Many businesses and organisations choose to take part in team building events knowing that they will benefit their employees and workplace, but they aren’t always sure why. It’s common for management and HR teams to use phrases such as teamwork and team building, but not everyone will understand the specifics of what they are.

So, to help clear things up for everyone, we thought we would outline things in black and white.

What is Teamwork?

In the simplest terms, teamwork is defined as a combination of people taking part in a group activity, but it’s safe to say that there is so much more to it than this.

Teamwork means giving those who otherwise would work alone the opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge from others - it's something that can’t be learned from a book and cannot be forced. A group of people must be willing to work together as a team and while they may be required to do so at work unless they truly want to do so, the team may end up being more dysfunctional than harmonious.

What is Team Building?

Used as a way to improve teamwork, team building is described as an action or process that causes a group of people to work together efficiently. But again, this description isn’t quite correct.

Team building gives those groups that may not be working together so effectively a vital chance to improve their skills, allowing them to build relationships, grow and develop. It gives everyone the chance to learn how to properly work together as a team and build on any skills that may need improving.

How Can Team Building Events Help You?

Team building activities can be done anywhere, but a team building event that takes place outside the workplace tends to offer a more laid-back approach, allowing everyone to feel more comfortable.

If your office is full of teams struggling to efficiently work together, then taking them outside the office may allow room for colleagues to learn to work as a smoother team. In addition, it will also give them the chance to get to know each other better. The workplace isn’t really the ideal location to get to know one another, not least because there is simply not enough time in the day. So, taking everyone away from the rigidity of tasks and schedules and giving them a chance to really talk is likely to be highly beneficial for everyone. 

Taking employees out of the office to work on their team building will also boost morale and give them something to look forward to. You could even treat the exercise as a reward for all of their hard work.

After reading this, we hope that you will now have a clear idea about the ins and outs of teamwork and team building. Not only this, but you should now be fully clued up as to why team building is so important and the benefits it can have on your business. Just remember, while the dictionary definitions may seem to give a comprehensive answer, the reality is that there is far more to team building than first meets the eye. 

If you would like more information about our extensive range of team building events and activities, please don't hesitate to contact us today on 03300 040903.