The Science behind consistent team building

In the bustling arena of today’s work environment, the connection between regular team building and productivity is not just anecdotal—it’s scientific.

At the heart of this connection lies the concept of ‘team building’. Team building, as the term suggests, is about strengthening the bonds between team members. This can be achieved through a variety of activities, ranging from structured exercises like team building programs to more informal events such as team lunches or socials.

The benefits of these activities are substantial and multi-dimensional. They foster open communication, build trust, and create a sense of collective identity—all of which are known to boost productivity.

For instance, a Harvard Business Review study found that teams that communicate effectively consistently outperform their peers (1). In the same vein, research published by the Association for Psychological Science points out that trust within a team leads to improved collaboration and better team performance (2).

63% of leaders feel team communication improved after participating in team building activities. 61% of leaders felt team morale improved.

-Team Building Hub

Team building activities can also enhance morale. Employees with high morale are not just happier—they’re more productive. A study on the Effects of organisational team building on employees’ (3) concluded that employers could increase morale and, consequently, job retention by increasing the frequency and quality of team building activities in the workplace. The researchers found that team building activities significantly increased employee morale.

Team building activities can also play a significant role in reducing workplace conflicts. According to a study published in the book “Team effectiveness in complex organisations: Cross-disciplinary perspectives and approaches”, team-building interventions that focus on role clarification can help reduce conflict and improve team effectiveness (4). A harmonious work environment, free from conflicts, is conducive to higher productivity (5).

Finally, a study titled “Does team building work?” published in the Small Group Research journal found that team building activities have a moderate positive effect across all team outcomes, suggesting that they can indeed boost productivity in the workplace (6).

So, the science is clear: regular team building isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have for any team looking to boost productivity.

Delving into the science behind consistent team building reveals its profound psychological transformations. Team building exercises break down barriers and foster unity within a team. They go beyond task collaboration, building a shared understanding, common language, and collective identity.

Team building activities serve as a masterclass in communication, enhancing the human skills teams need to thrive. They nurture trust, fostering strong bonds that glue the team together. By overcoming challenges together, team members enhance problem-solving abilities and camaraderie.

These activities create a safe environment where ideas and risks are freely expressed. This psychological safety encourages open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and boosts innovation and creativity.

Team building exercises deepen appreciation for strengths and weaknesses, building respect and empathy. Individuals step out of their roles, connecting on a personal level, and increasing trust and collaboration.

With a newfound understanding of the profound psychological transformations brought about by team building, we uncover a beautiful connection—where these shifts in mindset and connection intertwine into a range of positive emotions and intricate physiological responses.

Peeling back the layers of team building, it’s clear that at its core, it’s all about fun. It’s about the laughter that echoes around the room when a challenge is met, the shared smiles of a group working in harmony, and the collective cheer when a goal is reached. It’s about the power of play.

When we engage in team building activities, we’re not just working together—we’re playing together. And this play comes with a rush of feel-good emotions that permeate the group, creating an environment that’s not only enjoyable but also incredibly productive.

Ever noticed the surge of positivity after a team activity? That’s the morale-boosting effect in action, injecting us with a can-do spirit.

These feel-good emotions aren’t just a fleeting sensation. They have a physiological basis. When we complete a challenge as a team, our bodies respond by releasing endorphins—the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ hormones. These endorphins contribute to feelings of happiness, relaxation, and a sense of achievement.

Moreover, the act of playing and having fun together leads to what sociologist Emile Durkheim termed ‘collective effervescence'(7). This is the exhilaration, the shared joy, and the sense of unity that arises when people come together in celebration or in overcoming a challenge. This feeling of collective joy can strengthen the bonds between team members and boost productivity.

In essence, the feel-good emotions that arise from team building activities are more than just a bonus—they’re a crucial element of the process. They create an atmosphere of positivity and camaraderie, fostering a work environment that’s not only productive but also enjoyable.