Tag: corporate team activities

Guide To Help Transition Your Team Back To In-Office Work With Team Activities
Team Building
March 24, 2022

Guide To Help Transition Your Team Back To In-Office Work With Team Activities

The pandemic brought along with it a ‘new normal’ that shadowed itself even in the professional space. It was a task transitioning work to our home offices. The biggest challenge now is to traverse back as with rising vaccine rates and pandemics ceasing to be, the workspaces reopen. With employees quickly adapting to flexible work times, it will be difficult to get back into a fixed work routine yet again. But not with the help of team activities.

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10 Ways to Improve Diversity and Inclusion at Workplace With the Help of Team Activities
Team Building
February 11, 2022

10 Ways to Improve Diversity and Inclusion at Workplace With the Help of Team Activities

In today's corporate landscape, fostering diversity and inclusion isn't just a moral imperative; it's also a strategic advantage. Companies that prioritise diversity and inclusion tend to outperform their competitors, attract top talent, and foster innovation.

One effective way to promote diversity and inclusion within your organisation is through team activities. These activities not only bring employees together but also help break down barriers, foster empathy, and celebrate differences.

In this article, we'll explore 10 impactful ways to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace through diversity and inclusion team activities.

10 Team Activities To Boost Diversity And Inclusion At Work

1. Cultural Potluck Lunches

Host regular cultural potluck lunches where employees are encouraged to bring dishes that represent their cultural backgrounds. This not only introduces colleagues to different cuisines but also sparks conversations about traditions, customs, and experiences. This will work particularly well in Melbourne with its melting pot of cultures from all over the world.

2. Diversity Training Workshops

Organise diversity training workshops facilitated by experts in the field. These workshops can cover topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive language, and cultural competence, providing employees with valuable insights and tools to foster a more inclusive work environment. You may want to check these guys out.

3. Employee Resource Groups

Establish employee resource groups (ERGs) or affinity groups based on shared identities or interests, such as race, gender, or sexual orientation. These groups provide a supportive space for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for inclusivity within the organisation.

4. Cross-Cultural Competency Games

Organise interactive games or quizzes that test employees' knowledge of different cultures, traditions, and customs. These games not only educate employees but also encourage empathy and understanding across cultural divides.

5. Mentorship Programs

Implement mentorship programs where employees from diverse backgrounds are paired with mentors who can offer guidance, support, and career development opportunities. Mentorship fosters inclusivity by providing underrepresented employees with access to valuable resources and networks.

6. Inclusive Team Building Activities

Organise team activities that promote collaboration, communication, and trust among employees from diverse backgrounds. Make sure there is a team building element to them rather than just fun times out. Whether it's a scavenger hunt, escape room challenge, or outdoor adventure, inclusive team building activities create opportunities for employees to work together towards common goals. All while letting their guard down and seeing each other for who they truly are.

7. Diversity Film Screenings

Host screenings of documentaries or films that explore themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion. After the screening, facilitate discussions where employees can share their thoughts, perspectives, and insights inspired by the film.

8. Inclusive Meeting Practices

Ensure that meetings are conducted in a way that amplifies diverse voices and perspectives. Encourage active participation from all attendees, use inclusive language, and provide opportunities for quieter or marginalised voices to be heard.

9. Volunteer Opportunities

Engage employees in volunteer activities that support diverse communities or causes. Whether it's participating in a community clean-up, volunteering at a local shelter, or mentoring students from underprivileged backgrounds, volunteering fosters empathy, compassion, and solidarity.

10. Celebrate Diversity Milestones

Recognise and celebrate diversity milestones within the organisation, such as cultural Heritage months, Pride month, or International Women's Day. Host events, workshops, or speaker panels that highlight the contributions and experiences of diverse employees.

In conclusion, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace requires a concerted effort from both leadership and employees. By implementing these 10 ways to improve diversity and inclusion through team activities, organisations can create a more welcoming, inclusive, and innovative work environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Urban Quest runs highly organised team building activities in Melbourne where every team activity and challenge is designed to deliver a genuine, engaging experience that promotes unity and inclusivity.

Team Building Activities That Focus On Team Bonding And Problem Solving
Team Building
January 17, 2022

Team Building Activities That Focus On Team Bonding And Problem Solving

The Basics Of Team Building

Team building activities strive to forge cohesive teams, which trust one another and can easily focus on reaching a common target, with the help of their diverse skills and capabilities. Four types of team building activities exist:

  • Communication Activities
  • Planning And Adaptability Activities
  • Trust-Building And Team Bonding Activities
  • Problem-Solving (And Decision Making) Activities
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9 Team Building Activities to Boost Your Team’s Morale After the Holiday Break
Team Building
December 30, 2021

9 Team Building Activities to Boost Your Team’s Morale After the Holiday Break

Returning to work after the holiday break can be challenging for employees as they transition from relaxation mode back to the daily grind. However, it's crucial for employers to prioritise recharging their team's morale and motivation to kickstart the new year on a positive note.

In this article, we'll explore 9 creative and effective team building activities designed to re-energise your team and foster a sense of camaraderie after the holiday break.

1. Outdoor Adventure Retreat

Escape the confines of the office and immerse your team in nature with an outdoor adventure retreat. Whether it's a camping trip, hiking expedition, or day at the beach, outdoor activities provide a refreshing change of scenery and encourage team bonding. Engage in team challenges, outdoor games, and campfire storytelling to strengthen relationships and boost morale.

2. Volunteer Day

Give back to the community while fostering team spirit by organising a volunteer day. Choose a cause that resonates with your team and spend the day volunteering together. Whether it's cleaning up a local beach, serving meals at a homeless shelter, or participating in a charity run, contributing to a meaningful cause can instil a sense of pride and purpose among team members.

3. Wellness Workshops

Prioritise employee wellbeing by hosting wellness workshops focused on physical and mental health. Offer yoga or meditation sessions, nutrition workshops, or stress management seminars to help employees recharge and refocus. Investing in employee wellness not only boosts morale but also enhances productivity and reduces absenteeism.

4. Creative Team Building Exercises

Inject creativity and fun into your team building efforts with engaging activities such as Urban Quest. These types of activities challenge employees to think outside the box, work collaboratively, and problem-solve in a dynamic setting. Additionally, they provide a welcome break from routine tasks and foster a sense of excitement and camaraderie among team members.

5. Team Building Retreat

Plan a team building retreat at a scenic location where employees can disconnect from work and focus on personal and professional development. Design a program that includes on-site team building exercises, workshops, and motivational speakers to inspire and motivate your team. A retreat provides an opportunity for employees to recharge, gain new insights, and return to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

6. Virtual Team Building Activities

For remote or distributed teams, virtual team building activities offer a convenient and effective way to boost morale and foster team cohesion. Organise virtual team games, online workshops, or virtual coffee breaks to keep team members connected and engaged. Leverage technology to create interactive and immersive experiences that bring remote teams closer together.

7. Appreciation Day

Show your team how much you value their hard work and dedication by hosting an appreciation day. Treat employees to a catered lunch, award ceremony, or team outing to express gratitude for their contributions. Additionally, provide personalised tokens of appreciation, such as handwritten notes or small gifts, to make each team member feel valued and recognised.

8. Communication Workshops

Enhance communication and collaboration within your team by hosting communication workshops. These workshops can include activities such as role-playing exercises, active listening exercises, and indoor team building games focused on improving communication skills. Effective communication is essential for fostering trust, resolving conflicts, and achieving common goals.

9. Goal-Setting Sessions

Start the new year on the right foot by facilitating goal-setting sessions with your team. Encourage employees to set personal and professional goals for the year ahead and create action plans to achieve them. By aligning individual goals with team objectives, you can foster a sense of purpose and accountability among team members, driving motivation and productivity.

Conclusion

Recharging your team's morale after the holiday break is essential for setting the tone for a successful and productive year ahead. By incorporating these engaging team building activities into your post-holiday strategy, you can inspire camaraderie, foster collaboration, and create a positive work environment that fuels employee motivation and engagement. Invest in your team's wellbeing and watch as their morale and productivity soar to new heights in the year ahead.

Contact us to learn more about options Urban Quest has to offer to cover many of the suggested activities.

Outdoor Team Building Activities For Work and Social Groups in Melbourne
Team Building
December 16, 2021

Outdoor Team Building Activities For Work and Social Groups in Melbourne

In the bustling world of corporate life and social gatherings, finding ways to foster strong relationships and teamwork among colleagues and friends is paramount. While traditional office settings offer opportunities for collaboration, nothing beats the excitement and camaraderie that comes with outdoor team building activities.

From problem-solving challenges to adrenaline-pumping adventures, these activities offer a refreshing break from the norm and create lasting memories for participants. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of outdoor team building activities and delve into some exciting options for both work and social groups.

Why Choose Outdoor Team Building Activities?

Outdoor team building activities offer a myriad of benefits for participants, making them a popular choice for companies and social groups alike. Here are some reasons why you should consider incorporating outdoor activities into your team building strategy:

1. Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

Outdoor activities provide a relaxed and informal environment for participants to communicate and collaborate effectively. Whether it is navigating through obstacle courses or solving puzzles together, these activities encourage teamwork and foster better relationships among team members.

2. Improved Problem-Solving Skills

Many outdoor team building activities involve solving complex challenges and overcoming obstacles. These experiences help participants develop or maintain critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and resilience, which are essential for success in both professional and personal life.

3. Boosted Morale and Motivation

Engaging in outdoor activities promotes a sense of accomplishment and boosts morale among participants. The shared experience of overcoming challenges and achieving goals together strengthens team spirit and motivates individuals to perform at their best.

4. Strengthened Bonds

Outdoor team building activities provide opportunities for participants to bond with their colleagues or friends on a deeper level. Whether it is cheering each other on during a ropes course or celebrating a shared victory in an amazing race, these experiences create lasting memories and strengthen relationships.

5. Health and Wellness Benefits

Spending time outdoors has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reduced stress levels, improved mood, and increased physical fitness. This point becomes in particular important now, in the day and age of hybrid work, where workers still spend the majority of their time indoors. Engaging in outdoor team building activities allows participants to reap these benefits while having fun and building connections with others.

Exciting Outdoor Team Building Activities to Consider

Urban Quest

Urban Quest offers an exciting and immersive outdoor team building experience that combines adventure, exploration, and teamwork. Participants embark on a thrilling quest through the city, solving puzzles, completing challenges, and uncovering clues along the way. With a range of game routes available throughout Melbourne CBD and around, Urban Quest is the perfect choice for work and social groups looking to strengthen bonds or simply have fun together. 

Adventure Races

Adventure races are high-energy, adrenaline-pumping events that challenge participants both physically and mentally. Teams navigate through rugged terrain, conquer obstacles, and compete against each other to reach the finish line. These races require teamwork, strategy, and determination, making them ideal for fostering camaraderie among participants. The limitations to pay attention to are these types of activities might not suit everyone in your group or all age groups as they are physically demanding.

Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are classic outdoor team building activities that never fail to delight participants when organised and conducted professionally. Teams are given a list of clues and tasks to complete, leading them on a thrilling adventure through parks, neighbourhoods, or city streets. Scavenger hunts promote collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity, making them a popular choice for corporate team building events.

The general recommendation is to avoid DIY variants and let the professionals plan and organise that for your group. Again, the activity design and conduct would be the most crucial parts to the success of these types of outdoor team building activities. Urban Quest would be the closest match to that. Learn more below or reach out to explore the range of readily available options.

Geocaching

Geocaching is a great way to spend time outdoors with colleagues, hunting up clues with the excitement and thrill of an adventure. It’s a treasure hunt played by adventurers around the world, armed with GPS devices. Have each team (or pairs of participants) get the Geocaching app or set up an account on Geocaching.com. 

There are geocaches hidden around the world, in urban and non-urban locations, as part of the world’s largest treasure hunt. In return for finding a cache, team members must leave some trinkets behind. Finding the geocache treasures involves solving puzzles and it's a great bonding experience, even though it's better suited to very small groups or pairs of participants. Follow up the activities with prizes such as lunch or several rounds of drinks at a pub. 

Wilderness Retreats

For those seeking a more immersive outdoor experience, wilderness retreats offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. Participants engage in activities such as hiking, camping, and team building exercises in scenic outdoor settings. These retreats provide opportunities for reflection, relaxation, and personal growth, fostering a sense of unity and wellbeing among participants.

Outdoor Sports and Games

From soccer and volleyball to frisbee golf and tug-of-war, outdoor sports and games offer a fun and active way to bond with colleagues or friends. Organising a friendly competition or tournament can bring teams together and promote teamwork, communication, and friendly rivalry. They have the broadest range of suitability too.

Environment-Friendly Outdoor Team Building Activities 

Plant A Tree 

With Australia remaining one of the developed world’s hotspots for deforestation, a day of tree planting can help everyone feel good about a day well-spent. You can organise a corporate tree planting event with a reforestation organisation like Ecologi, and ask your teams to bring their boots and get planting. You may need to check your local office for regulations on tree planting. 

Clean A Beach 

A beach clean-up is always fun in a group. Head to a local beach and spend the day picking up debris and garbage from the shoreline. Make sure you have plans for disposal as well. Take the recyclables with you to a recycling depot near you. You can find out more about organising a beach clean-up on the websites of Cleanup and Beach Patrol. 

Charity And Other Work Group Outdoor Team Building Activities

Prepare Care Packages 

Doing something for others helps to build positive feelings. Doing so as a team can help to foster stronger bonding among members. Prepare care packages filled with sandwiches, fruit and other items to head out to the local community and distribute to those in need. 

Charity Walk Or Charity Run

Sign up for a run or a walk with a specific cause with an organisation. If you can collect any donations, you can contribute them to the organisation that’s supporting the run. You can find charity races at ACRF.

Good Samaritan Race

You can organise philanthropic-themed scavenger hunts with teams racing to do as many good deeds as possible within the time limit. Your team can come up with a list of good deeds or use these Be-Kind cards to pay it forward. 

As Outdoor Team Building Activities As They Come

Hiking

Find a local trail, gather your team, and enjoy a day out in nature. A hiking club that organises monthly hikes is bound to be a great hit with many in your team. Depending on your team, you may want to find trails of easier or more challenging difficulties. Trail Hiking Australia is the loving work of one guy documenting the country’s walking trails. You can find graded hikes, with durations and distances in your state and region. 

Sports Days and Simply Fun Outdoor Activities

Every team will have fun with a day of sports. Split the group up into teams and host events like sack races, long jump, relay races, tug-of-war and more throughout the day. 

Why Choose Urban Quest for Your Outdoor Team Building Activities?

While there are many outdoor team building activities to choose from, Urban Quest stands out as the premier option for corporate teams and social groups alike. Here's why:

1. Immersive Experience

Urban Quest offers a unique and immersive experience that takes participants on a thrilling journey through the city. With interactive challenges, puzzles, and clues to solve, participants are fully engaged from start to finish. Any Urban Quest experience is guaranteed to keep the participants on their toes with no idle time whatsoever.

2. Professional Facilitation

Urban Quest's team of experienced facilitators ensures that each event runs smoothly and efficiently. From coordinating logistics to providing guidance and support, our team is dedicated to creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for all participants. Each event's success starts from the experience design stage and follows through to the delivery on the day as well as post-event reporting.

3. Convenient Locations

With Urban Quest events held in the most attractive parts of Melbourne, it's easy to find a location that's convenient for your team. With the recent introduction of the newest indoor offering Urban Quest covers not only the geographical locations but the convenience factor too. Whether you're based in the city or the suburbs, Urban Quest can bring the adventure to you.

 4. Positive Feedback

Urban Quest has received rave reviews from past participants, who praise the unique and exciting nature of the experience. Many corporate companies and educational organisations have reported improved team cohesion, communication, and morale as a result of participating in Urban Quest events, and keep bringing their work and social groups for more!

In conclusion

Outdoor team building activities offer a fun and effective way to strengthen bonds, enhance communication, and foster teamwork among colleagues and friends. Whether you're looking for a high-energy adventure or a leisurely retreat in nature, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

With Urban Quest, you can take your team building or fun experience to the next level and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Top 10 Christmas Team Building Activities With Social Distancing For Your Work Party
Team Building
November 29, 2021

Top 10 Christmas Team Building Activities With Social Distancing For Your Work Party

With Christmas coming around the corner, every workplace will start getting geared up to celebrate this fun festival! What's more is that this is the first time after the entire spread of Covid, that the possibility of having a Christmas get-together and indulging in team building games has even become possible (With social distancing). 

While this is awesome, indulging in social distancing and playing workplace team building activities may seem tough. But don’t worry, this is very possible provided you just take a few steps of caution. 

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