From Happy Hours to Solid Work Hours: Why is it important that work is not just "all work"?

From the desk of Miles Everson: Hello! How are you? I hope all is well with you, whether in your personal life or in your career. Today, I’m excited to share with you a topic that I consider as one of the essential aspects in the workforce. Every Friday, I write about health, wellness, book reviews, career enhancement strategies, and the future of work with hopes to help you achieve your personal, professional, and organizational goals. Excited for today’s topic? Read on to know about the benefits of this particular activity when infused with mindfulness.

From Happy Hours to Solid Work Hours: Why is it important that work is not just "all work"? What do you love about team building activities? The games? The food? The fun moments shared with your colleagues OUTSIDE of work? In the fast-paced world of modern business, where deadlines loom large and expectations run high, the concept of teamwork has never been more crucial. Besides, effective collaboration can make or break a project, determine the success of a company, and even shape the course of an entire industry. … but what exactly makes a team THRIVE? How do you foster a culture of cooperation and cohesion not just within the workplace but also outside the workplace? Part of that answer lies in the art of team building. At its core, team building is about bringing individuals together to achieve a common goal—forge connections, build trust, and unleash the collective potential of a group. Team building activities come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s outdoor adventures or problem-solving challenges during “happy hours” at work, the underlying purpose of team building remains the same: To strengthen bonds, enhance communication, and foster a sense of unity among team members. The benefits of effective team building are manifold and far-reaching. When team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas, innovation flourishes, and solutions to complex problems emerge more readily. What else? Team building cultivates a sense of trust and camaraderie among colleagues. When individuals collaborate on tasks outside the realm of their daily work, they gain insights into each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and working styles. This deeper understanding fosters empathy and respect, laying the foundation for strong working relationships. Here’s the twist: Is it possible to infuse mindfulness into team building activities? The answer is YES. … but what does mindfulness have to do with team building? As it turns out, there’s quite A LOT! Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing, and body scans, can be seamlessly integrated into team building activities to enhance their impact. By incorporating mindfulness into their routines, teams can reap a host of other benefits: Enhanced Communication In team building exercises, participants often engage in activities that require effective communication to solve problems or achieve common goals. Mindfulness helps team members stay present and attentive during these interactions, leading to clearer communication and fewer misunderstandings. Stress Reduction In team building activities that involve challenges or competitions, stress management is essential for maintaining a positive and productive team dynamic. Mindfulness practices can equip team members with tools to stay calm and focused under pressure. Empathy and Collaboration In team building, fostering empathy helps strengthen relationships among team members and promote a sense of unity. When individuals understand and empathize with their colleagues, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and support each other towards shared goals. Conflict Resolution Team building activities often provide opportunities for individuals to practice conflict resolution in a controlled environment, allowing them to develop strategies for addressing disagreements or misunderstandings in a respectful manner. Here are some examples of team building activities infused with mindfulness: Guided Group Meditation Mindful Walking Group Yoga Mindful Eating Mindful Problem-Solving Gratitude Circle These activities combine the principles of mindfulness with traditional team building exercises to promote self-awareness, communication, empathy, and collaboration among team members. By incorporating mindfulness into these activities, organizations can cultivate a more positive and resilient team culture that fosters personal growth and collective success. — In an era defined by rapid change and relentless competition in the workplace, the value of effective teamwork cannot be overstated. That’s why I encourage you to conduct even simple team building activities with your workforce from time to time! By embracing the principles of team building and integrating mindfulness practices into your approach, your organization can nurture stronger, more resilient teams capable of navigating any challenge that comes their way. So, wait and look no more! The next time you gather your colleagues for a team building activity, consider adding a dash of mindfulness to the mix! Who knows? You might just be surprised by the transformative power your exercise unleashes. I hope you find today’s topic interesting, helpful, and insightful. Advance happy weekend, everyone! Hope you’ve found this week’s insights interesting and helpful. EXCITING NEWS AHEAD The world of work has shifted, and there’s no going back. The barriers to entry have never been lower for talented professionals to work independently, and today’s massive external workforce is hardly a pandemic-produced fad. Business owners can only survive in the new work landscape by partnering with this deep talent pool. With decades of experience in both small-business entrepreneurship and executive management at PwC, I truly believe that the future of work is independent. With that, I’m happy to share with you that my book, co-authored with Walter Scott Lamb, is now available for pre-order on Amazon! Free Birds Revolution: The Future of Work & The Independent Mind This is an essential read for both independent professionals and corporate executives. Here, we provide educational and practical guides to unpack the ever-growing workforce and offer you crucial ways to become a client of choice. Click on the link above to pre-order your copy. Let this book help you future-proof your career and organization in the new world of work. For a daily version of this newsletter, please subscribe here.