Team building exercises are not always effortless or even successful. Some of them are awkward and many employees may even be reluctant to participate. Unfortunately, it’s also not uncommon for people to try to leave or come up with an excuse.
It’s difficult to find team building games that everyone will enjoy, but there are better ways at improving morale than basic camp introduction ice breakers or another costly corporate retreat. If you’re looking for a refreshing change and an activity that everyone will enjoy, escape games are the way to go!
Why use an escape game to build team morale? Here are just a few of the best reasons.
How Escape Games Can Build and Boost Morale
Escape games are only rising in popularity and there is something about being locked in a room and trying to solve clues that appeal to many people. Even beginners can have fun!
In an escape game, team members have to work together which improves relationships and can lead to a stronger team than ever before.
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Builds Collaboration Skills
There’s no way to do an escape game without collaborating with the team. While employees are going through the game together, they’ll learn how to collaborate together and grow closer as a team.
Being in an escape game encourages employees to collaborate well and to do so quickly. After all, they are being timed. While employees race the clock to solve a puzzle, they’ll learn how to collaborate with each other in the best ways possible.
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Fosters Creativity
Although creativity is vital to businesses, very few employees feel like they are encouraged or even allowed to be creative. Creativity is how your business will improve and evolve, so it’s time to get your employees thinking creatively.
During your escape game, employees have to think outside the box. There is no step-by-step guide or rules to follow. If they want to succeed, they’ll have to get creative.
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Increases Communication
In an escape game, it’s vital to communicate well with the team. It’s the same in the office. Poor communication will lead to problems and failures, but how do you encourage and improve your team’s communication skills?
Escape games encourage your employees to figure out the best way to communicate with each other. They’ll create their own way of connecting and learn how important open and honest communication is among themselves.
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Strengthens Employee Ties
It’s not always easy to connect with coworkers, even though they’re sitting in the same office all day. There may be some existing relationships between coworkers, but there’s always a way to strengthen them and encourage new relationships.
As your employees work together in an escape game, they create stronger ties and get to know each other better. As their relationships grow, their communication improves and it’s easier for them to figure out how to collaborate in the office. There really is no better way to improve all three – relationships, communication, and collaboration at once.
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Builds Trust
Employees who can’t trust each other can’t work together. The last thing anyone wants to do is work on a project with someone they don’t feel comfortable or confident working with. When your team plays an escape game though, trust is built between employees quickly and effortlessly in a fun context.
Conclusion
Although ice breakers are usually the go-to method for building team morale, there are better and more interesting methods. Escape games provide a great, fun way for your team to improve work skills, and enjoy a shared experience outside of the office. If you want to really see your team flourish and bond, it’s time to play an escape game.