Teams aren’t built by just gathering a group of people together. It takes time to build the relationship among team members. That’s why it’s important for small business owners to create opportunities for their teams to interact outside of their assigned projects. Here are five fun ideas to help you build team relationships in your small business.

1. Partner Up with a Cause – Local nonprofits are always in need of volunteers to help with  projects. Partner with one (look to your employees for suggestions.). Partner with one. For example, a local food bank might need help stocking their shelves. The project gives staff the opportunity to solve a nonwork problem and feel they’ve contributed to the greater good.
2. Survivor – Tell your team their airplane has just crashed into the ocean. Luckily, there’s enough room in the lifeboat for everyone to get to a nearby island. However, they can only take 12 items from the plane to the island. The group needs to determine which items they’ll take. This activity helps teams to communicate and learn to negotiate with each other.
3. Two Truths and a Lie – Have each staff member write down two true things about themselves and one thing that is lie. Either in pairs or as a group, each person reveals their three statements and asks others to guess which is the lie. This activity encourages communication and helps the team get to know each other better.
4. Five Minutes of Fame – Attach a sign to the back of each team member that has the name of a famous person. Give the group five minutes to find out from other team members which famous person it is. They can only ask questions that can be answered with a “yes” or “no.” This activity improves communication by requiring them to ask for precise information that can help solve a problem.
5. Build a Buick – Divide the staff into teams. Provide them with building materials such as cardboard box, duct tape and PVC pipes. Set a time limit and instruct them to design and build a car using these parts. Have your customers vote on the one they like best. This activity adds a creative element to problem solving where communication is important for them to finish within the time limit.

Work teams rarely just happen. They’re built over time. Small business owners can help the process by creating opportunities for team members to interact with each other. By making the activity fun and not work related, employees have the opportunity to develop relationships in a nonthreatening atmosphere.