Summer is upon us, and it’s time to take advantage of it — team-building style!
Not only is summer finally here, but we’ve also got a lot of catching up to do. Even though we were only socially distanced for a little over a year, it feels like the last time we high-fived our office buddies was eons ago.
Let’s make this summer the best ever by getting the whole team back together with a few of our favorite team-building ideas for this summer.
Team Building for the New Normal
Let’s face it: this summer will be like no other. We’re finally freeee! Sorry, we’re just so excited to be back leading team-building events this season!
The less-great news is that not everyone is out of the woods yet (read: kids under the age of 12 and anyone else that can’t get the COVID-19 vaccine).
This means that team building will still feel a little different this year — but that doesn’t mean it can’t be the best year ever for bonding with your coworkers!
COVID-19 Delta Variant
Yup, we said it. That variant that shall-not-be-named. The one that has everyone a teensy bit on edge right now.
Unlike the Loki variants (if you’re keeping up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe), the Delta variant isn’t whimsically tricky and played by Tom Hiddleston.
Instead, this COVID-19 variant is kind of stressing people out, and we totally get it. That’s why we’re encouraging our guests to practice some modified social distancing, just until variants are under control.
Summer Team Building Safety Tips
Doesn’t it feel like summer was just made for team-building events? The weather is sunny, we’re all in relaxation mode, and we can’t stop thinking about getting outdoors!
Yet, summer brings its own challenges, and the pandemic has thrown some obstacles of its own.
That’s why we’ve put together a few team-building safety tips to keep your coworkers feeling comfortable, cooperative, and cool.
Take It Outdoors
Why not make the most of the summer by taking your team-building event outdoors? After all, we only get so many months of summer fun.
Outdoor team-building events take things to the next level. Your team gets the opportunity to explore their city from a different angle, everyone gets to enjoy some sunshine and fresh air, and outdoor fun simply makes everyone feel more comfortable in the new normal.
As an added bonus, your team has plenty of room to stretch out, run around (and possibly partake in water balloon tomfoolery?).
Stay Cool
You don’t need to be glued to the news to know that this year’s temperatures are already off the charts. All you need to do is step outdoors to feel the heat. We’re already experiencing record temperatures (even in areas of the U.S. that normally don’t see the heat index in the triple digits).
Let’s keep everyone safe by planning activities that keep safety in mind (and just not in a post-pandemic way).
If the heat index is supposed to be high on your day of team-building fun, why not lean into the weather with a few activities that embrace our rising temps?
Challenge your team to build a contraption that keeps everyone cool outside, plan a water day (water balloon fights, sprinkler jumps, and kiddie pool obstacle courses), or opt for games you can play in the shade.
Socially Distance
Not everyone can get vaccinated yet, and the Delta variant has everyone a little on edge these days. Don’t assume everyone is vaccinated (or even comfortable with hanging out sans mask indoors).
To ensure everyone feels safe, we recommend keeping activities somewhat socially distanced. This means opting out of high fives, hugs, piggyback rides, and anything that encourages your employees to burst their personal bubbles.
Move your team-building event outdoors, and stick to activities that allow employees to maintain their personal space boundaries.
Set Expectations
Back during the days of pods (it really wasn’t that long ago we were relegated to a 10-person pod, right?), we had an unwritten contract with other members on what was and wasn’t acceptable.
These days, the lines are a bit… blurred. In fact, it can feel like we’re all over the place when it comes to communicating comfort levels. This is why it’s important to set expectations before the day of the big team-building event.
Team leaders should poll their teams (anonymously, if possible) to determine comfort levels and common fears or worries. This is also a great way to determine if any members aren’t vaccinated and/or can’t get vaccinated.
Before the event, lay out expectations regarding social distancing, physical contact, masks, and other concerns. Employees should get the opportunity to provide feedback, too.
Opt for Virtual Team Building
Still feeling a little unsure about in-person team building? Don’t want to meet up in person for bonding and camaraderie? Did your team go remote and move to opposite ends of the earth during lockdown? It happens.
The good news is that we’re still equipped for virtual team building this summer. That means you can still bond and feel all the good feels — just over your ol’ pal Zoom instead of in person.
Team Building Ideas for This Summer
And without further ado, our favorite team-building ideas for this summer (and for our new normal) include outdoor scavenger hunts, game shows, and outdoor room escapes.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts are oldies but goodies when it comes to team building. What better way to bond with your coworkers than to explore your city — all while solving riddles, puzzles, and challenges? Plus, you get to enjoy some of the summer’s best months outdoors.
Game Shows
Game shows are a great way to keep socially distanced when you want to have a little fun indoors. And with the current heat index? We can’t even count how many memes we’ve seen with the theme, if you’re inviting me to a party this summer, make sure it has A/C.
Outdoor Room Escapes
Why not bring all the fun of an escape room outdoors? You’ll get to solve all the puzzles and challenges you’d tackle in an indoor escape room — just without the claustrophobia and breathing each others’ air.
