During COVID-19, maintaining a healthy social life has been difficult or impossible. While reopening to phase three in most places has allowed for some human interaction, the recent spike in cases has led to many health organizations restricting social activities once again.
With this in mind, how can you help your staff participate in team building exercises that are both fun and engaging? In 2020, luckily there are a vast number of online options to maintain social interaction and team building – even if you can’t be together IRL.
1. Host Staff Socials Online
Did your company participate in monthly or quarterly staff socials? If you answered yes, and are stuck trying to find new and exciting ways to encourage sociability among your team, why not look into online socials? Some solutions are easy and straightforward.
For example, if your company held a monthly book club, simply host a Zoom call to discuss the most recent book. If, pre-coronavirus, you took team excursions to escape rooms or trivia nights, there are online options for those too! The Escape Game is a great option to engage your staff in a fun activity right from their own living rooms. Or for a scavenger hunt style game, Goose Chase is a fun choice.
2. Trivia and Games
Who doesn’t love a good trivia game? There are plenty of great online trivia options that will let your staff learn more about their coworkers in a fun and engaging way.
A great, cost-effective option is Quiz Breaker for a completely customizable quiz experience.
If you’re looking to spend a little more money on your team building game night, The Go Game might be what you’re looking for.
3. Video Mentorship
If your business participated in mentorship meetings pre-COVID and you’re unable to conduct them as usual due to indoor gathering restrictions, try a video conference software to hold these meetings. This may be especially helpful for your staff to adjust to new workplace safety practices.
4. Anonymous Surveys
COVID-19 has presented many unique challenges in 2020 – like remote work or changes to office life, just to name a couple. Employees may not feel comfortable voicing their concerns or struggles with an employer or their coworkers, but it’s a good idea to learn where your staff is struggling to see if there are any changes you can make to ease this difficult situation.
Survey Monkey is a great anonymous tool to allow your staff to voice their struggles.
5. Instant Messaging
Even if your company has returned to their office or clinic, with new health and safety guidelines, breakroom chats are likely a thing of the past. Instant messaging programs are a great option – and most email providers offer an instant messaging option in their inboxes.
We hope these suggestions to boost staff morale are helpful. Keep in mind that all these strategies are just a few team building options for you and your staff.
We would love to hear how you are keeping up with social activities during this time of isolation. Feel free to share in the comments below how you’re keeping up with socializing during the pandemic.
