Mid-size to larger companies and corporations may be realizing a certain measure of profitability and prosperity in their given markets, but oftentimes management feels there is something “missing”. That something more can and should be done that will improve the work environment, helping to bring things together to make the whole operation run even more smoothly and efficiently. In many of these cases, these managers are finding that there is a lack of employee cohesion; that the staff just isn’t working well together or having difficulty in communicating with one another. In such circumstances, utilizing team building activities could be exactly what management needs to do to bring employees together. To help create more more solid bonds between employees and whole departments, which should invariably be of benefit in helping to improve communication, and ultimately improve morale and productivity. The benefits of team building, or team bonding, are numerous. When employees participate in these activities together, they get a much better understanding of each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests. This can translate to better understanding and communication at work, increasing productivity in the process.
Increased comfort levels amongst the staff leads to greater collaboration between employees, up to and including management. Great things can come about when the staff is comfortable sharing ideas, questions, or concerns with others around them. Another element that team building exercises help improve is trust amongst all team members. Though this is yet another variable that cannot be quantified, its stronger foundation may become quite evident when these exercises come into practice back in the active business environment. Organizers of team building activities within the company would be best suited to finding such activities that are fun, well organized, non-controversial, and can be participated in by virtually every member of the organization. Something that doesn’t require any specialized expertise or extraordinary physical exertion, yet is something that all people have some measure of experience in. One activity that fits all the above criteria is team building in cooking activities.
Some exemplary corporate cooking parties, such as those expertly hosted and run by companies like Cozymeal in NYC and San Francisco, feature a wide range of fun corporate culinary events and company cooking classes, where every activity is geared towards bringing people together. Where employees can build connections with others, all the while enjoying a very festive (and tasty!) experience that will provide wonderful lifetime memories. Local professional chefs and caterers feature different programs to choose from, with varying levels of interactivity participants can enjoy being a part of.
Culinary events, which last approximately three hours, begin with complimentary hors d’oeuvres upon guest arrival. Cooking commences for a little over one hour. Then, guests can enjoy the hors d’oeuvres made during the class, or sit down to a three course meal, with the menu participants have selected. All plating and serving is done by the hosting company’s staff, so all participants need to do is enjoy the wonderful cuisine.
Another extremely popular program, one which really promotes teamwork and communication, is a competition where participants are divided into teams. Choosing ingredients from mystery drawers, with guidance from the chefs, teammates work together to invent, then execute an hors d’oeuvre that they believe will be “best in class”. Participants will be judged on speed, creativity, design, and taste. This program is ideal for groups that have participants that aren’t necessarily interested in cooking a more extensive meal from start to finish. There are no “losers” in this competition, as everyone gets to enjoy their creation, and other group’s creations, after judging commences.
One more program is one that incorporates a scavenger hunt, cooking class, and culinary competition all together- real team building at its very best. After hors d’oeuvres upon arrival, participants are divided into teams. A company quiz kicks things off (the winning team getting a considerable advantage in the game). Following this is the supermarket search. Guests receive their roll themed recipes, then head out to gather their groceries. Upon returning, working with their chef’s guidance, teams work on making their most attractive, tastiest plate, all the while racing against the clock. The Master of Ceremonies tallies up points during the competition. A great exercise in teamwork from start to finish.
Perhaps the grandest, most involved program is the “dinner duel”, where participants, divided into teams, will be presented three edible “weapons” at their station. Two starches, two veggies, and two proteins, the six main-stage items, will serve as the team’s base for their presentation at the feast. Within 90 minutes, using no recipes, the teams, with the chef, will brainstorm ideas, come up with a plan, cook their dish, and execute large platters of food. This food will then be served at a post-competition family-style banquet. Six unique (and hopefully delicious) dishes will then be there for everyone to try and enjoy.
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