08/ 25/ 2008
The daily tasks of running a small business keep many entrepreneurs too busy to think about creative ways to build good relations among employees. Oftentimes, between meeting deadlines, satisfying customers and keeping a close eye on the company's bottom line, small business owners forget how important it is to foster good relationships within their enterprise.
Looking for creative ways to build good relations among your team? Here are a few fun, easy ways to build employee relations year round:
Fall: Once cooler temperatures set in, consider getting your team together to tackle a project that will help needy families in your community prepare for the cold winter months. Contact Habitat for Humanity to find out how your business can help build a house for a family in need, or organize a clothing drive to provide winter clothes for the homeless. Whether you give up a Saturday to hammer nails and hang drywall or host a fundraiser to help finance a similar project, working together in the community will give employees the chance to learn more about one another.
Winter: Throwing a holiday party isn't the only thing you can do to build morale during the winter months—but it's a good start. To help your team beat the winter blues, close a few hours early on a Friday and foot the bill for a fun night on the town. Whether your team wants to go ice skating, catch a movie or grab cocktails at a local hotspot, they'll appreciate the chance to take off early and get to know each other outside the office.
Spring: Once it starts to warm up outside, your employees will welcome the chance to get outside. Volunteer with a beautification committee in the community and spend a day picking up litter and cleaning up streams and parks near your office—just don't forget to treat employees to a meal or other fun activity after their hard work. Spring is also a great time to head out of town for an outdoor adventure. Consider taking employees on a whitewater rafting trip, a weekend getaway in the mountains or a day hike at a national park.
Summer: Summer is the perfect time for cookouts, baseball games or even a day at the lake. Invite employees to your house for a laid-back afternoon of grilling out and playing games, or rent a boat at a nearby lake and take your team out for a fun, relaxing Saturday on the water.
For many employees, a highlight of working at a small business is having the opportunity to make friends with co-workers. Whether you coordinate volunteer opportunities for your team or simply provide a fun activity outside the office every few months, you're sure to build strong relationships between your employees.
