Don't do virtual team building

Team building is often presented as the magic solution for creating team spirit and a sense of unity. But does it really work? Let’s take a closer look at this question.

The False Promise of Team Building

Team building is supposed to strengthen bonds, improve communication, and motivate employees. The theory is simple: if you bring a group of people together for a fun activity, they’ll grow closer and work better together. But the reality is more complicated.

In reality, forcing people to participate in "bonding" exercises rarely leads to meaningful results. Sure, it might lead to some laughs or superficial conversations, but that’s about it. The real problem isn’t organizing a fun event from time to time. The issue is much deeper and far more important to address.

Why Team Building Matters

The goal of any team-building effort is to foster connection, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose. When done right, it reminds us why we care about our work and why we care about each other. However, it's rarely done right, is often costly, and, most importantly, is ineffective.

The Downsides of Team Building

1. It’s Forced
   The first issue with team building is that it’s, well, forced. People don’t build deep relationships through artificial, scheduled activities. Real bonds form organically, not through a two-hour scavenger hunt, paintball match, or spaghetti bridge workshop.

2. It’s Superficial
   Even the best team-building exercises are superficial. A few hours of games won’t undo weeks or months of missed opportunities for real, meaningful connections. People might have fun, but it doesn’t create lasting change.

3. It’s Temporary
   Team building is often a one-time event. Once the activity is over, everyone returns to their routine. The connections made in those fleeting moments don’t last. If you don’t continuously nurture those relationships, they will fade.

4. It Wastes Time
   Team-building activities, especially when they distract from actual work, can feel like a waste of time. They take people away from their tasks and disrupt the flow of the week, all for a temporary boost that disappears as quickly as it came.

So, What Should You Do?

Don’t do team building!

Instead of relying on gimmicks, focus on fostering authentic, daily interactions. Building real team cohesion requires more than just an event; it’s about integrating connection into the fabric of your company’s daily culture.

This means encouraging regular, meaningful conversations. It means creating an environment where employees can naturally build relationships through collaboration, not through forced "bonding." And that’s exactly what Serendly can do for your team.

The truth is, strong teams aren’t built through occasional events. They are built through a culture that values daily connections. Focus on building that culture, and the team spirit will follow.