5 team-building games to boost creativity and work motivation| Safe and Sound

In today's work environment, creativity is not only an advantage but also a driving force for innovation and development. However, creativity cannot thrive in a cramped, confined, or unmotivated space. In this article, Safe and Sound will suggest team-building games that help boost creativity and increase work motivation.

Ngo Thanh Thien An | Psychologist - Safe and Sound Mental Health Care Application

Institute of Applied Medical Technology

1. Why are team-building games necessary for teams to be more creative and motivated?

Why are team-building games essential for fostering creativity and motivation within teams?

Today, many teams are experiencing a lack of social interaction, leading to disjointed teamwork. When faced with pressure or conflict, members don't know how to communicate emotionally or find appropriate solutions, resulting in prolonged stress.

Team-building games are not only a form of entertainment that helps relieve stress, but also a tool to foster creativity and boost motivation within teams. Participating in new challenges encourages creative thinking to find ways to win and secure victory for the team. Through strategic thinking and problem-solving, participants develop adaptability and flexibility in their work.

Furthermore, team games help break down communication barriers, allowing members to connect naturally. Through these games, even shy members have the opportunity to express themselves and learn to work together seamlessly. Even if a team fails in a team-building game, it provides an opportunity to develop resilience by acknowledging shortcomings and improving teamwork skills without worrying about being judged on effectiveness or competence.

Most importantly, the goal of a team-building program is to create a positive work environment by recognizing, supporting, and motivating everyone to strive for excellence. When people have enjoyable experiences with their teammates, they become more enthusiastic, more connected, and carry that spirit into their daily work.

2. 5 team-building games that help teams boost creativity and motivation at work.

According to psychology experts, excessive pressure and stress at work can diminish positive emotions in the workplace. This can directly impact motivation and creativity. Therefore, psychology experts share that an effective team not only needs high expertise but also a spirit of unity, creating a positive work atmosphere and environment to boost creativity and promote more effective work motivation.

Below are 6 team-building games that psychology experts recommend companies organize for their employees during team-building events.

2.1 Bonding game: “Circle of Trust”

The game "Circle of Belief"

Suitable play areas : Offices, resort grounds, large open spaces.

- The purpose of team building games:

Build trust and connection among members.
Create a comfortable work environment, reduce stress, and promote positive emotions.
Help the team develop their ability to listen and understand their colleagues' psychology.

- Prepare :

The space is large and unobstructed.
Duration: 15-20 minutes.

- How to play :

Each group consists of 10-20 people, arranged in a circle.
Each person places their hand on the shoulder of the person next to them, closes their eyes, and leans back.
Objective: All team members must maintain balance, ensuring no one falls to the ground.
Once the group is comfortable with the challenge, they can move in a circle to increase the difficulty.

- Benefits of playing the game:

Improving morale helps employees feel safe and trust each other, starting within the game, and gradually spreading that trust into their lives and work.
Creating positive emotions helps reduce stress within the team.
Increase motivation and encourage cooperation and creativity.

2.2 Game: “Rescue Your Teammate”

Suitable play areas : Resorts, parks, large office buildings.

- Purpose :

Develop creative thinking skills when solving problems.
Increase work motivation by helping each other overcome challenges.
Developing the ability to analyze teammates' psychology helps everyone understand each other better.

- Prepare :

Cloth tape, adhesive tape, or plastic bands can be used to "lightly restrain" a member.
Props such as clamps, wooden sticks, straws, tape, etc., can be used to increase the challenge.
Duration: 30-45 minutes.

- How to play :

Divide into teams of 5-7 people, and choose one person to be the "victim" whose hands and feet are tied.
The team must find a way to untie their teammate using the props provided by the organizers, and they are not allowed to use their hands directly.
Within 15 minutes, the team with the most creative strategy and the fastest rescue will win.

- Benefit :

Help employees think flexibly and creatively to solve problems.
Understanding teammates' psychology increases trust and motivation.
Reduce stress and create a positive work environment.

2.3 Team Relay Game: “The Bonding Race”

The "Teamwork Race" game

Suitable play areas : Beaches, open spaces, parks.

- Purpose :

Boost employee motivation through creative challenges.
Develop quick thinking skills and emotional management under pressure.
Build teamwork spirit and improve team morale.

- Prepare :

The competition consists of several stages with different challenges.
Props: Burlap sacks, inflatable balls, water bottles…
Duration: 45-60 minutes.

- How to play :

Divide into teams of 6-8 people, each team must complete 4-5 relay challenges.
Some of the challenges could be:

Sack race to the finish line.
Pass the ball using your back without using your hands.
The blindfolded captain had to overcome an obstacle course under the guidance of his teammates.

The team that completes all the challenges first will win.

- Benefits : - Enhances creativity and flexibility in teamwork. - Improves emotional intelligence, helping employees manage stress better. - Creates motivation and fosters a positive team spirit.

2.4 Bonding game: “Drawing ideas together”

Suitable play areas : Offices, creative spaces, resorts.

- Purpose :

It stimulates creativity and helps employees relieve stress.
Practice expressing emotions through images.
Create a space for listening and fostering team psychology.

- Prepare :

A large canvas or sheet of drawing paper.
Colored pencils, paint, paintbrushes, stickers.
Duration: 20-30 minutes.

- How to play :

Divide into teams of 5-7 people (the number of members can vary depending on the number of participants, with each team not exceeding 20 people), each team receives a white tarp.
Task: Each group needs to draw a picture expressing a creative idea about their ideal company, product, or work culture.
Group discussion: Each group will present the meaning of their painting.

- Benefit :

Stimulate positive emotions and creativity.
It helps employees reduce stress and feel more connected.
Motivate employees by sharing common ideas.

2.5 Team Games: Tower of Strategy

Suitable playing areas : Large offices, auditoriums, resorts.

- Purpose :

Develop strategic and creative thinking skills.
Develop teamwork skills and the ability to analyze team psychology.
Help employees manage their emotions when working in a team.

- Prepare :

A set of wooden sticks, plastic cups, and rubber bands.
Duration: 20-30 minutes.

- How to play :

Divide into teams of 4-6 people, each team must build a tower from the provided materials within 2 minutes.
After 2 minutes, all members must stand away from the tower. The team with the tallest tower that remains standing for 10 seconds without collapsing wins.
If the tower collapses, the team must analyze the psychological factors that prevented them from winning and learn from the experience.

- Benefit :

Help employees think creatively and manage their emotions.
Develop teamwork and communication skills.
Reduce stress and boost motivation through fun challenges.

3. Safe and Sound supports team building and mental health solutions for businesses.

In addition to traditional team-building activities, businesses are increasingly focusing on employee mental health. Safe and Sound currently organizes cost-effective workshops specifically for businesses, helping them to:

Strengthening connections among employees
Helps relieve stress and improve mental health.
Improve the work environment and team performance.

Our workshops are designed to be flexible, tailored to each organization, and can take place in person or online, led by experienced psychologists and psychiatrists from Safe and Sound. If your business is looking for a creative team-building solution to help employees relax and work more effectively, contact Safe and Sound for a consultation!

Safe and Sound Clinic - Psychological Support and Family Health

With a team of experienced doctors and experts, Safe and Sound Clinic is a pioneer in providing comprehensive healthcare for you and your family, offering services that cover both medical and psychological care.
"Early Prevention—Timely Support—Long-Term Companion."
If you suspect or encounter any physical or mental health issues, please contact

HOTLINE 0964 778 911 (phone/Zalo, 24/7) for prompt assistance and support!
HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
You can schedule an online or in-person consultation with our experts:
- At SnS Clinic - IMT Institute
- Or download and schedule a consultation through the Safe and Sound app to manage and track your appointments anytime, anywhere.

Safe and Sound (SnS)—a part of the Institute of Medical Technology (IMT)

See more:

How to reduce stress instantly in 5 minutes or less.

8 key elements for designing successful team-building games.