivated than others. Fun team bonding games can provide a much-needed break for employees working long hours. Mindfulness activities such as meditation, inspiring talks, self-help exercises can also be turned into team-building activities that have a substantial impact in relieving stress. When employees have a calmer state of mind, they are more interested to engage with their work.
Conflict Resolution
Team building exercises can also be a great tool for conflict resolution. When there is a conflict even the most productive teams crumble down into an unproductive phase. The most effective way of conflict resolution is communication and collaboration. Team building exercises that facilitate open communication can build bridges that minimize and resolve conflicts.
Empathy, trust, and integrity
Employees are motivated to work toward the vision and mission of their organization when they trust their employer and find purpose in their work. Team building activities can help executives and managers connect with their team members and foster these beliefs. This can also emphasize that the organizational culture is built on these values and the management embraces them. These activities can be more engaging if conducted in collaboration with a local non-profit or a community and engage your team members towards a cause. This not only emphasizes your commitment to employees but also to the community. It is important that these activities involve the executives and managers to reiterate the organization’s values.
These activities contribute to motivating an employee intrinsically rather than extrinsically. Extrinsic motivation refers to a reward-based model where employees are rewarded with perks, bonuses, or vacations when they reach milestones. It in undeniable that monetary rewards are necessary. However, intrinsic motivation has a long-lasting impact that is not only rewarding for employers but also for employees.
Lastly, employee motivation is a commitment rather than a one-time investment. To see tangible results, it is important to invest in team building regularly. Communicate the purpose of these events to your team members and structure them to accommodate all team members to reap the best results. Often, introverted employees feel left out in these activities. Plan out activities that bring together all personality types. Choose facilitators who can work with your teams on their shortcomings and customize activities. When your employees believe that you are committed to their happiness, they are inspired to be engaged.
