A company’s most important asset is its employees.  Thus, a successful organization focuses on finding the right people for the right position and assuring their engagement. A key aspect of this is team building across the organization.

If you have never done team building, you may be wondering if it is worth the effort and time.  Let me answer that with a resounding YES!  Team building encourages communication, builds trust, mitigates conflict, and increases collaboration.  Effective team building means more engaged employees, which improves company culture and boosts the bottom line.

In an effort to assist other companies on team-building experiences, here are my top five guidelines:  1) lighten up and let laughter be part of the process; 2) break out of comfort zones with the blending of personalities, embracing diversity and trying new things; 3) include playful competition; 4) if possible, leave the office setting and consider volunteering; 5) inclusivity, give everyone an opportunity to be involved.

At a recent off-site team-building event, our Marketing and Advertising team participated in volunteering for a few hours at Harvester’s Food Bank in Kansas City.  Harvesters is a regional food bank that provides food and related household products to non-profit agencies, including emergency food pantries, community kitchens, homeless shelters, children’s homes and others.

Lyndi Jahellka shared her thoughts about the Harvester’s event, “I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to spend some time with my co-workers outside of the office setting. I loved how we all could come together, have fun and, best of all, make a difference in our community. We talked, laughed and added some friendly competition into the mix to see who could empty their box first.  In no time, we packaged over 1,000 lbs. of bulk onions during our short visit.  It felt really good knowing that together we were able to accomplish something so meaningful to our community.” 

Another team-building event included a group activity at Top Golf.  "Being new to TVH, I never expected to have the opportunity to mingle with my fellow employees outside of work as a group.  It was an awesome experience: playing golf, eating delicious food and enjoying refreshing beverages with my department.  I can't wait for future group activities." - Aaron Aguilar.

Holidays provide an opportunity to blend work with fun as well.  Every Halloween, TVH hosts an on-site Department Pumpkin Challenge and Costume contest.  The atmosphere fills with positive energy and creativity.