Sometimes, it takes a little more than just a couple of icebreaking activities or a few trust falls in order to achieve that perfect team culture every company strives for. In fact, there are numerous different avenues you can take in order to achieve it, one of them being the workshop and course route. Today, we deep dive into 10 team-building workshops and courses that you could consider utilizing in order to achieve those sweet office vibes we all want so badly.
What are team-building workshops & courses?
Team building workshops and courses at work are like group adventures for colleagues. There’s a shed load of fun exercises and games that help everyone bond, laugh, and maybe even discover hidden talents.
Facilitators, like the cool guides of this team adventure, lead the way, encouraging everyone to talk, tackle challenges, and high-five victories.
As the name suggests, the courses and workshops are aimed at boosting team-building, but they also focus on things like problem-solving and that awesome feeling of being part of a tight-knit crew.
These sessions make work feel less like a Monday and more like a Friday – boosting morale, and turning the daily grind into a shared journey toward success.
Below, we take a look at 9 of our favorite team-building courses and workshops that you can consider for your company. We explain what they are, why they’re awesome for team-building and what you can expect to see in your workplace after they’re completed!
4 Team-building workshops
Let’s kick things off with 4 of workshops specifically designed for team building:
1. Emotional intelligence workshop
Step into the Emotional Intelligence Workshop, where we're turning the emotional intelligence game up a notch! Brace yourselves for a journey that's all about boosting self-awareness and weaving those team connections tighter.
How does it improve team-building?
- Self-awareness: Uncover the layers of your emotional responses, discovering the "why" behind reactions.
- Empathy: Immerse in everyone’s experiences, encouraging genuine understanding and connection.
- Communication: Fine-tune communication skills for clarity and coherence in team interactions.
- Conflict Resolution: Acquire practical strategies to navigate conflicts, turning them into opportunities for team growth.
What can you expect in this workshop?
In these workshops, you can expect lively group discussions where everyone's voice is the star, role-playing sessions that feel like improv comedy, and activities that make emotional intelligence more than just a buzzword. It's a hands-on experience that keeps you on your toes, all wrapped up with a bow of camaraderie and a sprinkle of newfound wisdom.
What can I expect to see in the workplace?
Pre-workshop, perhaps your workplace was like juggling fiery coals. Miscommunications, tense vibes, you name it. Post-workshop you can expect the office vibe to transform into a much more friendlier one. Teams chat like old pals, conflicts get a gentle hug, and productivity's doing a happy dance. It's not just a workshop; it's a workplace glow-up!
Where can I find a workshop like this?
Coursera has a fantastic workshop for emotional intelligence and leadership for you to try!
2. Strengths-based workshop:
Learn all about collaboration and hidden person strengths in a strengths-based workshop. This focuses on how you can uncover and leverage the unique strengths within yourself and the entire team.
How does it improve team-building?
- Identification: Discover and celebrate individual strengths within your team.
- Team Dynamics: Explore how each member's strengths contribute to the overall success of the team.
- Effective Collaboration: Develop skills to leverage diverse strengths for more effective teamwork.
What can you expect in this workshop?
Pre-workshop, your workplace might have felt like a puzzle missing some essential pieces. Complete this workshop and expect to observe diverse strengths that you may have not known were there. Teams work together seamlessly, individuals shine in their areas of expertise, and the workplace becomes a place of excellence. It's not just a workshop; it's a workplace glow-up!
Where can I find a workshop like this?
Check out this brilliant strengths based workshop on Coursera!
3. Strategic planning workshop:
Next up is a Strategic Planning Workshop, where the aim is taking your team's strategic thinking to the next level! This is a transformative journey focused on setting goals, charting the course, and achieving success collaboratively.
How does it enhance team effectiveness?
- Vision Crafting: Dive deep into the essence of your team's aspirations, clarifying the "what" and "why" behind your collective mission.
- Goal Setting as a Team: Immerse yourselves in the process of defining both long-term visions and short-term team-building objectives, fostering a shared sense of purpose.
- Alignment: Fine-tune the team's understanding of strategic priorities, ensuring clarity and coherence in pursuing common objectives.
What can you expect in this workshop?
In this workshop, you’ll dive into dynamic, action-oriented sessions. Imagine engaging group discussions where every team member's input is valued, practical activities that turn strategic planning into a tangible process, and role-playing scenarios that make strategic thinking more than just a corporate buzzword.
What can you expect to see in the workplace?
Pre-workshop, maybe your workplace felt like navigating a maze blindfolded. Unclear objectives, misaligned efforts, and strategic confusion. After everyone has completed this workshop gem, experience how efficient everything is! Teams collaborate seamlessly, goals are aligned like never before, and productivity is doing a victory lap.
4. Conflict Resolution Skills Workshop:
If it feels like your team is always at war, we recommend a Conflict Resolution Skills Workshop. In this type of team-building intervention, you’ll take conflict resolution to new heights by embarking on a journey focused on providing your team with the tools and techniques needed to navigate conflicts constructively.
How does it enhance team dynamics?
- Constructive Resolution Techniques: Dive into practical tools and techniques that empower your team to resolve conflicts in a positive and constructive manner.
- Empathy Building: Foster empathy within the team, promoting a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives and laying the foundation for a harmonious work environment.
What can you expect in this workshop?
The aim of this workshop is to approach conflict resolution with dynamic, action-oriented sessions. Expect to see lively group discussions where everyone's voice is heard, role-playing scenarios that simulate real-life conflicts, and activities that transform conflict resolution skills from theory to practice.
What can I expect to see in the workplace?
Was your workplace feeling like a battleground of misunderstandings? After you and your team master this workshop, watch as your office transforms into a space of constructive dialogue. Teams thrive, conflicts are approached with a problem-solving mindset, and the atmosphere becomes one of mutual respect.
Where can I find a workshop like this?
Coursea has a great conflict resolution workshop for you to check out!
5 Team-building courses
Next, we take a look at 5 fantastic team-building courses that we highly recommend!
1. Positive psychology course:
Never underestimate the impact a Positive Psychology course could bring to the table. Here, you’ll be diving deep into the principles of positive psychology to amp up team motivation, engagement, and overall well-being! The objective here is all about creating a workplace that's positive, thriving, and genuinely enjoyable.
How does it boost team well-being?
- Motivation Magic: We'll unpack positive psychology tricks that jazz up individual and team motivation, bringing in a wave of purpose and enthusiasm.
- Well-being Wisdom: Explore practices that contribute to everyone's well-being, creating an atmosphere that's not just about work but about feeling good in the process.
- Positive Vibes: Let's work on building a culture of positivity within the team, where appreciation, gratitude, and resilience become natural elements of our everyday work dynamic.
What can you expect in this course?
Don’t worry, a Positive Psychology course isn’t about throwing positivity quotes at everyone and expecting results, expect dynamic, action-oriented sessions. Try to visualize lively group discussions bringing positive psychology principles to life, well-being boosting activities, and team-building exercises that weave positive vibes into your team.
What can I expect to see in the workplace?
Whatever your reasons were for considering this course, be happy in the trust that your working environment will transform into a vibrant and positive space. Teams radiate enthusiasm, individuals find joy in their work, and the workplace becomes a hub of collective well-being.
Where can I find a workshop like this?
Check out this great positive psychology course to begin with!
2. Team coaching and mentorship course:
Welcome to the Team Coaching and Mentorship Course, where you’ll take a peak into the concept of team coaching and mentorship. But why? Well, as a manager, you unfortunately can’t attend to every single task in the workplace, especially if you run a large team. With your guidance and this team coaching and mentorship course, you’ll be able to form young Padawans into the leaders/masters that you know they can be!
How does it enhance team building?
- Coaching Dynamics: Explore the principles of team coaching and mentorship, understanding how these dynamics can elevate the team and individual growth within the team.
- Skill Development: Learn practical coaching and mentorship skills to enhance individual and team capabilities, creating a culture of continuous improvement.
- Empowering Team Members: You’ll work on empowering team members to take on coaching and mentorship roles, creating a culture where everyone contributes to each other's success.
What can you expect in this course?
Your employees will soak up teamwork tactics, communication magic, and leadership qualities. While the main aim is to boost their skill set, this course relies heavily on boosting their confidence to become the leader you want. Expect your crew to return not just as workers but as a powerhouse team, ready to tackle anything and everything. It's the management move that turns good teams into extraordinary ones.
What can I expect to see in the workplace?
Pre-course, your workplace might have felt like a collection of individuals. Post-course; watch as your office transforms into the team of leaders you wanted. Teams support each other, individuals thrive under mentorship, and the workplace becomes a space where everyone is invested in each other's success.
3. Team-building course off-site:
Our favorite here at Surf Office! An off-site team-building course is a fantastic opportunity for turning a team from just a bunch of workers into a solid crew of tight-knit workers.
How does it improve team dynamics?
- Experiential Learning: Engage in off-site activities designed to promote teamwork, trust, and togetherness in a unique and dynamic environment.
- Communication Enhancement: Immerse yourself in sessions aimed at fine-tuning communication skills, ensuring clarity and cohesion within the team.
- Shared Experiences: Build lasting connections through shared experiences and challenges, creating a foundation for camaraderie back in the workplace.
What can you expect in this course?
These types of off-site courses about traditional boardroom settings, with questionable slideshows; they’re a chance for everyone to engage in action-oriented sessions with a backdrop of a different environment. Team-building activities that challenge and inspire, and exercises that make team-building more than just a concept. This experience keeps your team energized and ready to create a great team culture.
Where can I take this course?
While Surf Office doesn't offer the course directly, what we provide is the perfect backdrop and a ton of logistical planning that enables you to conduct a team-building course seamlessly!
With over 130+ locations in APAC, Europe and North America, expect to find the location of your dreams. We also take care of the following logistical annoyances, so you don’t have to:
🚗 Stress-Free Transfers
🏨 Quality-Assured Accommodations
🎯 Engaging Team-Building Activities
🍽️ Restaurant Reservations
🗺️ Expert Retreat Planning Assistance
🔧 Onsite Support, Tailored to You.
Achieve your team-building goals by choosing the ideal location for your team. Contact Surf Office today!
4. Time management and productivity mastery course:
Want to unlock the secrets to optimize time and boost productivity? You must consider this type of team-building course! Here, team members will dive into practical strategies that transform the way they manage time and approach tasks.
How does it elevate productivity and team-building?
- Strategic Time Allocation: Learn to strategically allocate time to tasks, maximizing efficiency and minimizing procrastination. This new found sense of time could easily be allocated to team-building activities and games!
- Prioritization Techniques: You’ll learn to jump into techniques that aid in effective task prioritization, ensuring focus on high-impact activities.
- Goal-Oriented Planning: Develop goal-oriented planning skills to balance daily activities with the overall end goal for the team.
What can you expect in this course?
This course isn’t just boring theory drivel, it’s a place where team members engage in practical exercises, discussions, and time-saving techniques. Expect engaging sessions, real-time productivity hacks, and a transformative learning experience that empowers your team to master time management effectively.
What can I expect to see in the workplace?
Was your workplace lacking structure with a constant sea of people working over-time? After the course, teams become adept at managing their time, productivity soars, and the workplace buzzes with a newfound sense of accomplishment.
5. Capstone team project course:
A capstone project is like the grand finale of a course. It's a big project where your team will put everything they’ve learned into action. They will tackle real-world challenges, showing off their team-building skills and proving they’ve mastered what they’ve been taught. It's the ultimate test before everyone ‘graduates’ from the team-building courses or workshops they’ve been engaging in.
Why is it the next step?
- Application of Knowledge: After completing the foundational courses, this capstone serves as the ultimate test, enabling participants to apply their newfound skills in a practical setting.
- Real-Life Scenarios: Engage in real-world scenarios that mimic workplace challenges, providing an opportunity to experiment with and adapt the skills learned in a dynamic environment.
- Feedback Loop: Benefit from a feedback loop where participants receive guidance and insights, reinforcing their learning and encouraging continuous improvement.
What can you expect in this course?
Expect a more practical approach with this course. We mean fake real-life scenarios that could be translated into real life. Your team will need to engage in order to show what they’ve learned, but don’t expect it to be perfect. You or a facilitator are the eagle eyes, watching to see if any mistakes are made or things can be improved on. It’s almost like a simulation, famous in the astronaut and pilot settings!
Where can I find a workshop like this?
Coursera has a Google accredited Capstone course for you try and achieve!
