4 Ways To Boost Teamwork This Summer

Forbes

16 hours ago

4 Ways To Boost Teamwork This Summer
Summer is the perfect season to refresh team dynamics, enhance collaboration, and bring a bit of sunshine into the workplace culture. With longer days and a more relaxed atmosphere, it's an ideal time to implement lighthearted yet meaningful initiatives that strengthen teamwork, deepen connections, and foster a more engaged, supportive environment.
In fact, a study by Gallup revealed that engaged employees can boost workplace productivity by up to 14%, making this the perfect moment to invest in your team's connection and cohesion.
Here are four effective ways to boost teamwork this summer.
When the end of the week rolls around, most people are ready to unwind. Why not use Fridays as an opportunity to bring your team closer together? Creating a Friday tradition is a great way to build rapport, boost morale, and set a positive tone going into the weekend.
Sharing food has always been a universal way to bond. It gives teammates a chance to chat in a more relaxed setting. This could be as simple as having lunch together every Friday, whether it's ordering in, a potluck, or heading out to a local spot.
Aside from meals, other Friday traditions could include having a casual dress theme in the office, such as Hawaiian shirt Friday or flannel Friday. Whatever the ritual, the key is consistency. Make it fun, inclusive, and something your team looks forward to. These small gestures of connection can build trust and camaraderie that carry over into the work itself.
Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Fun fact: teams that feel recognized every month are 36% more likely to be engaged and 22% more likely to be committed, according to a study by Achievers. Recognition doesn't have to wait until formal reviews or annual awards. A simple, structured way to appreciate each other regularly can work wonders for team spirit and motivation.
Create a recurring calendar invite for a team-wide "Shoutout Session," such as on Wednesdays at 10 AM. During this time, encourage teammates to recognize each other for great work, collaboration, or even small acts of kindness that often go unnoticed. These shoutouts or compliments can be done via team chats, during meetings, or via posts on a shared board. You can also create a 'Star Team Player' poster every week to highlight a team member's accomplishments.
The goal is to normalize gratitude and give people a space to uplift one another. It also sets a tone that celebrating others is just as important as individual achievement. A well-timed compliment can boost morale, strengthen relationships, and remind everyone that their contributions are seen and valued.
Team retreats don't have to mean expensive overnight stays or elaborate off-site events. With a bit of creativity, you can plan a memorable team-building experience that fits your budget and still gets people out of their day-to-day routines. Simple group activities such as a picnic at a nearby park, a mini scavenger hunt around the city, a game night with board games and snacks, or a volunteer day at a local nonprofit or food bank.
Create an environment where people can interact differently, away from project deadlines and meeting agendas. Casual, shared experiences can break down barriers, spark new friendships, and improve collaboration once everyone is back at their desks.
It would be best to conduct a survey beforehand to gather input and make sure the activity is something most people will enjoy.
One of the best ways to build empathy, respect, and collaboration is to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Organizing a fun 'Role Swap Day' can give team members a chance to step into each other's roles for a few hours or a full day, depending on your workflow.
This doesn't mean everyone has to master someone else's job. A team member can shadow another teammate, assist with routine tasks, or take on a project component they don't usually handle. For instance, an IT personnel might join a sales team for the day, or a supervisor could try out a basic analytics task.
The goal is to build cross-functional understanding and appreciation, so the tasks should be lighthearted and safe, with no pressure to perform perfectly. It also helps individuals grow professionally by exposing them to different skill sets and challenges within the team.
To keep things organized, pair people up in advance and set clear expectations. After the activity, the team can have a meeting that will encourage everyone to share their insights, such as what they learned, what surprised them, or what they now see differently about a colleague's role.
Teamwork doesn't thrive by accident. It grows through intention, effort, and shared experiences. This summer, you can try these four ideas to foster a more connected and supportive team. You will also be creating a workplace where people feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best.
So go ahead! Start a new tradition, give a shoutout, plan that retreat, or swap roles for a day. Remember, the most effective team-building strategies don't require big budgets or grand gestures. It's often the small, consistent actions that build the strongest bonds.