Team Building Through Community Service

Group dinners and ping pong tournaments have their place in developing team camaraderie and cohesion.  And there are many, more elaborate (and costly) activities available to challenge team strength and build intra-team trust. In this season of giving, however, consider the benefits of team activities that contribute to your external community, while at the same time building a sense of purpose, cooperation and fun within the team.

In a 2010 study by United Healthcare and Volunteer Match, 81% of respondents said that volunteering with work colleagues strengthened their relationships, and 76% said they felt better about their employer because of their volunteer activities. The study also indicated that volunteering improved individuals’ sense of well-being and purpose.

Team community service also provides an opportunity to develop the skills of individual team members. Put someone who is not in a leadership role in charge of the event. Put someone else in charge of communications. Build collaboration by letting the team research and decide on the organization they will help.  These skills will then translate back to the job and result in a higher performing team.

Research shows that companies who give back to their communities have better brand visibility, more highly-engaged employees and stronger relationships with their customers. With more than 60% of employees reporting that they are not engaged at work, providing opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways as a team outside of work may help them view the organization with new eyes and enthusiasm.

Next time we’ll talk about some specific local opportunities for team volunteering.

“The highest of distinctions is service to others.” – King George IV

“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan