As the world returns to (relative) normal, there is a driving need for team building activities that re-engage the team and create a culture that will keep your happy workers happier ☺
Attracting and Keeping Talent Biggest Pinch Point for Business in 2023
On the back of the pandemic, workplaces have been faced with a people pandemic of their own. Company culture, employee retention and employee engagement have been of growing importance for all businesses. According to an industry survey by KPMG, the most significant and worrying issue for senior executives this year is attracting and retaining talent. 77% of them ranking it above big concerns like cyber-risks, digital transformation and flexible workplaces.
In the Microsoft Work Trend index 74% of disengaged employees were planning to change jobs. If they are directly looking then they are likely casually quitting.
Gallops State of the global Workplace 2022 report shows that disconnected and less engaged teams saw up to a 43% higher turnover rate than teams that have a sense of belonging and connection. Onboarding new talent is a costly exercise. Once you have considered recruitment training, as well as the resources and time that’s needed to be put into getting them up to speed from your other employees, you’re by then looking into the 10’s of thousands. Which puts the cost of a few, fun team building or engagement events a year into very clear perspective. You can’t afford not to provide fun bonding experiences for your team. Culture is more important than productivity, because culture feeds productivity.
Engagement must be spearheaded by focusing on the happiness and wellbeing of your team.
The Microsoft Work Trend index reports that the last few years have seen a 2% reduction year on year in employee engagement. It’s a worrying downhill trend.
Post covid studies have revealed a definite shift in that most employees are now starting to prioritise health and well-being over work. This only becomes more prominent the younger the employee. So how can a business help them prioritise their wellbeing over work? That seems counterproductive right?
It’s about having empathy as a business. Taking the time to get to know your staff and their needs. Connect managers with their team – team fun and team building activities are a fantastic way to do this. A charity-based team event will go a long way in showing your workforce that the company cares and has empathy. It feels nice to feel like you are doing good and to feel appreciated. 69% of employees believed they would work harder if they were rewarded (not necessarily financially) and reminded on a regular basis that they are appreciated. We should not just be waiting until the end of year Christmas party to do this.
Try a fun indoor team building activity at your next monthly meeting or have your meeting outdoors, walk to a lookout and get some fresh air and some perspective. Take the time to let them know they are truly appreciated.
According to Flexjobs, the top reason for people quitting their job is a poor work culture. Which is why People and Culture Teams are a growing force and of growing importance for leading businesses.
It’s important to check in with your team. And to build a sense of connection and fun. Team building activities have changed a lot over the years. They are more about bonding and less about hitting the team over the head with a set of rules on how to become a more productive team. Teams and individuals become more productive because their wellbeing and their needs are being heard and understood. They have an identity and they are proud to work for a company who cares. Team engagement and connection events don’t have to be in-person. There are many great Online team building options that are not only super effective but also affordable and time efficient. They team will love you and beg you to do more!
Start increasing your team’s engagement now!
What can you do to attract staff and keep them? Iress, A finance tech company offers 6 long weekends a year. Canva gives their staff a Thrive and Vibe allowance to spend on social celebrations, wellbeing and education. Optiver provides gym memberships, free breakfast and an annual trip.
So how do you keep your staff if an annual trip with an in-house personal trainer, barista and chef are not in the realms of possibility?
The answer is … meaningful connection.
Team building activities engage teams and give them a chance to get outside and take a break. According to a Harvard business review 53% of employees feel more exhausted from work than before the pandemic, and 57 % experience enhanced work related anxiety.
Team Building Activities – A Return on Investment
How can team engagement activities improve the bottom line? According to the Harvard business review over 70% of top level executives recognise employee engagement as the key element in business strategy. It’s the main driver of productivity, it filters through to customer satisfaction and greatly benefits organizational culture. Engaged employees are more productive and are happier for it.
The building of a fun and inclusive team culture and brand, along with the offering of perks and incentive, are key factors in employee retention and engagement. Brand loyalty and engagement results in a reduction in employees wanting to or ready to jump ship. If there is limited culture or identity with the business and half the team are working from home there is very little stopping your people from getting online and finding a new or better opportunity, then sending in their letter of resignation. And it’s not about the money.
How to be seen and respected as a company that cares.
Make your staff your company cheerleaders. A happy employee will gladly promote the company in their spare time. It’s a brilliant way to attract new employees and grow your brand.
So how do you do this in a highly transient and competitive market?
Maintaining an open, caring and well-rounded culture is a must – and it’s not as challenging as you might think. Leaders will need to move with the wants and needs of their employees if they want to engage them and keep them. Team Building and Team connection or engagement activities need to be approached intentionally. They need to be collaborative and fun. They need to build trust in your brand and they need to drive a positive culture. A team that plays together, stays together. It’s that simple.
