Icebreaker activities are becoming increasingly popular in companies to boost the atmosphere, strengthen team cohesion and improve productivity. These are fun and interactive activities. But why are they so effective ? What are the benefits and when should you integrate them into your company ? Here’s everything you need to know about Icebreakers.
Why set up icebreakers within your teams ?
Icebreakers are designed to create a climate of trust and foster employee interactions. These activities are useful because they promote inclusion and diversity in the company, employees get to know each other better, beyond their function. The latter meet around a game/workshop/animation to break the ice.
Icebreaker activities therefore have many benefits. They allow :
- Break the ice : ideal for integrating new employees or to defuse tensions in a team.
- Stimulate communication : these activities encourage exchanges and facilitate collaboration within a work team.
- Foster creativity : the employees find themselves in a more informal setting, the Icebreakers stimulate innovation and collective thinking.
- Strengthen team spirit : they contribute to the creation of a caring and supportive working environment.
Also read : Teams Connect gives you tips for successful meetings through an icebreaker activity !
Icebreakers: what are the impacts on motivation and productivity of your employees ?
Performing icebreakers activities on a regular basis in the life of the company has a direct impact on the well-being and performance of employees :
- Increased engagement : an employee who feels well within their team will be more motivated and involved in their work.
- Improved concentration : a playful activity helps to relieve pressure and improve the ability to concentrate.
- Stress reduction : moments of relaxation promote better stress management and contribute to general well-being.
- Better team cohesion : close-knit employees work better together, which promotes overall productivity.
Organizing an icebreaker : all tips
Icebreaker activities are an excellent lever to boost the energy and cohesion of your teams as you have seen before. Find out what are the best times for this type of activity and which activities to offer your employees.
The best times to propose an icebreaker (meeting, seminar, integration…)
It is important to choose the right time to propose an Icebreaker activity in order to enjoy the many benefits. Some of the most opportune moments are :
- At the beginning of the meeting : a quick Icebreaker is used to capture the attention of participants and create positive momentum.
- During a company seminar : to break the ice and promote interactions between employees who do not necessarily know each other.
- During a team building session : an Icebreaker can be used as a preamble to a more structured activity in order to create a relaxed atmosphere among the participants.
- When integrating new employees : to facilitate their reception and integration into the team.
- In times of tension : a well-chosen Icebreaker can help defuse a conflict or loosen up an atmosphere within your company.
Icebreaker activities offered by Teams Connect
To organize an icebreaker in your company, discover 3 essential icebreaker ideas :
- Gian Shi-fu-mi
This is a full-size version of the famous game Stone-Paper-Scissors, transformed into an immersive and playful competition to energize your teams.
- The unlikely link
An original Icebreaker that reveals the unsuspected common points between your collaborators, ideal to strengthen team cohesion.
- Portrait fun & creative
A creative and humorous activity that allows teams to present themselves in an offbeat and original way.
You want to organize an icebreaker for your teams ? Teams Connect supports you in setting up this activity that will break the ice between employees. Contact us now for a custom quote.
