Tag: team building

With all the questions floating around about what 2023 will bring, wouldn’t it be nice to know that our teams will be more efficient and effective than they were last year? What if there were a way to ensure that this year will be stronger than the last? What’s the one investment that can guarantee returns year in and year out? The answer to everything is simple…

It’s team building!

It has been shown that team building boosts morale and employee buy-in, but 2023 is going to continue to present new challenges and another wave of this, that, or the other thing — how can it benefit the bottom line? Team-building events are guaranteed investments back into your employees, and chances to get them out of the conference room and onto their feet, thinking about issues in new ways, with different people, building interdepartmental trust and letting their hidden abilities shine.

Bringing Remote Workers Together

Coming into 2023 it is hard to deny that remote and hybrid work is here to stay for many companies of all sizes. Outside of manufacturing and the events and entertainment industries, a lot of top-tier talent is pressuring employers for not just a hybrid schedule, but the ability to work from wherever. With more of the workforce working remotely, it is crucial to find new ways of connecting away from the breakroom.

This is where team building thrives. Team-building events are proven to develop positive relationships between employees and lead to a more satisfaction with the work they do. Working with Corporate Event Interactive (CEI), we will create an event that cultivates these relationships and fosters a deeper sense of belonging on your team. This will make for a more positive work environment and sense of community regardless of an employee’s proximity to the office.

Creating Relationships and Building Interdepartmental Bonds

It’s no secret that the foundation of team building is about creating relationships and building bonds. The name of the game is building teams. But those bonds don’t stop at departmental lines. In fact, team-building events can be a great way to help employees see each department and gain a better understanding of their colleagues’ positions. This understanding will help prevent problems, while also giving teams the necessary tools to work through any issues as they arise.

At CEI, we have a lot of programs that bring companies together and help them work interdepartmentally. Beyond resolving conflicts, interdepartmental bonds can generate new perspectives on projects. When employees feel more comfortable with their colleagues, they become more open to their ideas. This openness can lead to greater efficiency company-wide because not only are more innovative ideas being created, but teams are more aware of what each other are doing.

Finding New Team Leaders

Team-building tends to show the different roles that employees step into when confronted with challenges. Some will take on any hands-on or physical tasks, while others excel at puzzles. Something to look out for is those leadership qualities that emerge from tasks. It might not be the one completing the task or even the loudest group member, but there will be team members that are better at encouraging their peers and pulling them through when a roadblock becomes all the more challenging. The new setting of a team-building event may give those natural leaders a chance to reveal their abilities that might not be as easily seen in a normal work environment — especially if they’re only ever seen through a Zoom window.

Should Employee A take on a new role? Will they thrive in a group with Employee B? Team-building events are great pressure cookers to help managers identify the strengths and weaknesses of different employees and teams. A better understanding of these attributes will help build more effective teams in the future, as well as assign tasks that will play to an employee’s abilities and better utilize them. When employees feel that they are better utilized, they perform more efficiently and more effectively.

Getting Together To Give Back

Organic teamwork comes most naturally from activities built around collaboration. Collaborative efforts makes employees feel more connected to each other and better supported in their work environment, and nothing builds collaboration quite like a cause. Whether that be a volunteer opportunity or a charitable event, when employees experience and take part in their company’s compassion, they feel a sense of pride in the work they do on a day-to-day basis.

The team at Corporate Event Interactive loves to help companies give back to a variety of causes. We love handcrafting events to meet your company’s needs, while connecting directly to those who will receive your donation. We’ve previously partnered with dozens of charities, clubs, and centers throughout the Chicagoland area. Need help figuring out your next charitable event? Let us help you out.

The end of another year is the perfect time to take a moment to reflect, and to take stock of all that we’ve accomplished. We here at Corporate Event Interactive have been so fortunate to play a role with so many companies this year who sought to come together, some for the first time. Seeing all of these faces join together to give back to the community or to go on a scavenger hunt or just to mingle and play some friendly games has been a joy for us.

Team building turns a company into a community. It could be as simple as sharing little known facts or as complex as solving a series of riddles to escape from a deserted island. Our aim at CEI is to get your team out of the cubicle (or bedroom turned office) and into a state of play. This play-state breaks down the barriers between coworkers and helps them connect in a deeper, more meaningful way. Our CEI team makes sure that everyone becomes engaged and gets to know each other — developing deeper bonds and helping them function more effectively and efficiently.

As we close this chapter called 2022, we are excited to see what’s next for you. We know that the past few years have not been easy, but we are ready to help where we can. The workplace continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing world we live in, and our CEI team is overjoyed that you trust us to help your company become a community.

Insights into the hidden costs of turnover and tips on how to retain employees this year

Goodbye to 2021 and Welcome 2022!

Over the past two years, staff have been scrambling between working in the office, hybrid work, working from home, hiding in basements and closets to get a quiet space, flooding coffee shops, sometimes wishing they could connect by Starlink from the ISS. No matter the predictions (and even the outcomes) for this new year, one thing is certain: you need to keep your team motivated!

Capture Company Culture By Linda Whitlock Hi Everyone, With so many teams working remotely from home, maintaining company culture has been challenging, to say the least. The days of gathering together for lunch or after work socials are long forgotten (if non-existent). Impromptu outings now resemble meetings where arrangements have to be thought through, planned and scheduled in advance. Any gathering or activity with your team is an opportunity to help encourage better communication practices, build trust and values, and promote moments of joy at work. We all need to feel connected. Team building is one way to develop a strong company culture, providing a sense of community. It could be as simple as sharing stories of favorite childhood memories or recipes. Or, creating a fun and friendly competition between departments. There are many options that can be delivered virtually or in-person. When a team works together to achieve common goals, everyone wins! Individuals, the organization and customers. The benefits of team building go a long way, long after the activity experience ends. Contact us to help build and strengthen your company culture in 2022. From our CEI team to yours, wishing you all a safe and relaxing holiday season. We look forward to working with you in 2022. ~ Linda

Holiday Season is Near … Let’s celebrate another year! By Linda Whitlock Hi Everyone, And just like that we are winding down another year! Are you making plans for a fun celebration or meaningful give back with your group? Remote or in-person, ’tis the season to celebrate your team’s resilience and hard work navigating through another unprecedented year. Let’s team up and plan a festive event that your team will love and remember! ~ Linda

Adding Value to Valuable Meetings

By Linda Whitlock

Every gathering with your team is valuable. Providing a chance to share, learn and grow company culture. It takes a lot of time and effort to bring everyone together – in person or virtual – and you want to make the most of it.
In addition to meeting business objectives in a formal meeting, strategic social activities connect your group in different ways.
They help:

• Foster attendee relationships
• Breakdown barriers and create trust
• Promote corporate culture
• Boost morale and team spirit
• Provide opportunities to give back to the community

 It is more than just fun and games. Let’s connect and explore how you can incorporate a strategic activity that adds value to your next valuable meeting.
~ Linda

Chicago’s Team Building Company

At CEI, we are proud to celebrate over 30 years as Chicago’s Team Building company. From our founding as birthday party and corporate picnic creators in the 80’s to our current innovative team events, CEI has grown into a respected force in the hospitality industry. Our roots and connection to Chicago remain strong as we collaborate with outstanding organizations and support local charities. We are thankful for all the amazing relationships we’ve established over the years and we appreciate your continued support! 
~ Linda

Chicago Gets Back to Business!

We are so excited that our hometown, Chicago, is finally on its way to fully and safely reopening! With increased capacities at restaurants, convention centers, event venues, theaters and summer festivals – visitors can enjoy all that Chicago has to offer and Chicagoans can get back to business!

We look forward to helping you to create a dynamic interactive experience (virtual, hybrid or in-person) for your team this summer!! 

~ Linda

Another Virtual Summer for Corporate Groups

Things are looking better each day for getting back together in-person! But, we are not quite there yet…  Most corporate groups continue to plan for virtual or hybrid programs throughout the summer. It is encouraging to see companies starting to rebuild after major downsizing and restructuring last year — now is the time to capture the momentum and unify these new organizational structures. Team building can help! National sales meetings, new-hire training sessions, group outings, and other corporate gatherings are still happening and can all benefit from interactive fun! At CEI, we continue to innovate with our clients to meet their needs and deliver unique interactive events.   

Let’s connect and get innovative for your group this summer! 

~ Linda