Allowing colleagues to bond professionally boosts morale. Imagine having work buddies you can brainstorm with, share ideas and even have a good laugh during breaks. That positive atmosphere? It's like fuel for creativity and job satisfaction.
When colleagues connect, it's like supercharging teamwork. You know, that feeling when you work smoothly with someone? That's the magic of a solid professional relationship. Leaders who give space for these connections are basically setting the stage for smoother collaborations, which means projects get done more efficiently.
Also remember that when colleagues get to know each other better, trust levels shoot up. Trust is the glue that holds teams together. It means people rely on each other, share info openly and tackle challenges head-on.
Plus, it's not just talk – science backs this up. Studies in workplace psychology highlight how strong professional relationships enhance job performance and well-being. So, leaders who encourage these connections aren't just boosting teamwork, they're nurturing a healthier, happier work environment.
This is why today, we’ve laid out 15 of the most important things you need to be promoting in your workplace in order to build team culture and the very best relationships between colleagues.
We've even gone that little bit further and added the best types of activities and games for each section, don’t worry, we’ve got you!
1. Active listening
Imagine having someone genuinely tuned in when you talk—how cool is that? Active listening is like giving colleagues a comforting nod, making them feel heard and understood. It stops mix-ups and keeps conversations smooth.
Pay close attention to what your colleagues are saying, show genuine interest and ask follow-up questions. Active listening demonstrates that you value their input and perspective.
Active listening activity - Story swap:
- Divide participants into pairs.
- One person shares a personal story or experience for a set time while the other listens attentively, without interrupting.
- After the first person finishes, switch roles.
- Each pair discusses what they learned about their partner's story, highlighting key details.
Story Swap enhances active listening skills, encourages empathy and strengthens understanding between colleagues
2. Empathy
Ever had a tough day and just needed a friend to get it? Empathy brings out the warm fuzzies, letting coworkers connect on an emotional level. When folks get each other's vibes, teamwork gets a boost and bonds grow stronger.
Empathy activity - "Walk in my shoes":
- Prepare several work-related scenarios involving challenges or team conflicts.
- Pair up colleagues and assign each pair a scenario.
- Each pair takes turns playing the roles of the people involved, expressing thoughts, emotions and perspectives.
- After both roles are played, partners discuss their experiences and insights from both sides.
This immersive role-play activity fosters a deep sense of empathy and helps colleagues better understand each other's viewpoints.
3. Open communication
Picture this: a chat where everyone's honest and open. That's open communication! It's like a recipe for trust and harmony, stopping confusion in its tracks and making the team feel like a united front.
Be transparent and open in your communication. Share your thoughts, ideas and concerns honestly and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and promotes trust.
Open communication activity - Honest feedback board:
- Create a physical or digital board labeled "Honest Feedback."
- Provide sticky notes, pens and markers nearby.
- Encourage colleagues to anonymously share constructive feedback, ideas, or concerns related to work on the sticky notes and attach them to the board.
- Designate regular intervals (e.g., weekly or monthly) for team members to review and discuss the submissions collectively.
This team building activity promotes transparency, builds trust and establishes a platform for open communication.
4. Positive feedback
High-fives and pats on the back make everyone smile. Positive feedback isn't just about saying "good job," it's a morale booster that powers up motivation and helps colleagues shine even brighter.
Positive feedback activity - Kudos circle:
- Gather participants in a circle.
- Start by tossing a soft ball or object to one person, offering them a specific compliment or recognizing a recent achievement.
- The person who received the compliment then tosses the ball to another colleague, offering their positive feedback.
- Continue until everyone has received and given compliments.
Kudos Circle generates a positive atmosphere, boosts self-esteem and reinforces a culture of appreciation. Try this team-building activity outdoors for extra enjoyment!
5. Collaboration
Ever seen superheroes team up? That's what collaboration feels like—bringing unique skills to the table, solving problems faster and having each other's backs. Another fantastic way to build relationships within the team.
Collaboration activity - Puzzle challenge:
- Provide each team with a jigsaw puzzle of similar complexity.
- Divide colleagues into small groups and give each group a puzzle.
- Instruct teams to work together to solve their puzzle within a specified time frame.
- After completion, have teams present their finished puzzles and share their collaborative strategies.
This hands-on activity emphasizes the value of teamwork, communication and problem-solving in achieving shared goals.
6. Shared goals
When the whole gang's aiming for the same bullseye, see it as though it’s a motivational magnet. Shared goals keep everyone on track, turning coworkers into the dream team who want to see the best in you.
Shared goals activity - Vision board creation:
- Set up a creative station with magazines, newspapers, scissors, glue and large poster boards.
- Instruct colleagues to create individual vision boards by cutting out images, words and phrases that represent their career goals, aspirations and values.
- Encourage participants to share their completed vision boards with the group and explain their choices.
- Discuss common themes and goals that emerge, showcasing the team's shared aspirations.
This visually engaging activity strengthens the sense of unity and purpose among colleagues.
7. Respect boundaries
Think of it as a personal space bubble. Respecting boundaries shows you care about colleagues' comfort and that respect creates a smoother vibe in the office.
Respect boundaries activity - "Personal preferences" icebreaker:
- Prepare a list of thought-provoking questions related to work habits, communication styles and personal preferences.
- Gather colleagues in a relaxed setting and facilitate a group discussion by asking the questions.
- Participants take turns sharing their responses, providing insights into their preferences and boundaries.
- Encourage colleagues to actively listen and engage in discussions to better understand each other's perspectives.
This icebreaker activity promotes open conversations about boundaries and encourages mutual respect.
8. Conflict resolution
Every team's got its hiccups, but conflict resolution is the superhero cape. It saves the day by smoothing things over and turning tense moments into learning experiences.
Conflict resolution activity - Role play resolutions:
- Develop fictional workplace scenarios involving conflicts or disagreements.
- Pair colleagues and assign each pair a scenario to role-play.
- Partners take turns assuming the roles of individuals in the conflict and work together to find constructive solutions through communication and negotiation.
- After role-playing, each pair presents their conflict and proposed resolution to the larger group.
This interactive activity hones conflict resolution skills, encourages creative problem-solving and enhances communication strategies.
9. Offer assistance
Ever helped a buddy with moving house? Offering help is like that—showing you've got each other's backs and creating a vibe of togetherness.
Offer assistance activity - "Helping hands":
- Create a designated area, either physically or digitally, where colleagues can post requests for assistance or offer help with specific tasks or projects.
- Participants can write down their requests or offers on sticky notes or digital platforms.
- Encourage colleagues to browse the requests and offers and connect with each other to provide assistance or collaborate.
- Regularly update and promote the exchange to ensure ongoing engagement and support within the team.
Helping Hands fosters a culture of mutual aid, teamwork and resource sharing. All the perfect ingredients to boost working relationships!
10. Social activities
Work buddies that hang out outside the office? That's the magic of social activities. They turn colleagues into pals and add a sprinkle of fun to the daily grind. So why not go that step further than the bar/pub/bowling alley and consider taking the entire team offsite?
Imagine your team all relaxing on a beach in Spain or living it up in the fabulous London nightlife? There’s no better way to grow relationships than experiencing a new country, culture and way of life as a team. You go through all the laughter, joy and even confusion, together as one.
Then, when it’s time to get down to business, we provide access to top team-building spaces so you and your entire team have the opportunity to forget about home and focus on thriving.
Sounds like something you’d be interested in? Make sure to contact Surf Office today for more information on how we can organize your next team retreat at one of the hundreds of locations we have on offer.
11. Small gestures
Ever got a surprise coffee? Small gestures are like a mini celebration of kindness. They're a reminder that someone's thinking of you and can turn an ordinary day into something special.
Small gestures activity - Gratitude chain:
- Provide colorful paper strips, markers and adhesive.
- Instruct colleagues to write down a brief note of gratitude, appreciation, or a small act of kindness they'd like to acknowledge.
- Encourage participants to attach their notes to create a chain, linking the acts of kindness together.
- Display the gratitude chain in a visible area to serve as a visual reminder of the positive interactions within the team.
This quick team-building activity cultivates a culture of appreciation and encourages colleagues to recognize and celebrate one another's contributions.
12. Adaptability
Imagine a team that rolls with the punches. That's adaptability—being cool with change and helping colleagues navigate the twists and turns of work life.
Adaptability activity - "Change challenge" brainstorm:
- Present a hypothetical or real work-related change that the team might face in the future.
- Divide participants into groups and provide them with markers, flip charts, or whiteboards.
- Instruct each group to brainstorm creative ways to embrace and adapt to the change, focusing on positive outcomes.
- Encourage groups to discuss their ideas and strategies for effectively navigating the proposed change.
This brainstorming activity enhances adaptability skills, encourages innovative thinking and promotes a proactive approach to change management.
13. Avoid gossip
Gossip? Nah, we're all about good vibes. Avoiding gossip keeps the workplace drama-free and the focus on what truly matters.
Avoid gossip activity - Positive news sharing:
- Set up a designated time, such as a weekly meeting or a designated chat channel, for sharing positive news and uplifting stories.
- Encourage colleagues to bring forward news articles, personal accomplishments, or inspiring anecdotes to share with the group.
- Facilitate discussions around the shared news, allowing participants to express their thoughts and reflections.
- Emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive atmosphere by focusing on constructive conversations.
This activity shifts the focus away from gossip and fosters a culture of optimism, inspiration and meaningful interactions.
14. Conflict management skills
Every now and then, differences crop up. Conflict management skills are like the superhero toolkit to sort things out, keeping relationships smooth and stress levels low.
Conflict management skills activity - "Resolution theater":
- Prepare several workplace conflict scenarios with varying levels of complexity.
- Divide participants into small groups and assign each group a scenario to act out.
- Instruct groups to perform a role-play where they present the conflict, pause at critical points and discuss potential resolutions.
- After the role-play, encourage groups to share their proposed resolutions and engage in a constructive dialogue.
This interactive activity provides a safe space for practicing conflict resolution strategies, sharing insights and learning from different approaches.
15. Consistency
You know that friend who's always got your back? Consistency is like that—being reliable, so colleagues know they can count on you. It's the secret ingredient for building trust and teamwork.
Consistency activity - Recognition raffle:
- Establish a recognition program that rewards consistent behaviors and contributions.
- Introduce a system where colleagues can earn tickets or tokens for displaying consistent positive actions, such as punctuality, collaboration, or going the extra mile.
- Collect the earned tickets and hold regular raffle drawings where participants have a chance to win small rewards or incentives.
- Celebrate the winners and highlight their consistent efforts to reinforce a culture of reliability and teamwork.
This activity motivates colleagues to maintain a high standard of performance and contributes to a harmonious and supportive work environment.
Final thoughts
So there we have it, 15 of the best activities that could really help to grow your colleagues' professional relationships.
Tailor these activities to your team's preferences and needs and feel free to come up with variations that align with your workplace culture. The goal is to create opportunities for meaningful relationships among colleagues.
We hope you enjoyed the list today and make sure to bookmark this page so you can return whenever you need advice.
