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Today, we are going to show you 21 trust team building activities that will foster stronger relationships and encourage trust among all team members.
3 Benefits of Trust Building Activities For Teams in the Workplace
The proven effectiveness of implementing team building activities that build trust in the workplace is evident in companies all over the world.
Trust, diversity, and communication team building activities have a positive impact on team members, as employees form stronger bonds with their coworkers.
But what are the tangible benefits of a trust-based team building activity? Let’s see what the data says.
1. Boost Employee Engagement
A study by Deloitte titled “The Four Factors of Trust” shows how building trust inside the workplace is one of the most critical drivers of engagement:
- On average, trusting team members are 260% more motivated to work on daily tasks.
- 1 out of 4 workers do not trust their employer, and most employers overestimate their workforce’s trust level by almost 40%.
- Likewise, team members who feel trusted are 50% less likely to look for another job, while also having 41% lower rates of absenteeism.
2. Workers at High Trust Companies Are More Productive and Happy
High-trusting companies deliver better results to new and other team members within both physical and remote teams. A study by HBR titled “The Neuroscience of Trust” shows us the following facts:
- People at high-trusting companies show 74% less stress and 50% higher productivity.
- These employees also report 29% more satisfaction with their lives and 40% less burnout.
- On top of that, team members at high-trust companies show 106% more energy at work and report 13% fewer sick days than team members who work at low-trust companies.
3. Trusts Impact the Company Culture at Large Scale
According to Gallup, implementing trust-building event activities in the workplace fosters the “Culture of Transparency.”
This means that new team members who recently got hired by a company are more likely to believe in the goals of the company if the company culture is based on honesty and transparency.
Truthfulness from managers is something hard to achieve - only 23% of team members say they trust their work leader, which is why achieving authenticity is a hard task that can’t be performed all of a sudden.
21 Trust Team Building Activities to Bring Your Team Closer
Implementing trust building activities for teams in the workplace is a great way to enjoy all the benefits provided by these exercises.
Let’s check out 21 highly impacting trust team building activities to bring your team closer together, for both in-office and virtual teams.
Remember to inform your team ahead of time before implementing any trust building exercise. Usually, implementing these exercises before or after weekly meetings is a great way to kickstart the word day.
1. Minefield
Minefield is a classic trust-building activity built on the basis of basic trust. Employees pair up as they prepare to go through an obstacle course.
One blindfolded member will be guided by a team member who can see it all, so the person blindfolded needs to blindly trust the other members.
As the blindfolded person completes the “Trust Walk” as commanded by their partner, employees learn how to give and follow instructions.
- Group Type: Small group (in-office groups).
- Activity Duration: About an hour, depending on the group size.
2. Around the World Cooking
Around the World Cooking is a great trust-building activity provided by Teamland. The activity is meant to celebrate diversity, different cultures, and motivate team members to try new dishes to break the routine.
The whole group will participate in a cooking class that celebrates the flavors from other team members’ original countries.
So, instead of having the team retreat to a local class, Teamland brings these trust team building activities into the workplace.
As employees prepare meals together, they get closer to each other and learn how to form strong bonds by trusting the flavors of the dishes of their coworkers.
- Group Type: Medium-sized and small groups.
- Activity Duration: From 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
3. Amazing Race Game
The Amazing Race Game is a diverse, fun, and entertaining activity guided by Teamland’s professional expertise.
In-person teams will divide into smaller groups as they sort out different challenges by trusting each other.
The first team that successfully completes most challenges wins the Amazing Race. It won’t be easy, but it’s highly rewarding and effective.
The Amazing Race Game includes trust building activities for teams such as Pop the Balloon, Obstacle Course Race, and Egg Spoon Race.
- Group Type: Medium-sized and big in-office groups.
- Activity Duration: From 2 to 3 hours.
4. Human Knot
The Human Knot is a rather fun and enjoyable game that consists of having each group member hold into each other with their hands.
Basically, each team member will reach the other team members with their left hand until they are all tangled together. Then, they need to untangle the human knot, but it won’t be easy.
By successfully discovering how to untangle the knot, workers recognize success in their goal and build trust with each other.
- Group Type: Small teams.
- Activity Duration: From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
5. Egg Drop
Egg Drop is yet another classic trust-building activity that brings team members closer together.
Team members will form different groups, and each one will have a raw egg. The objective is to build a landing pad for the egg using only office supplies.
As they craft the pad, they’ll build trust with each other - if the pad doesn’t work, the egg will crack as it lands on it!
- Group Type: All in-office group sizes.
- Activity Duration: From 45 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Pet Projects
We all have a life outside our workspace. Pet Projects is a team building activity that consists of learning more about the non-professional passions of each team member.
Team members will talk about their pet projects within a safe space for the whole team, as they will get to know each other more.
Who knows? You might learn about an important project they have and build trust more organically.
- Group Type: Both in-office and remote employees.
- Activity Duration: From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
7. Two Truths and One Lie
Two Truths and a Lie is a classic trust-building activity that works to create bonds among team members.
Each team member will tell two truths and one lie about themselves, and others need to guess which one is the lie.
This activity works perfectly for both in-office and virtual teams of all sizes.
- Group Type: All group types.
- Activity Duration: From 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
8. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Don’t forget about remote employees - they are as important as in-office team members!
Virtual Scavenger Hunt is a remote team building activity by Teamland. Here, participants will adventure on a journey to find certain items within a short frame of time.
Virtual Scavenger Hunts foster team working and build trust, as team members need to communicate with each other in order to reach the desired objectives.
- Group Type: All remote group sizes.
- Activity Duration: From 30 to 45 minutes.
9. Virtual Escape Room
Escaping from a virtual room requires high trust levels and a great collaboration effort.
That’s exactly what team members will experience with Teamland’s Virtual Escape Room, a remote adventure for virtual coworkers that will test their skills to the limit.
Escape Rooms are a classic trust-building activity, as it is necessary to follow each other in order to accomplish the game’s objective.
- Group Type: Medium-sized remote teams.
- Activity Duration: From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
10. Back-to-Back Drawing
Back-to-back drawing is one of the most effective trust building activities for teams: pair up coworkers and make them sit back-to-back.
One of them will have an image that the other can’t see. The other team member needs to draw the image on a white canvas as instructed by their partner.
This trust-building activity makes them both follow each other blindly, which forms stronger bonds.
- Group Type: Small and medium-sized in-office groups.
- Activity Duration: From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
11. Eye Contact Challenge
Learning how to hold eye contact is not easy, and it can be quite intimidating at times.
However, participating in an Eye Contact Challenge is a nice way to build trust unexpectedly.
By holding eye contact for several seconds, team members enhance their social skills, which lends to more honest communication in the workplace.
- Group Type: Medium-sized and big groups.
- Activity Duration: From 30 to 45 minutes.
12. City Hunt
If, instead of managing a virtual team, you are in charge of an in-office team, then it’s time to go on an in-person scavenger hunt adventure like no other.
City Hunt is not your classic scavenger hunt, though - it’s a trust-building journey through new spaces within your city.
Teamland will pick a suitable location for the city hunt adventure built exclusively for your team.
As the team explores a local park or landmark together, they create bonds and learn to trust each other more naturally.
- Group Type: Medium and big-sized in-person groups.
- Activity Duration: From 1 to 3 hours.
13. Trust Box
Trust Box consists of gathering small groups of team members to test their trust levels inside the office.
Team members will sit around each other as they trust fall into the arms of their coworkers.
Trust falls are not always easy to do, so it’s important to mention out loud the direction of the trust fall right before doing it.
Keep in mind that the idea is to test how supportive team members are, not their reflexes!
- Group Type: Small in-office groups.
- Activity Duration: From 30 to 45 minutes.
14. Ice Breaker Questions
New team members can have a hard time getting along with other coworkers during the first few days.
By asking icebreaker questions, people can learn more about each other. These questions can range from favorite childhood memory to ideal holiday vacations, so imagination is the limit.
This can also be turned into an “anxiety party,” as employees build trust with each other and start to open up to other group members about their anxieties and insecurities.
- Group Type: All groups (remote and in-office).
- Activity Duration: From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
15. Personal Story Sharing
Sharing personal stories is what turns team members from coworkers into friends.
As you create an open space inside the office, building trust and creating bonds becomes easier.
By telling stories about their personal lives, team members can improve their communication skills while also learning to trust each other.
- Group Type: All group types (remote and in-person).
- Activity Duration: From 1 to 1.5 hours.
16. Volunteer or Community Service
Participating in a community service activity as a team helps the community, strengthens bond, and creates a trustworthy base to work upon.
Choose a community task in which the whole team can participate and organize goodwill deeds to bring some good into the community.
- Group Type: a.
- Activity Duration: a.
17. Sound Off
Sound Off is a great collaborative experience by Teamland that consists of trying to guess the words or phrases behind certain images without sounds.
Guess the song from a famous person, the meaning of multiple images, or the rhyme behind a scene as coworkers form teams to work together.
- Group Type: Hybrid team activity for all group sizes.
- Activity Duration: From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
18. Team Trivia
Team Trivia is an engaging game that combines fun with teamwork and knowledge sharing. Participants can be divided into small groups, where they answer workplace trivia questions related to general knowledge, company history, or even personal about team members.
This activity encourages collaboration as team members discuss and strategize their answers.
To increase engagement, consider introducing themes that reflect your team’s interests or current events. The competitive aspect adds excitement and motivates teams to work together to win.
- Group Type: All group sizes.
- Duration: 30 to 45 minutes.
19. Trust Ladder
Each team member writes down their personal and professional goals, as well as fears, on sticky notes. These notes are then shared in a supportive group setting, allowing for open discussions about aspirations and challenges.
This exercise fosters empathy and understanding among team members, as they learn more about each other’s motivations and vulnerabilities. The Trust Ladder promotes a sense of safety and belonging, making it easier for team members to support one another in both personal and work-related endeavors.
As a result, the activity helps to strengthen relationships and build a solid foundation of trust.
- Group Type: Small to medium groups.
- Duration: 30 to 45 minutes.
20. Feedback Circle
Team members sit in a circle and take turns giving and receiving constructive feedback.
This activity can be based on specific projects or general interactions, allowing team members to share their perspectives in a safe and respectful environment.
The feedback should focus on both positive aspects and areas for improvement, fostering a culture of growth.
Participants learn to give feedback effectively and to accept it graciously, which enhances mutual respect and understanding. This exercise not only improves individual performance but also reinforces trust and collaboration within the team.
- Group Type: All group sizes.
- Duration: 1 hour.
21. Mystery Lunch
In this activity, team members are randomly paired or grouped for lunch. The surprise element of pairing ensures that employees interact with colleagues they might not usually spend time with, promoting new conversations and relationships.
To enhance the experience, consider providing discussion prompts or icebreaker questions to spark meaningful dialogue.
Mystery Lunch not only helps in breaking down silos within the workplace but also creates opportunities for collaboration and understanding, as team members share personal stories and build rapport over a meal.
- Group Type: All sizes.
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.
Tips for Building Trust in The Team
While trust team building activities for teams are incredibly effective for fostering trust, there are additional best practices that can serve to strengthen the bonds among team members.
Here are some actionable tips that can help instill trust within the team:
1. Open and Transparent Communication
A culture of openness encourages team members to speak their minds without fear of repercussions. Managers should lead by example, openly sharing both the ups and the downs.
This kind of environment not only nurtures trust but also speeds up problem-solving and innovation. Tools like regular check-ins, open-door policies, and transparent status updates can serve to further this agenda.
2. Delegate Responsibility
Entrusting team members with meaningful tasks or projects signals that they are valued and trusted. But don’t just delegate the task; also provide the freedom and resources needed to complete it.
By doing so, you help team members develop a sense of ownership, which in turn makes them more accountable and committed to the team's success.
3. Recognition and Reward
Acknowledging individual and team achievements can go a long way in building trust. Recognize not just the end results, but also the efforts and positive behaviors that contribute to a project’s success.
This can be done in team meetings, through internal newsletters, or even via a simple 'thank you' note. Rewards don't always have to be monetary; even a verbal acknowledgment can be highly effective.
4. Consistency is Key
Trust is built through consistency. Whether it’s in the quality of work, punctuality, or the way team members are treated, maintaining a consistent approach assures team members of what they can expect.
This also applies to holding everyone accountable for their actions, irrespective of their role in the team.
Remember, trust is not just the responsibility of the team leader; it’s a team effort. The more trust there is within a team, the more productive, collaborative, and satisfied the team members will be.
Incorporating these tips along with trust-building activities can create a more cohesive and effective work environment.
Summary: 21 Best Trust Building Exercises in the Workplace
The implementation of trust building activities inside the office has proven to bring great benefits to both companies and team members alike.
From now on, you have different trust building activities to choose from - your company and your team will certainly thank you for them! This is a summarized list of the 17 best trust team building activities to try:
Minefield: Blindfolded pairs navigate an obstacle course guided by verbal directions, fostering communication and trust.
- Minefield: Blindfolded pairs navigate an obstacle course guided by verbal directions, fostering communication and trust.
- Around the World Cooking: Teams cook diverse dishes from colleagues' cultures, promoting unity and exploration.
- Human Knot: Team members untangle by holding hands, requiring teamwork and creative problem-solving.
- Amazing Race Game: Teams tackle various challenges to win a race, encouraging collaboration and competitiveness.
- Egg Drop: Groups construct egg landing pads, nurturing creativity and teamwork through shared goals.
- Pet Projects: Sharing personal passions deepens connections and understanding among team members.
- Two Truths and A Lie: Team members share facts, guessing the lie for enhanced camaraderie.
- Virtual Scavenger Hunt: Remote teams find items in a timed challenge, strengthening communication.
- Virtual Escape Room: Remote colleagues collaborate to solve puzzles and escape, building cooperation.
- Back-to-Back Drawing: Pairs replicate images back-to-back, fostering trust and nonverbal communication.
- Eye Contact Challenge: Holding eye contact enhances social skills and encourages honest communication.
- City Hunt: In-person teams embark on scavenger hunts in new locations, bonding naturally.
- Trust Box: Teams practice trust falls, emphasizing support and cohesion.
- Ice Breaker Questions: Questions help new team members connect, easing integration.
- Personal Story Sharing: Sharing stories fosters communication and friendship.
- Volunteer or Community Service: Community tasks strengthen bonds and goodwill.
- Sound Off: Teams guess words from images without sound, promoting unity.
- Team Trivia: Participants answer themed questions, fostering both fun and engagement among team members.
- Trust Ladder: Team members share their personal and professional goals and fears, fostering empathy and understanding, and strengthening relationships within the team.
- Feedback Circle: Team members exchange constructive feedback in a safe environment, enhancing mutual respect and promoting a culture of growth and collaboration.
- Mystery Lunch: Team members randomly pair up for a meal, encouraging new conversations and relationships.
