Think team building is just an annoying office buzzword? Think again. If you are struggling to hire and retain the right people, you might want to take a long hard look at your workplace culture and that includes things like team building. After all, the success of a company often hinges on the strength and cohesion of its team. We pride ourselves on being about the human side of recruiting so we understand the critical roles that teamwork and employee morale play in achieving our goals and delivering exceptional service to our clients.

That’s why we love team-building activities, especially where we can learn something and get out of our comfort zones. Recently, we organized a team building day where we did breathwork and ice baths. This experience not only highlighted the importance of team building and the significant impact it can have on employee retention, the cost of hiring, and overall business success but also on how to do team building right.

Let’s start with why you should be doing team-building activities regularly.

The Cost of Employee Turnover

Employee turnover is a challenge that many companies face which is especially confronting when you’ve spent $1,000s and months of your time hiring the right employee. The cost of hiring and training new employees can be significant, not to mention the loss of employee engagement, productivity, and expertise that occurs when a team member leaves. According to a report by the Australian Human Resources Institute, the average cost per hire for companies in Australia is $26,000, with a significant portion of this cost being attributed to interviewing candidates. Plus, it takes an average of 42 days to fill a position. If you hire someone, and they are unhappy with your company, the chances of them leaving are high. These costs can add up quickly, making employee retention a top priority for businesses.

Employee Retention and Investing in Your Team

Investing in team-building activities is a proactive approach to improving employee retention and engagement. This is more important than ever when 21% of employees are ‘quiet quitting’ and checking out for all but the most essential functions of their role. When employees feel connected to their colleagues and the company, they are more likely to stay long-term. This can result in cost savings for the company, as the cost of hiring and training new employees is reduced. Additionally, a more engaged workforce is often more productive and creative, leading to better business outcomes. Leaders who keep their employees engaged and connected and the business’s higher purpose will succeed in the long run.

The Benefits of Team Building

Team building activities, like the ones we experienced, offer a range of benefits that can help improve team cohesion and reduce turnover. Forbes Magazine even called team building, “one of the most important investments you’ll make.” By investing in your team and providing opportunities for them to connect outside of the office, you can create a more engaged and motivated workforce. Some of the key benefits of team building include:

1. Improved Communication: Team building activities encourage open communication and collaboration among team members. This can lead to better working relationships and a more cohesive team.
2. Enhanced Morale: Participating in fun and challenging activities can boost morale and create a positive work environment. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term.
3. Increased Productivity: A strong team that works well together is often more productive. Team building activities can help identify and address any issues that may be hindering productivity, leading to improved performance.
4. Developing Trust: Trust is essential in any team setting. Team building activities can help build trust among team members, which is crucial for effective collaboration and problem-solving.
5. Boosting Creativity: Engaging in new and exciting activities can stimulate creativity and innovation. This can lead to new ideas and approaches that can benefit the team and the company as a whole.

Types of Team Building Activities

There are many different types of team-building activities that companies can use to strengthen their teams. Some popular options include:

1. Outdoor Adventures: Activities like hiking, rock climbing, or canoeing can promote teamwork and leadership skills while also providing a fun and challenging experience.
2. Problem-Solving Challenges: Activities that require teams to work together to solve a problem or complete a task can help improve communication and critical thinking skills.
3. Cooking Classes: Cooking classes can be a fun way for teams to bond while also learning new skills. Plus, everyone gets to enjoy a delicious meal together at the end!
4. Community Service Projects: Volunteering together can help build a sense of community and purpose among team members while also making a positive impact on the local community.
5. Wellness Activities: Activities like yoga, meditation, or breathwork can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being, which can lead to a happier and more productive team.

Our Experience with Team Building

At our recent team building day, we had the opportunity to try something new and challenging with breathwork and ice baths. These activities pushed us out of our comfort zones and encouraged us to support each other through the experience. We learned the importance of staying calm under pressure and relying on our team members for support. These lessons are invaluable in our line of work, where we often face high-pressure situations that require quick thinking and teamwork.

Why Breathwork and Ice Baths

Breathwork and ice baths are powerful team-building activities that offer unique benefits to participants. Breathwork, when done in a group setting, can promote a sense of unity and connection among team members as they engage in something that is hard and takes courage to do. This practice not only fosters a calming and meditative environment but also enhances focus and mental clarity, which can be beneficial for team collaboration and problem-solving.

As Dr. Andrew Hubberman notes, ice baths, while physically challenging, can help build resilience and strengthen bonds among team members as they support each other through the experience. We were all hooting and hollering for our teammates as they hit three minutes on the ice. The intense cold exposure of ice baths is known to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and increase alertness, leaving participants feeling invigorated and energized. In other words, we all felt like we could take over the world afterwards. Together, these activities create a memorable and transformative team-building experience, promoting both physical and mental well-being.

Team building is not just a fun day out of the office; it’s an investment in your team’s success and the success of your business. By providing opportunities for your team to connect and grow together, you can improve employee retention, reduce turnover, and create a more engaged and productive workforce. For the Uplift team, ice baths and breathwork brought us together to rally each other as we each were challenged individually. Plus, we did it all outside at on a beautiful day the beach so we had the added benefit of being an outdoor activity. So, whether you’re planning a day of outdoor adventures or a cooking class, remember that team building is an essential part of building a strong and successful team.