Workplace culture isn’t about having bean bags and a Friday beer trolley. It’s about how people feel at work, how well they work together, and whether they actually want to be part of the team. A great culture makes work enjoyable, boosts productivity, and keeps people sticking around. A bad culture? Well, that’s when you start seeing high turnover, disengaged employees, and zero thoughts of ‘teamwork makes the dream work’.
The good news? Team building activities are one of the easiest ways to fix workplace culture issues, but only when they’re done right. The trick is choosing activities that address the root of the problem, rather than just ticking a corporate box.
Let’s break down the common workplace culture problems, how team building fixes them, and which activities actually work.
Common Workplace Culture Problems (And Why They’re a Big Deal)
Even in the best workplaces, culture issues can creep in. Here are some of the biggest red flags:
1. No One Talks to Each Other (Except Over Email or Slack)
- • People avoid face-to-face conversations.
- • Meetings feel forced, and brainstorming sessions fall flat.
- • Departments work in silos, and information doesn’t flow properly.
2. No One Seems That Excited About Their Job
- • People only work to live, there’s no real engagement.
- • Employees aren’t motivated beyond what’s necessary.
- • There’s a general lack of energy and enthusiasm in the workplace.
3. Teams Don’t Work Well Together
- • Collaboration feels like a struggle.
- • Some employees dominate discussions while others stay silent.
- • New hires struggle to integrate into existing teams.
4. People Resist Change (Even When It’s Necessary)
- • Employees get set in their ways and resist new processes.
- • Innovation is slow because people don’t want to disrupt the status quo.
- • Any shift in leadership or structure feels like a massive challenge.
5. Employees Feel Overworked and Burnt Out
- • The office feels stressful, and deadlines feel overwhelming.
- • People don’t take breaks and struggle with work-life balance.
- • There’s a “just get through the day” mentality rather than a sense of purpose.
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone, but there’s a fix. We’ve put together possible solutions for these challenges through team building activities along with key takeaways.
How Team Building Fixes Workplace Culture Challenges
1. It Gets People Talking (And Actually Listening)
Communication issues can ruin workplace culture. If employees aren’t comfortable talking to each other, they won’t collaborate well, and misunderstandings will pile up.
Solution: Betrayers
- • A strategic social deduction team building game where players need to identify Betrayers among their group.
- • Encourages quick thinking, discussion, and active listening. All key ingredients for better workplace communication.
Solution: The Office Games
- • A mix of quiz rounds, fast-paced thinking tasks, and problem-solving challenges.
- • Forces teams to talk, relay information quickly, and work together under pressure.
Takeaway: Team building activities create low-stakes environments for employees to practice clear, open communication, so they get better at it when it really matters.
2. It Reignites Employee Engagement
When work feels monotonous, employees stop caring. If there’s no excitement, energy, or reason to go beyond the bare minimum, your culture is in trouble.
Solution: Four Quarters Team Challenge
- • A mix of four unique zones combining creative elements such as Lego and Canvas Painting.
- • Ensures every employee finds something they enjoy, leading to higher engagement and involvement.
Solution: Sun and Games
- • High-energy outdoor challenges like sports day races, scavenger hunts, and unique challenges.
- • Breaks up the usual office routine and gives employees something to look forward to.
Takeaway: A team that enjoys their time together is a team that works better together. Injecting fun into the workplace keeps people engaged and motivated.
3. It Strengthens Team Bonds
A workplace where employees barely know each other leads to disconnected teams and a lack of collaboration. Stronger relationships = better teamwork.
Solution: Beat The Box
- • Teams are locked into a high-pressure challenge against the clock.
- • They must pool their skills, trust each other, and work fast to win.
Solution: Crystal Challenge
- • A mix of physical, mental, and mystery challenges that require collaborative problem-solving.
- • Designed to bring together employees from different teams and break down silos.
Takeaway: When employees trust and know each other, working together becomes seamless and way more enjoyable.
4. It Helps Teams Adapt to Change (Without Freaking Out)
Employees who resist change can hold a company back. When people are comfortable with adapting and thinking on their feet, businesses thrive.
Solution: Betrayers
- • A game built on unpredictability. Employees have to adjust strategies, think critically, and make fast decisions.
- • Encourages a flexible mindset, essential for navigating workplace changes.
Solution: Challenge-Based Activities (Like Crystal Challenge)
- • Designed to throw unexpected twists and obstacles at teams.
- • Teaches employees how to adjust, problem-solve, and thrive in new situations.
Takeaway: Building adaptability into your culture makes employees more resilient and open to innovation.
5. It Reduces Stress and Improves Well-Being
A workplace that never prioritizes fun or social connection is a stressful, disengaged workplace. Team building events act as pressure-release valves that keep morale high.
Solution: Sun and Games
- • Active, outdoor, lighthearted fun that gives employees a mental reset.
- • Proven to reduce stress and improve overall mood.
Solution: Four Quarters Team Challenge
- • Encourages creativity and problem-solving without high-pressure stakes.
- • A chance to connect and recharge, while still engaging in meaningful collaboration.
Takeaway: Regular team-building activities = happier employees = better workplace culture.
The Bottom Line: A Stronger Workplace Culture Starts Here
A great workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through shared experiences, strong connections, and an environment where people actually enjoy working together. Team building activities aren’t just a fun day out, they’re a powerful tool to fix workplace culture issues and bring your team together in ways that meetings and emails never will.
So, if your office feels disconnected, demotivated, or just plain dull, it’s time to shake things up.
Here at TBE, we can help improve your workplace culture in a way that feels natural and most importantly, fun! Let’s plan a team building event that actually makes a difference.
Call us on 01235 634744 or reach out on [email protected].