Anyone who has participated in one will tell you, the hilarious office banter leading up to and after a team building event is usually half the fun! But the positive impact that days like this can have on a company far exceed a few laughs around the copy machine.
Whether you’re competing in tailor-made ‘Amazing Race’, doing a Masterchef challenge or going head-to-head in a Minute-to-win-it showdown, there is nothing like a fun-filled team building exercise to help bond your staff. And what better time to plan one than at the beginning of the year?
Owned by husband and wife team Sean and Alison Uys, Beach and Bush Team Building is SA’s leading team building company, with offices in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. They have over 18 years’ experience in the business, which means they are the pro’s when it comes to getting groups of people to work together and bond.
Sean started the business in 2001 after returning from working the UK as an attorney. “I had to make a choice between continuing my career as a lawyer, or doing something more fun. So I started Beach and Bush! We love what we do and it’s incredibly rewarding when we get feedback from companies that have benefited from our activities and events.”
Sean says that team building, when done properly, can have massively positive effects on a company. “Issues like prejudice, defective communication and silo-mentality exist for two main reasons: we don’t know enough about each other and physical mental barriers exist between individuals in the workspace. Team building can solve these issues.”
We asked Sean to share his top tips for organising a team build:
1. Ask yourself what your required outcome is. Will there be a return on investment for the money the company is spending? Effective team building should break down barriers, foster communication and, above all, be fun!
2. Do something new and exciting. There’s more risk in doing something boring that picking something new and different.
3. Activity levels should match the needs and requirements of the group. Make it challenging, but not too strenuous.
4. Buy-in from delegates is essential. The aim should be to grow as a team and not tear any team members down through a negative approach.
5. Safety is key. Use reputable operators with proven track records. Ask about risk assessments and emergency planning.
6. Transport is important. Try not travel too far if time is limited. Nobody likes sitting on a bus!
7. Timing is also important. Don’t plan individual activities for periods longer than three hours. If a full day is required, split the day into an afternoon and morning session – and then do a low-impact event in the afternoon.
Details: www.beachandbush.co.za / 031 266 9221
