In many parts of the world communities are gradually reopening as we emerge from the Covid pandemic. In reopening there is an easing of restrictions. Some people are going to restaurants, seeing friends and family they haven’t seen for some time. Maybe they are returning back to work at an office.
There are mixed reactions in this reopening. There is relief and joy in more freedom, but also anxiety. After being in this prolonged period of stress that is the pandemic, there are residual effects on individuals and on businesses.
One of the residual effects that will be felt by many businesses is employee turnover. Did you know that several recent studies are citing a high proportion of employees plan to look for a new job once the pandemic ends? The cost of this turnover is potentially huge.
Now is the time for team building
Now is the time to care for one another. If there ever was a time for paying attention to team building and employee engagement, the time is now. People need to reconnect to each other and to their workplace. And it needs to be fun.
The time for traditional team building exercises where people gather and talk about learning styles, etc. is past. Team building exercises need to be long lasting. They need to help team members to develop new skills. They need to have a lasting impact. We need creative solutions to employee turnover and to team building.
Creativity brings results
Research indicates that not only does engaging in a creative practice promote resilience and prevent burnout, but when employees are given the chance to be creative, they are more engaged in their work. Also that engaged employees are more creative. And we know that there are links between engagement and productivity and innovation in the workplace.
Creativity has been identified as one of the key essential skills employers will look for in future employees.
Creative solutions to team building make sense
My creative solution
Through my business Meryl Cook Engagement by Design I work with corporations to help leaders and their teams with engagement and well-being. Using hands-on, creative methods I help teams to de-stress and reconnect. I provide practical tools for continuing the process at the individual and team level.
All of my fully customizable sessions include creative journaling and sketching exercises designed to promote engagement and strategies for well-being.
My most impactful work includes hands-on creation of individual pieces of fibre art and a group design that reflects the team’s vision and purpose. These pieces form a permanent installation in my client’s place of business.
Looking for a fresh and creative approach?
I can help with this. If you are concerned about the retention and well-being of your team members and are looking for a fresh and creative approach I’m your person. I’d be happy to design a customized, creative program to meet the needs of your group. Contact me and let’s get started.
