The concept of team building events can be traced back to the mid-20th century, during the post-war era in America. Major corporations initiated programs aimed at breaking down cultural barriers, improving communication, and instilling a sense of camaraderie among employees.
In the 1960’s and 70’s, companies started adopting outdoor experiential exercises to foster team spirit. As business underwent significant changes in the 1980’s, there was a shift towards promoting innovation and creativity in teams. Brainstorming sessions, role-playing games, and bonding exercises became popular during this era.
1990s marked a significant milestone in the evolution of team building. The concept of virtual teams emerged, driven by advances in technology. Activities focused on developing trust and efficient communication over digital platforms had gained popularity.
In the early 2000s, escape rooms and other innovative ideas started to trend. Companies continued to emphasize trust, cooperation, and motivation, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
While the traditional team-building activities like retreats and physical challenges still hold value; an increasing emphasis these days is placed on making such events meaningful, impactful, and fun!
Today, the global pandemic has again reshaped the landscape of team building. Virtual events that maintain team spirit while respecting social distancing are the new norm. From online cooking classes to virtual reality games, team building has come a long way from the simple ice-breaking exercises of the mid-20th century.
Through changing times, the core objective of team building remains intact – fostering a bond between colleagues, improving communication and collaboration, and ultimately, boosting organizational productivity and growth.