In addition to these team-building techniques, Ballard encourages workers to hone skills that enhance job performance. "For example, in a work setting that requires employees to be flexible and use strong verbal communication skills, a group activity with an improvisational theatre group may help the team pick up some tips for working together and thinking quickly on their feet," he says. These actions can be done without exiting the office doors. "Even without going off site, simple things like building in coordinated break times, having employees shadow their co-workers to better understand what others do, and celebrating employees' personal and professional milestones can help create a work environment where employees build strong, positive relationships with their colleagues, and, in turn, have a more positive and productive work experience," says Ballard.
Employers should come to terms with the reality that forced team-building methods are loathed by many employees, who might find them artificial, embarrassing, and a waste of time, adds Ballard. But employers can combat this cynicism by promoting team-building excursions that fit best with the their company's culture—activities employees want to do as opposed to ones they are forced to do.
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