Are you noticing a sudden decline in your team's morale? Do they appear less interested in coming to the office, look bored in meetings, and generally less enthusiastic? 

Work is undoubtedly important, but if your employees are not enjoying themselves and feel demotivated, it will harm their productivity and output quality. But what can you, as their manager, do? 

We have some fun team-building games that can bring your team closer together, make them more comfortable with each other, and boost morale. Let's look through them.

The Link Between Team Morale and Productivity

Team morale is employees' energy, confidence, and enthusiasm in the workspace. You might think your team members looking bored is “just the way things are,” or their locking heads with one another is the “spirit of an opinionated team,” but that seldom is the case. 

But low morale has a major side effect on productivity. Less motivated employees are generally less productive and are willing to take on fewer projects. They often miss deadlines, and their output is rife with errors. 

Low morale is also contagious — if two team members feel demotivated, they will convince others to lose motivation by their demeanor and actions. As a manager, it’s imperative to nip this situation in the bud. 

Why Are My Employees Struggling with Low Morale? 

There can be any number of reasons employees struggle with low morale, but there are generally some overarching factors to blame. Let’s look at some of them:

1. Lack of Acknowledgment

Employees typically feel less inclined to work when their efforts are for naught. Lack of recognition is a common reason many employees leave their jobs because it makes them feel like their efforts are not valued.

2. Lack of Growth Opportunities

Gone are the days when employees would happily stay at the same desk job for the same pay. Today’s workers look for hyper-growth or at least some growth trajectory that excites them about their company's future. 

When they feel stuck and see no chance for advancement, they become disengaged and may seek new opportunities elsewhere. 

3. Lack of Communication

Employees who do not receive clear and proper task instructions feel confused and unmotivated. Poor communication isolates team members and affects the exchange of ideas.

Team-Building Games That Can Boost Your Team's Morale

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to team-building. However, here are some effective morale-boosting games managers can use to promote teamwork, involvement, and lasting motivation:

1. Lunch and Learn

Often, team members are looking to vent. A great way to let them blow off some steam is to discuss honestly how they are feeling, why there is a sudden change, and what small changes can come around to make them feel better. 

2. Charades or Pictionary

Competitive games are a great way to engage your team. Split the team into two, and give them cards to choose from and draw or act. Everyone has a competitive side, and quickly, you’ll find your team rooting for one another. 

3. Take Them to a Cooking Class with Bite Unite!

Another great team-building activity could be a private class with a private chef- in New York, such as the ones Bite Unite offers. 

Working together towards a common goal, such as preparing a delicious meal (you can even choose to build a three-course meal), can encourage your team to have a taste of shared accomplishment. This can be especially effective when teams are new or have gone through challenging times.

Plus, the process of cooking requires working under pressure, clearly communicating, and solving crises as they come, much like a real-life corporate environment, giving them a great simulation of how to work together better in everyday life.

3 Tips to Integrate Team-Building Games into Routine Activities

Here are some tips for team-building games into routine activities: 

1. Start Meetings with Ice Breakers

In virtual meetings or otherwise, people hesitate to speak up and share their opinions, which can be monotonous, even robotic sometimes. Managers can ensure everyone feels comfortable and ready to collaborate by starting meetings with icebreakers. 

2. Recognition and Appreciation

Acknowledge and appreciate your team's efforts regularly. This can be done through shout-outs during meetings, a recognition board, or a simple thank-you email. 

3. Regular Feedback Sessions

Gather feedback regularly through surveys, one-on-one discussions, or suggestion boxes. Make small improvements according to that feedback to show that their voice is important and is heard. 

By creating a fun and engaged workplace environment, showing appreciation, and giving a platform for employees to discuss their issues and have them resolved. Organizations of today can create a healthy culture and boost employee morale. 

Investing in practical team-building activities, such as private cooking classes at Bite Unite, can be great for managers seeking to boost employee morale. The shared sense of purpose and camaraderie translates well to their real-life workplace and can help boost their morale and keep it fun.

‍