Evidence-Based and Peer Reviewed Research

Brigham Young University found that playing even 45 minutes of a cooperative, yet challenging game increased workplace productivity by 20% (over those who engaged in a typical team building event).

These games led to better solidarity amongst team members, more creativity and commitment to work, as well as a friendlier work environment.

According to the Association for Psychological Science, Better Teamwork Comes From Facing Challenges.

“Several studies have found that the act of “jostling” teams into new patterns, known as perturbation training, may improve coordination between team members by encouraging people to become more flexible and adaptable in new situations, rather than relying on rigid, rehearsed patterns of behavior.”

On an individual level, laughter improves our health by releasing endorphins, reducing stress, boosting our immune systems, increasing blood flow to internal organs, and relaxing our muscles.

From a team standpoint, laughter is central to healthy relationships and helps to form social bonds. A team that laughs together will have members who feel more connected to one another and thus work more cohesively and productively.

BetterUp Labs has found that employees who feel excluded experience 25% loss in performance and are 50% greater risk of turnover.

In 2020, belonging became more critical than ever as teams started working remotely. Research shows that belonging became 12% more important for employee happiness during COVID-19.

“Employees with a strong sense of belonging report a 56% higher level of overall job performance”

It is one thing to ask others for feedback and another to truly hear it. The Watson Wyatt Worldwide Study found that it takes more than just communication skills for teams to be successful.

Success also requires active listening and understanding, where individuals feel that their thoughts are truly heard and taken into account. Teams where individuals feel heard are 4.6 times more likely to “feel empowered to do their best work”.

The article “Communication, Commitment, and Trust: Exploring the Triad” in the International Journal of Business and Management found that both commitment and trust are founded in good communication. When communication within a group is misaligned, trust will be lacking. Without consistent attention to communication, a team will not have trust.