The Human Resources Department is the glue that keeps companies together. After all, they carry the responsibility of managing employee relations from the bottom all the way to the top. However, even HR can feel the strain of everyday work and need to take a break sometimes.

This is where fun team-building Activities tailored for the HR department come into play.

In this article, we’ll circle through some team-building activities that are guaranteed to help any HR department relax and have a good time both in and outside the workplace.

1. Why Team Building Activities For HR Department are Helpful

1.1. Improves Team Cohesion

When an HR team engages in activities that require teamwork, it fosters a sense of camaraderie among them. They’re able to grasp each other’s strengths, weaknesses and working styles, and collaborate more smoothly within the workplace. This translates to better team performance overall.

1.2. Promotes a Positive Culture

These days, many corporations prioritize a healthy workplace culture, and they should, because it’s the cornerstone of a thriving organization. When HR professionals participate in enjoyable, interactive activities, it creates a positive atmosphere that seeps into everyday work and increases team morale.

1.3, Alleviates High Workplace Stress

Working in human resources means you’re in the business of managing people, and that can be stressful. Team building activities act as a stress reliever, allowing you and your team to unwind and relax outside that stress. Consequently, you’ll have clearer decision-making skills and a more relaxed approach to conflict resolution and problem-solving.

1.4. Helps the HR Team Develop Critical Thinking

Aside from encouraging unity, many team building activities are also designed to Challenge teams intellectually. By engaging in them, HR employees can hone their analytical skills, learn to think outside the box, and address complex HR issues with confidence.

1.5. Encourages Open Communication

You can’t run an HR department without effective communication. Team building activities encourage open communication by breaking down barriers by building trust within the department. They teach HR teams to listen actively and express their ideas and feedback clearly, all of which are vital in handling employee relations within an organization.

2. 10 Team Building Activities for HR Department in 2023

2.1 Desk Wars

On our list of some of the best team building activities for the HR department is Desk Wars. This creative showdown that takes place right in your workplace. Design a series of challenges related to HR tasks and responsibilities. For example, challenges could include mock interviews, employee conflict resolution scenarios, or HR policy brainstorming sessions.

They could also craft entire presentations in record time, or let out their inner architect by building towers with only office supplies. Desk wars engage teams with tasks and challenges that are designed to test their teamwork, problem-solving skills, and capacity to think innovatively. 

2.2. Role Reversal

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes? You and your team can get a practical answer to this question by participating in role reversal.  In this engaging exercise, HR professionals, from top executives to entry-level staff, can freely swap positions and experience the challenges and triumphs of different roles within the organization. This will enable them to approach situations with a newly found sense of empathy and compassion, creating an environment where everyone feels valued, understood, and seen. 

By swapping desks and experiences, HR members can also acquire a whole new set of skills. Whether it’s mastering new software, handling customer and employee queries, or managing budgets, this activity hones their adaptability and problem-solving prowess.

2.3. Penny for Your Thoughts

You can’t really know a person till you know how they think and the best way to do this is by listening to them voice their thoughts to you and sharing yours in return. Penny for Your Thoughts involves team members sharing their thoughts, ideas, or solutions related to a specific HR challenge or topic.

The premise of this activity involves each team member receiving a certain number of pennies (or any small, symbolic currency) at the start. Throughout the exercise, participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, insights, or solutions to workplace challenges. The catch is that each time they contribute to the discussion, they “spend” a penny. This clever twist incentivizes team members to be thoughtful and considerate in their communication. It encourages them to weigh the value of their input and sparks meaningful discussions. 

The “Penny for Your Thoughts” exercise effectively promotes active listening, open dialogue, and a deeper understanding of different viewpoints. It also encourages the team to work collaboratively to address challenges, as thoughtful contributions lead to productive solutions.

2.4. Office Trivia

One of the popular team building activities for HR department is a classic trivia game. How well do you think you know your office? What about your colleagues?  Office Trivia puts that to the test by quizzing your team on things like company history, office traditions, and the unsung heroes who dwell in the cubicles. It’ll unleash a healthy competitive spirit and ignite a friendly rivalry within your department and is a great day to celebrate company culture and create a strong sense of belonging amongst HR personnel. 

Full disclaimer; these Office Trivia questions aren’t a walk in the park, so your team will need to think critically, and collaboratively trade answers.

2.5. HR Problem-Solving Scenarios

These scenarios are immersive challenges that throw HR teams into complex, real-world situations. They range from resolving intricate employee conflicts to devising innovative talent acquisition strategies.  To spice things up, teams usually have limited time to brainstorm, strategize, and present their ideas or solutions. This pushes them to think on their feet and work together to solve a common obstacle. 

How they react to these hypothetical scenarios says a lot about how they approach similar issues in real life. As a result, this activity is a great way to make corrections in an open, low-pressure environment. Teams will learn to dissect problems, identify root causes, and devise innovative solutions to personnel management problems.

2.6. HR Book Club

Your resident book lovers will love this! And even employees who aren’t very literature-inclined can be brought along by offering them a wide selection of books and making them available to them. A book club isn’t just about reading; it’s about shared experiences and shared emotions. Engaging in lively debates, hitting literary goals, and even respectfully disagreeing all contribute to a sense of togetherness in the workplace, and result in a more cohesive space.

You can pick a “Book of the Week” and organize group readings, discussions, and debates around it. Give people an opportunity to trade opinions and criticisms of the characters, plotlines, and themes in the book, and you’ll definitely see them polish their interpersonal communication skills.

2.7. HR Workshops

Workshops have the ability to transform a mundane HR department into a powerhouse of innovation, collaboration, and synergy. They usually include inventive exercises that explore the latest industry trends, innovative HR practices, and cutting-edge human resource technologies. 

If you’re looking for team-building activities for an HR department that offer a hands-on approach, then this would be the perfect choice. Not only do these workshops encourage out-of-the-box thinking and creativity, they also boost self-confidence by empowering teams with a wealth of new knowledge and skills.

2.8. One Sentence Story

Can you string together a meaningful story with a single sentence? Find out with this exciting team-building activity. In One Sentence Story, your HR team will have to craft engaging tales with limited resources. Alternatively, they could also weave a single creative narrative by contributing unique sentences.  

Moreover, this activity serves as an excellent icebreaker, especially for new team members or during team-building workshops. These stories pave the way for open dialogue and effective communication. It’s a powerful reminder that every voice in the HR department matters, creating an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and heard.

2.9. Who Am I

This is another one of many team building activities for HR department that is guaranteed to bring any group of human resource professionals under the same cohesive banner. 

In Who Am I? Team members describe or imitate famous personalities, historical figures, fictional characters, or even their colleagues, and other employees make guesses as to who they could be. The game creates an environment where HR professionals step into the shoes of others, promoting empathy and understanding.

2.10.  Last 30 Seconds

The “30-Second Game” is one the more fun time-based team building activities for HR department  in which participants are given 30 seconds to convey a specific message or perform a task. Teams must work together quickly to achieve the objective within the given time frame, which hones decision-making skills under pressure, which can be particularly useful in HR’s problem-solving role.

The game can have various objectives, such as, encouraging quick thinking and effective communication, which are essential skills in HR’s daily interactions. Another plus is to help promote collaboration and teamwork as HR often deals with issues that require input from multiple perspectives.

3. FAQs

3.1. What is team building in HRM?

Team building in HRM involves a conscious effort to enhance collaboration and communication among team members through activities that address specific challenges like communication skills or conflict resolution.

3.2. How do you build a good HR team?

You can’t build a good HR team without defining clear roles, strategic recruitment, and fostering an inclusive, positive work culture. It’s also important to encourage collaboration through team-building activities and projects.