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5 Things To Consider When Organizing Inclusive Team Building Activities
As organizations strive to foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace, it is essential to ensure that team-building activities reflect these values. Below are five key considerations to keep in mind when planning activities to ensure they are inclusive and enjoyable for everyone involved, with practical examples of how you can avoid mistakes.
1) Be Mindful of Physical Touch
Considerations: It’s crucial to recognize that not everyone is comfortable with physical touch. Activities that require close physical contact, such as trust falls or group seating games, can be uncomfortable or even distressing for some individuals. This discomfort may stem from personal boundaries, past experiences, or disabilities.
Example: Last year, I worked with a company that organized a team-building activity where participants had to sit on an ever-decreasing number of chairs, resulting in people essentially sitting on top of each other. I found this extremely uncomfortable, and I wasn’t alone. This kind of activity can be particularly challenging for those with different physical needs or personal boundaries.
Alternative: Opt for activities that promote collaboration without physical touch, such as problem-solving challenges, virtual escape rooms, or creative workshops.
2) Acknowledge Diverse Knowledge Backgrounds
Considerations: Team-building activities often include quizzes or games that assume a shared base of “common knowledge.” However, this can unintentionally exclude those from different cultural or educational backgrounds.
Example: My husband, who is from eSwatini and now works in Italy, often encounters team-building quizzes centered on European or Italian knowledge. This makes non-Italians feel left out, defeating the purpose of the activity.
Alternative: Create activities that celebrate diverse backgrounds and encourage team members to share unique aspects of their cultures or experiences. This approach not only includes everyone but also enriches the team’s collective knowledge.
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3) Respect Cultural Differences in Humor
Considerations: Humor varies widely across cultures, and what one person finds funny, another might find offensive. It’s important to be aware of these differences to ensure that jokes and activities do not alienate or hurt anyone.
Example: An offhand joke that seems harmless to one person can be deeply offensive to someone from a different background. This doesn’t mean fun is off-limits, but it does require mindfulness about the diversity of the group.
Alternative: Encourage humor that is inclusive and avoids stereotypes or sensitive topics. Activities like storytelling or improvisational games can be a great way to enjoy shared laughter without risking offense.
4) Consider Family Obligations and Personal Time
Considerations: Organizing team-building activities during evenings or weekends can be challenging for employees with family commitments or other personal obligations. This can lead to lower participation and feelings of exclusion.
Example: Parents might struggle to find childcare for evening or weekend events. This was a common issue in a previous organization I worked with, where team-building activities often conflicted with family time.
Alternative: Schedule activities during regular work hours whenever possible. If events must be held outside these hours, consider providing childcare options or family-friendly activities so everyone can participate comfortably.
5) Include Everyone
Considerations: Inclusivity extends beyond direct team members. It’s important to involve all employees, regardless of their role within the organization, in team-building activities.
Example: While working as a Project Manager in Southern Africa, we made it a point to invite everyone, including cleaners and security guards, to our team-building events. This inclusivity fostered a more cohesive and positive work environment.
Alternative: Ensure that invitations to team-building activities are extended to all employees. This practice not only promotes equality but also enhances the overall workplace atmosphere by making everyone feel valued and included.
Conclusion
Incorporating these considerations into your team-building planning can help create a more inclusive and positive experience for all participants. By being mindful of physical touch, diverse knowledge backgrounds, cultural humor differences, family obligations, and inclusive invitations, you can ensure that your team-building activities truly bring your team closer together.
