While I can’t tell you how to ensure everyone has a best friend at work, I can tell you that developing coworker relationships doesn’t always come naturally. Sometimes employees get caught in the mundane and need a little nudge to step outside of their work funnel, while others balk at the idea of intermingling and being social while at work.
But with data backing the need for strong coworker relationships, your company needs to provide opportunities for friendships to flourish. Here’s where to start.
Improve Workplace Culture With Company Events
No matter how small (think: cake for a coworker’s birthday), or large (think: company outing), employer-sponsored events are a great way for employees to interact with peers. It also gives them a common bond to talk about in future conversations.
Here are 10 ideas of company events you could implement to improve your workplace culture.
1. Game Day Rivalry
Is there a big game coming up? Have everyone in the office dress to support their team of choice! You could add a potluck lunch to the fun — or better yet, make the losers bring (or serve) lunch for the winners on the next workday.
2. Sports League
In addition to cheering for the local high school, college, or professional team, form your own work team and join a sports league! Have the company purchase required jerseys and league fees and go play with (or cheer on) your colleagues outside of work each week.
3. Service Project
Employees working together to provide some type of giving-back project to the community does amazing things for unity and employee morale.
4. Paint Night
Whether or not you think you’re an artist, a group paint night is a fun experience to share with coworkers. It’s especially good for those left-brain number crunchers to step outside their comfort zones.
5. Company Party
Summer, Halloween, Christmas, or ANY time is a great time for a company party! You could announce a simple potluck picnic, or the company could rent out a Food Truck for lunch. Hosting a costume party with a prize for the best costume (or department theme of costumes) could bring a sense of unity and moments they’ll never forget. Parties could be formal or informal, held in-house after-hours or at a venue for employees to bring their +1 and mingle before and after the event. Whatever you do, everyone that participates will have great memories that connect them with the company for years to come.