We know that team building can be a powerful tool for companies that want more united, collaborative, motivated and creative teams. But we also know that not all activities make sense. And if they are poorly thought out… they can have a negative impact, leading to employee frustration and a waste of resources, with the possibility of falling into ridicule, discomfort or, worse, total irrelevance.

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide with the best and worst practices in team building actions, based on those who have succeeded (and also those who have stumbled a time or two).

✅ What works (and makes your team cheer)

Clear definition of objectives | Without objectives, it’s not team building – it’s just a picnic.

Team building for team building’s sake? No, thank you. Team building activities should be structured around specific and measurable objectives. Activities with a clear purpose help to align teams and increase productivity. According to a report by McKinsey & Company (2023), teams with well-defined goals increase their productivity by up to 25%.

Google is known for its team building initiatives focused on strengthening creativity and innovation. The “20% Time” program, which allows employees to dedicate 20% of their time to side projects, was an action that resulted in the development of products such as Gmail and Google Maps. By providing a space for collaboration and new ideas, the company has strengthened the bonds between teams and boosted innovation.

 

Activities with the company’s DNA | Don’t create something that “looks cool”. Create something that makes sense

What do an irreverent startup and a conservative consultant have in common? Probably nothing. That’s why activities can’t be the same and must be adapted. The best team actions respect the company’s culture. The Harvard Business Review (2022) points out that companies that integrate organizational culture into their initiatives manage to retain talent more efficiently.

Airbnb, which has a culture focused on hospitality and authentic experiences, organizes meetings where employees explore different cultures and share travel stories. This reinforces the company’s identity and improves team spirit.

Inclusion and active participation | If only half the team has fun… then it’s not for everyone

If not everyone takes part, something is wrong. Team building activities should be accessible to all employees. Gallup (2021) revealed that 70% of employees feel more valued when they play an active role in team dynamics.

Microsoft promotes inclusive team building events, such as its global hackathons, where all employees can take part, regardless of their position or area of work. This allows for active involvement and fosters collaboration between different departments.

Feedback and continuous evaluation, the best allies | The best event is the one that improves from edition to edition

Knowing what went well (and what didn’t) is half the battle to progress. The impact of team building should be monitored and analyzed. Companies that collect employee feedback on activities and adjust initiatives based on these responses show an improvement of up to 30% in team satisfaction (DELLOITTE, 2023).

Netflix adopts an open communication model and encourages employees to give continuous feedback on company culture and group activities. This approach allows events to be tailored more effectively to the needs of the teams.

❌ What doesn’t work (and can leave the team rolling their eyes)

Choosing without consulting the team | You listen to your customers. Why don’t you listen to your team?

Have you ever seen an entire team feign enthusiasm? Organizing something without consulting anyone is a recipe for failure. A common mistake in team building actions is unilaterally choosing activities without involving employees. According to the SHRM European Forum (2022), 60% of employees who take part in events organized without prior consultation feel demotivated or uncomfortable.

WeWork, before its financial crisis, implemented team building events without considering employees’ preferences. Extravagant parties and physical challenges ended up alienating some teams, causing frustration and internal criticism.

Lack of purpose and connection with work | Between fun and strategic… take both

Okay, we all love a good dinner or sunset. But what if there’s no connection with everyday life? Many programs fail because they focus only on fun, with no direct connection to the work environment. A study by the MIT Sloan Management Review (2022) points out that 40% of workers see no value in team building activities that are not aligned with their day-to-day work.

Yahoo, under the leadership of Marissa Mayer, tried to reverse the remote working culture by forcing face-to-face team building events. Many employees felt that these activities did not add real value and the strategy failed to recover the expected productivity.

Ignoring personalities and individual differences | Comfort also unites. Safety creates space for creativity

Improvisation for a team full of introverts? Bad timing… Not everyone is comfortable with the same activities. Forcing an introverted employee to participate in a highly social event can generate stress and anxiety (APA, 2023).

A financial company in New York (name withheld) organized a team building session based on improvisation games. Many employees reported feeling uncomfortable and pressured to perform in public, which ended up reducing team morale rather than improving it.

One-off events without continuity | Impact comes from repetition with intention

Team building should not be a one-off initiative, but part of an ongoing strategy. According to a study by the London Business School (2023), isolated actions without a follow-up plan have little impact in the long term.

Tesla has already been criticized for holding one-off team building events without integrating them into the daily routine. Although they are fun in the moment, these actions do not bring sustainable benefits to the organizational culture.

 

Team building with purpose (and style)? Talk to us!

Team building actions are a powerful tool for promoting a positive working environment, provided they are well structured and aligned with the company’s reality.

At Team Buddy, part of The Portuguese Buddy, our team building activities go beyond the conventional – we work beyond fun!We help you create strategic and impactful experiences, with activities that strengthen collaboration and boost your team’s productivity and, above all, creativity.

• Fancy some karaoke in Lisbon?
• A creative treasure hunt?
• Or a journey through the essence of the team with music and storytelling?

Talk to us and create the team building experience that will make a difference in your organization!