Team building activities are a great way to improve mental health in the workplace. They provide employees with an opportunity to socialize and get to know one another better. This can help reduce stress and promote a more positive work environment. In addition, team building activities can help employees feel more connected to their workplace and coworkers, which can lead to increased productivity and creativity. If you're looking for ways to improve mental health in your workplace, consider hosting some team building activities!

So why are team building activities more important than ever?

Team building activities can build trust. For instance many colleagues, especially new starters, have never met their colleagues in person, so what a great way to onboard new staff.  The current situation has also left many people feeling isolated and possibly disengaged as a result of restrictions during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Well run team building activities for stress reduction, will not only build trust but will also help feeling of isolation and team building for anxiety reduction in the work place is also very important . Activities that also improve physical activity levels, through physical team building activities will help raise endorphins and these feel good hormones will also improve mental health. After prolonged periods of 'Zoom Fatigue' face to face activities are going to be more important than ever.

"The archery was enjoyed by all and the quiz at the end was a great way of breaking down barriers and get our teams from different departments  collaborating"

Darren, Sumo UK

 To help you we have even put together a TOP 10 benefits of team building in the workplace

What should I look for in a team building activity?

Anything that gets people talking is a good start.

Yes virtual activities such as quizzes and other virtual events have helped people stay in touch. What a lot of people are really longing for is some face to face interaction. Team building trust activities really benefit everyone by getting people talking, it may not just be during the actual activity but the long term benefits of shared experiences go a long way to improve company culture.  Memories that can bring a smile to your colleagues faces way after the event are so important.

A sense of shared experience

Many years ago I was on a Mountain Bike Leaders course, with a few colleagues and I was demonstrating how to perform a technique and went right over the handlebars ending up in a big heap! My work mates, as they were then,  still remind me of that now when we meet up.

Now I am not saying activities have to be as extreme as that, but activities that create a sense of shared experience are important In 2022 and trying to create some sense of normality in the workplace, the key emphasis should be on getting active, having fun and putting smiles back on peoples faces!

What are good teambuilding activities to improve mental health?

To improve mental health it may be a good idea to move away from traditional teambuilding days and opt for a little and often approach to maximise the benefits. So even an event that lasts a couple of hours can benefit your staff and get people making those memories and help to reduce anxiety in your workplace.

Mental health games and activities for the workplace

Team building to improve mental health is happening in York, Yorkshire and throughout the UK to improve well being

Are you a company that values the well being and mental health in the workplace? Here's my story...