Creating strong, cohesive teams is more important than ever in today’s fast-paced, hybrid work environments. Companies continually search for ways to bring employees together, improve collaboration, and boost morale.
Stephanie Webb, People Operations Manager at AvePoint, has found her answer: Urban Quest. After successfully bringing her team from Infosys to Urban Quest, Steph knew exactly where to turn when she needed another impactful team building activity for her new team at AvePoint.
Steph’s positive experience isn’t unique – it’s a testament to how thoughtful, well-organised team building events can work for any company. Let’s dive into why team building is essential and how effective events, like Urban Quest, keep HR professionals like Steph returning with their teams.
Team Building: More Than Just a Fun Day Out
At the heart of Steph’s decision to return to Urban Quest is the understanding that team building is more than just a break from the office. It plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration, boosting morale, and aligning teams toward common goals. For companies like AvePoint and Infosys, effective team building activities lead to real results, including:
Improved Team Communication
In the hybrid work environment, many team members may rarely see each other in person. Steph knew from her previous Urban Quest experience that this activity could break down silos, improve communication, and build relationships between team members who might not interact daily. As she put it, “Urban Quest is a fun way to get a little bit competitive and explore the city together.”
Enhanced Team Collaboration
In any business, teamwork is critical to success. Urban Quest’s focus on problem-solving and strategy forces teams to work together in a fun, low-stress environment. Steph highlighted the importance of being outside and getting a fresh perspective, which helps spark new connections between team members. “It’s a really nice way to explore your city while also working together to solve puzzles,” Steph said.
Boosted Team Morale and Engagement
Keeping team members engaged is a constant challenge for HR professionals. The key to Urban Quest’s success is that it’s not just about solving problems – it’s about having fun while doing it. Steph’s teams at both AvePoint and Infosys appreciated the balance between competitive elements and having time to unwind at the pub afterwards. This mix of lighthearted fun and teamwork made the experience memorable, driving long-lasting positive impacts on team dynamics.
Why HR Professionals Trust Urban Quest
HR professionals like Steph are tasked with the complex job of bringing together individuals from various departments, backgrounds, and locations. With such a varied workforce, one-size-fits-all team building activities often fall short. But Urban Quest has found the perfect formula.
Steph’s experience showcases several reasons why HR managers continue to trust Urban Quest:
1. Personalised and Repeatable: Steph has participated in multiple Urban Quest events, including routes through Melbourne’s CBD and Docklands. While the format of the game remains consistent, each experience is unique, with new challenges and clues that keep participants engaged. “I’ve been back a couple of times now,” Steph noted, “and it’s always a new experience with different clues and challenges.”
2. Seamless Organisation: One of the key advantages of Urban Quest is how easy it is to organise. As Steph pointed out, “Everything was really well organised, quick to respond by email, and there were no issues.” This ease of planning allows HR professionals to focus on what matters most – getting their teams together and not getting bogged down in logistics.
3. A Blend of Fun and Strategy: Urban Quest hits the perfect balance between fun and strategic thinking. It allows teams to enjoy themselves while also working on critical skills like problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. Steph emphasised that “we get to do something fun, but also competitive, while still finishing at the pub.” This combination makes the event both rewarding and enjoyable.
Long-Term Benefits of Team Building
The value of a well-executed team building event extends far beyond the day of the activity. For Steph, the benefits of Urban Quest lasted long after the event was over. Reflecting on her experiences, she noted that these activities foster relationships and build camaraderie in ways that resonate for months.
This is especially true for HR professionals like Steph, who play a pivotal role in shaping company culture. By choosing the right team building experience, they can create lasting bonds between employees, promote collaboration, and encourage a positive workplace environment. The feedback from her teams after Urban Quest has been consistently positive, which is why she continues to bring new teams back.
Conclusion: Why Team Building Is Essential for Success
Stephanie Webb’s experiences with Urban Quest, both at Infosys and now at AvePoint, illustrate the importance of thoughtful team building activities. Team building is not just a one-time event; it’s an ongoing investment in your company’s culture, communication, and collaboration.
Urban Quest offers a unique, interactive, and fun way to unite teams, enhance communication, and foster collaboration. Whether it’s a new team or a seasoned one, the lasting effects of a well-executed event can be felt long after the puzzles are solved and the competition ends. As Steph’s story shows, HR professionals who find success with Urban Quest often return, knowing they can count on the experience to deliver meaningful, lasting results for their teams.
For HR professionals looking to create this kind of lasting effect, team building events like Urban Quest offer the perfect solution.
