People have already noticed the major swing toward preparing for the holiday season. Even the hardest working employees can get sidetracked when the promise of parties, food, and meeting loved ones is on the horizon. Thankfully, there is still hope for improving employee relations this time of year and, even better, it involves utilizing that existing winter cheer. If you have a conference approaching between November and January, consider the following team building exercises with a holiday theme to really get people engaged.
Ice Skating in the Park
Ice skating is a favorite winter activity as it brings people together with fun and keeping warm during those cold December days. What's more, those who know how to skate can take the time to teach those who don't. This method of depending on one another and helping out a fellow employee will help breed teamwork skills that will easily translate back into a professional environment. The Pickwick Gardens Conference Center in Burbank, California is a great place to hold your event, given their year round availability, six different meeting rooms, extensive technology, and on-site indoor ice skating rink.
Rural Appreciation
While some people retreat to the warmth and comfort of their heated rooms during winter, others can't wait to enjoy the old fashioned experience of holiday history. For example, horseback riding can be an excellent means of building group relations and trust amongst team members. The entire group will learn how to acknowledge the needs of not only their horse, but the other riders as well. When all is said and done, everyone can collect together around a roaring campfire to tell stories and share a home cooked meal and snacks. The 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott, Colorado offers access to these amazing teamwork building activities and several other helpful amenities, such as Wifi and buffet style catering.
Cookie Decorating
When you think of holidays, does cookie decorating come to mind? Cooking can be a fun and educational group activity, one that is sure to teach even the sternest employees how to work together. When each person does their task correctly and completely, everyone gets one step closer to tasty treats. This proof of exceptional teamwork leading to a reward is sure to show your coworkers that the best way to get what they want is to work together. Best of all, cookie baking can be done practically anywhere with a large enough kitchen, such as a university or restaurant. Be sure to ask your venue operator about rules and regulations involved in using their facilities first.
Will you incorporate any of these holiday themed team building activities this year?