The Value of Team Building in 2021

If any us thought that 2021 would mean out with the old (lockdowns and social distancing) and in with the new (a return to in-person events), we were sadly mistaken. We may only be a few weeks into the New Year, but so far 2021 looks set to have us settling back into that familiar old routine of tiers, lockdowns and remote working.

So, how can we keep our teams clued up, motivated and productive? Well, you guessed it, that's where virtual team building comes in. Here’s why you should make it a central part of your event strategy this year.

1. Keep your team connected

Throughout the pandemic, most of us have been working from home. But without the buzz and spontaneous conversations of the office, it can be hard for people to feel like they’re part of a team. Although individual departments might have regular catch-ups, how often do your colleagues get to talk to people from different areas of the business?

Virtual team building activities can keep colleagues from every team feeling connected. Whether it’s a virtual escape room, a virtual quiz or anything in between, there’s no shortage of options that will see your colleagues working together with teammates from across the company. Not only is it a great way to foster (or rekindle) friendships, but it’s the perfect antidote to the loneliness and isolation.

2. Help everyone to buy into a common goal

With little chance for colleagues from different areas of the business to get together and interact, it’s easy to end up with disjointed goals and values.

Our Lift Off series included team building events aimed at educating and sparking discussion. For example, there was an interactive International Women’s Day celebration designed to get colleagues feeling positive and asking questions that will improve their organisations.

A team-building session of this nature is key to getting your whole organisation buying into company values and standing behind the same issues.

3. Enhance motivation

It’s no secret that remote working can lead to a pretty poor work-life balance if you’re not careful. We’ve all heard the stories of employees struggling to switch off from work and toiling away all hours of the day as a result.

Firstly, all work and no play just isn’t healthy or productive. And secondly, your colleagues deserve a break as a reward for all their hard work in the most challenging of circumstances. Enter team building!

Giving your entire team the chance to unwind and have fun with colleagues will break up the working day and re-energise your team. There’s proof that taking a break helps the mind and body to recharge (check out The Wellbeing Thesis if you don't believe us!). So, not only will your colleagues thank you for a fun team-building session, but it can only help their motivation and productivity in the long run.

4. Help new team members to gel

It’s been almost a year since the pandemic struck and remote working became the ‘new normal.’ So, you may have some new starters who’ve never had the opportunity to meet their teammates in-person!

Joining a company in the midst of a pandemic isn’t easy, so it’s vital that new employees are made to feel a part of the team, albeit virtually. Team building is a great way to break the ice and to help encourage newcomers to bring their whole selves to work. Whether it’s a creative activity such as an online pottery class, or a chance to let their hair down at a virtual party, an informal yet structured activity works wonders when it comes to helping newbies to feel part of your work family.

You could even host a virtual away day for engage your team and break the ice. Arena is a great option for this, offering live chat, Q&A and fun breakout options.

5. Level up your company culture

The President and CEO of Upshot, Brian Kristofek, once said: “Being a great place to work is the difference between being a good company and a great company.”

Just because your employees aren’t physically at a place of work, that doesn’t make this any less true. In fact, while it’s (relatively) easy to be a great place to work when things are smooth sailing, it’s how you pull together in adversity that will really make the difference.

A virtual team building event is the perfect chance to show off your culture and make your company an even better place to work – now and long after the pandemic’s come to an end.

As you can see, team building will be crucial in 2021. Whether you’re looking to improve connection, bring your company on board with your values, introduce new faces or enhance productivity, browse our virtual marketplace to find an activity ideal for your team. Or, why not check out our Lift Off series of activities, specially designed to keep your team motivated? You got this!

For more guidance and advice, check out our Complete Guide To Virtual Events.