Most people would agree that team-building exercises are important for the workplace because they help employees learn more about each other, develop better teamwork skills, and improve communication. But what if there were a fun and exciting way to do team building that didn’t involve sitting in a conference room listening to a boring presentation?
Enter escape rooms. These physical puzzles started becoming popular a few years ago and have been growing in popularity ever since. They offer an exciting and unique way for teams to come together and work towards a common goal.
Here are seven reasons why you should consider using escape rooms for your next team-building event.
They’re inclusively fun!
The whole point of team building is to get employees to bond with each other and have fun while doing it which makes escape rooms the perfect activity. These puzzles are designed to be challenging but not impossible, so everyone in the group can feel like they’re contributing. There are logical, creative, mathematically, and physically challenging puzzles, so there’s something for everyone.
Additionally, the theme makes it all fun and exciting. Whether you’re escaping from a mad scientist’s laboratory or trying to solve a mystery, the setting will add to the overall experience. If you’re choosing Vegas-based escape rooms, you can choose casino or hangover themes, or even be locked in a room with zombies! Afterward, you can have a fun night out on the town since your team has conquered the challenge.
They help employees bond with each other
Since everyone has to work together to solve the puzzles, this is a great way for employees to get to know each other better. They’ll have to rely on each other’s strengths and communicate effectively to escape the room. This is a great way to build trust within a team and foster better relationships.
If you have a new employee, or someone shy, this can also be a great way for them to get to know their co-workers better. On the other hand, if there are already issues within the team, this can be a great way to address them or to notice them so they can be dealt with.
If your company is remote, online escape rooms can help bring your team together virtually.
They encourage teamwork
For a team to escape the room, everyone will have to work together. This means that employees will have to communicate effectively, listen to each other, and use each person’s strengths to solve the puzzles. This is a great way to encourage teamwork and to show employees that they can rely on each other.
Additionally, since the goal is to escape the room within a certain time limit, this will also help employees learn to work under pressure. This can be a valuable skill in the workplace, especially if there are tight deadlines.
And since employees will be working together closely, they’ll get to know each other better. This includes learning about each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles. This knowledge can be helpful in the workplace, especially when it comes to working on projects together.
They improve communication
As mentioned before, employees will have to communicate effectively to solve the puzzles and escape the room. This means that they’ll have to listen to each other, share ideas, and give clear instructions.
Additionally, since there’s usually a time limit, they will have to learn to communicate quickly and efficiently. This is a valuable skill in the workplace, especially in fast-paced environments.
On the other hand, if there are communication issues within the team, this can be a great way to address them. By working on the puzzles together, employees will have to communicate with each other and they may be able to identify the issue. This can then be addressed outside of the escape room.
They’re challenging
Since escape rooms are designed to be challenging but not impossible, employees will be in the perfect situation to use their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. This is a great way for them to practice these skills and use them in real-life situations.
For instance, if an employee is struggling with a project, they can use the problem-solving skills they learned in the escape room to figure out a solution. This can then be applied to their work project. Or, if an employee is dealing with a difficult customer, they can use their critical-thinking skills to find a resolution.
Leaders and Followers
In an escape room, there are usually a few people (or a single one) who take on the role of leader. They’ll be the ones giving instructions and keeping the team on track. However, there are also usually a few people who prefer to follow instructions and let others take charge.
This is a great way for employees to learn about their leadership and communication styles. Additionally, it’s a great way for employees to learn to work with people who have different styles.
For instance, if an employee is a leader, they may have to learn to be more patient with someone who prefers to follow instructions. Or, if an employee is a follower, they may have to learn to speak up more and share their ideas.
Change of scene and outgoing
An escape room can be a great change of scenery for employees. It’s a fun and interactive way to spend time together outside of the office. This can help them relax and recharge, so they’re ready to work hard when they get back to the office and they will have something to talk about.
Escape rooms are usually designed for groups of 4-10 people. However, some escape rooms can accommodate larger groups or even corporate team-building events. This is a great way to get employees out of the office and interact with each other in a fun and challenging environment.
Escape rooms can be a great way to encourage teamwork and help employees learn more about each other. Additionally, they’re challenging and can help employees sharpen their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. And finally, they’re fun and outgoing activities that can be a great change of scene for employees.
So, if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to encourage teamwork, an escape room experience may be just what you need!
