Team building is an important part of building employee engagement and morale. However, team building can often prove more difficult than first expected.  Maybe you’ve tried some classic team building events -- pizza parties, bowling, and perhaps even company kickball . But, are you truly getting your whole team involved and excited? Are you searching for different options and unique experiences employees can get excited about? If this is you, let us suggest your next big team building event -- crafting! 

If you're a little skeptical, let us share 7 reasons why crafting is truly one of the best team building options out there. 

1. Crafting is an opportunity to learn new skills 

Crafting together is a great opportunity to learn a new skill with your entire team — and a fun skill at that! There are a range of crafts out there, each with their own skill sets, as well as transferable skills for the workplace. For example, learning embroidery or knitting can teach patience, while crafts like origami and painting can build attention to detail. Plus, engaging in arts and crafts activities can improve your team's creativity. As you may know, a whopping 94% of hiring managers consider creativity to be an important skill when hiring new employees. Crafting is a great opportunity to improve this important skill in your team.

Being creative and making something with your hands is also a great way to relax and reengage your brain in a fun new way. Taking part in creative activities can force us to look at situations and problems in new ways. Your team is sure to take away multiple new skills from the experience and feel refreshed afterwards.

2 Crafting is non-competitive fun

One other great thing about crafting is that it’s a non-competitive activity you can all enjoy together. Whereas activities like bowling and kickball emphasize competition, crafting together can focus more on the individual without feeling pitted against your coworkers. Mixing it up like this is a great way to make non-competitive personalities feel more welcome and integrated. Plus, it gives you all a chance to sit down and talk a bit more in a different, non-competitive environment. 

3. Crafting is all-weather compatible 

Another plus about crafting is that you can craft no matter the weather. Not having to reschedule due to rain or snow can be a godsend for teams living in places with unpredictable weather. (We're looking at you, Boston!) Sometimes, unpleasant weather can make for an even cozier crafting experience! For example, learning how to knit chunky blankets on a frigid winter day can emphasize the warmth and coziness of the activity for participants. Furthermore, your team will enjoy learning about different fun activities they can do at home when the weather is dreary.

4. Crafting creates something to take home

One of the nicest things about crafting is that you get to take home your creation at the end of the day. Whether it be a painting you made, glassware that you painted, or a cool mosaic mirror you put together, taking home something you made (and like!) is a fantastic perk. Having your craft in your home or at the office is also a reminder of the fun time you had together with your team. If your whole team decorates their desks with the crafts they made during the team building event, it can be a fun way to feel connected!

5. Crafting can be creating something together

With crafting, there is also the possibility of creating a giant work of art together. For example, you can each paint a tile of a larger mural, create origami cranes that you string together into a large decoration, or even create a huge quilt out of individual sewn pieces of fabric. You can display your large piece of artwork in the office where everyone can enjoy it and be reminded of your teamwork capabilities. Plus, it’s nice to be able to add that personal touch of warmth and community to your office space.  

6. Crafting is inclusive 

Crafting is inclusive in many ways! Co-workers who aren't athletic can feel involved without stress. De-centering food at the crafting event can help include people with severe allergies or dietary restrictions that sometimes prevent them from fully participating. And, some of your artsy co-workers might enjoy flexing their creative skills at work! If needed, you can also pick a craft event with co-workers in mind. For example, you can stay away from fresh floral arrangements if a coworker is allergic to flowers. With the wide range of crafts available, there is sure to be one that fits the needs of your team. And if you feel stuck picking a craft, you can also survey your team and see what crafts they would prefer to try!

7. Crafting is budget friendly

No matter your budget, you can find the perfect crafting experience for your team. Depending on cost of materials, you can keep the overall cost of your event low. For example, origami requires only the cost of origami paper, which is just perfect for low budget events. The cost of paints, brushes, paper, yarn, thread, and more is usually much cheaper than renting out a space for bowling or -- at the high end -- taking your team to a ski resort. 

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Now that we’ve convinced you that crafting is an excellent choice for team building events, it's time to explore your options! Some of our favorites for corporate team building events include chunky knit blankets, succulent terrariums, candle making, and fresh floral arrangements. But if none of these crafts quite catch your interest, we have tons of options, one of which is sure to be a perfect fit for your team.  

You can learn more at our corporate team events page or reach out to us through our contact us page. We can’t wait to work with you to create your perfectly crafty team building event.