Burnout in the workplace is a constant danger for employees. Judging from the latest stats, the issue is becoming more prevalent.
SHRM’s Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series found that 45% of workers surveyed felt “emotionally drained.” Another 51% felt “used up” at the end of the work day.
The effects were far-reaching and encroached on other aspects of life. A study published in Organizational Psychology merits some interest. It established a clear link between burnout, depression and anxiety, but stated that more research is needed.
Experts agree that promoting a healthy work environment is one of the keys to mitigating burnout. A few suggestions are encouraging a work-life balance and cultivating a culture of trust.
Team building has also been an effective strategy. This article will focus on a few ways team-building can combat employee burnout.
#1. Outdoor Adventures
Nature has a way of healing the soul and restoring balance. In our haste to continue our lives, we forget that breathing fresh air can alleviate tensions and stress.
Team building events can take on many forms. Adventure activities can get the blood pumping and adrenaline flowing. From weekend retreats to off-site meetings, the main focus is to get employees out of their comfort zone.
McKinsey & Company says the benefits are immediately visible. Workers return from these adventures rejuvenated. They feel connected to each other with a greater sense of clarity.
A word of warning. An outdoor activity won’t work if everyone isn’t on board. Be sure all staff are comfortable taking a mountain hike or a weekend-long retreat.
Rather, Group Dynamix suggests activities like high rope challenges, archery tag and human foosball to get everyone excited about joining in.
#2. Activities for Remote Workers
It can be a Herculean task getting everyone in the same place if remote work is part of the company culture. Never mind the administrative and logistical nightmare. That doesn’t mean that team building is not an option.
Business management expert and author Professor Mary Shapiro tells Harvard Business Review that managers need to be more intentional with a remote team. They must implement structured interactions that foster connections with employees, even from a distance.
She recommends exercises such as conversation cards. It encourages active participation from all team members and acts as an icebreaker for new recruits.
The cards have a series of questions to get to know each other on a personal level. Questions like “What’s your favorite movie, and why?” or “Name one thing about your childhood you could change?”
The activity requires people to be truthful, revealing parts we might not always be comfortable with. It creates a sense of trust among team members.
#3. Celebrating Diversity
The forced fun approach isn’t fun for anyone. We’ve all heard horror stories of activities not getting off to a good start at a team-building event.
Slate recounts a reader’s bizarre description of how she had to spit soda into a co-worker’s mouth as a form of team bonding. Another said they did “horse whispering” to learn effective communication skills.
In the modern workplace, diversity is important. Including everyone is a successful team-building exercise. Happy Hour in the executive suite doesn’t cut if 40% of your workforce doesn’t drink.
Citing a court case dubbed “The Legal Right to be Boring,” HR Zone says the conversation around work-related social events is changing.
An employee sued their company after being fired for refusing to participate in team-building activities that involved partying and drinking. A French court awarded the employee nearly $560,000.
When done correctly, it will encourage team members to improve communication, boost morale and improve productivity.
Mistakes to avoid are relying heavily on alcohol during games and not considering the activity levels of workers if taking on extreme sports. Respect some staff members’ decisions to opt out.
To ensure fun team-building activities, offer programs that cater to everyone’s interests and abilities. Include your staff in the plans so they can have a say. Introduce sessions that promote mental and physical well-being.
When planning your corporate team-building activities, remember the end goal: reducing burnout. Research your options. Would an off-site activity do your team good? What about an outdoor adventure? Are you thinking of fun ideas for your work-from-home employees?
Staff need to know they are valued. You can achieve this by making them feel part of a cohesive, well-working team with various morale-boosting ideas.
