We have all been there—trapped in a long, boring training session in a windowless office that is either far too hot or cold. It is quite often the norm for team building, and while it is sometimes necessary to be in the classroom, a more interactive approach demanding energy expulsion may be more beneficial. Sport has for centuries been a viable form of increasing team cohesion and unity, so why not use the same philosophy for team building at work?
In HR Magazine’s quest for innovative and non-traditional forms of team building, we found ourselves at BOUNCE Inc in Kowloon Bay to see what all the fuss was about. As the name suggests, there is some bouncing involved. BOUNCE is in fact a sprawling colourfully lit room full of trampolines just begging to be bounced on. It is a stark contrast to the often harsh setting of the classroom. Many traditional team building activities have become routine and predictable, meaning HR increasingly needs to work harder to organise something fresh and keep talent engaged. Hong Kong has some of the longest working hours, increasing the likelihood of stress becoming a major issue, however, KK Chan, title, BOUNCE Hong Kong asserted, “Our facility gives employees a good break from the corporate world, they’re still learning but in a fun environment that also relieves stress of long work days. It serves a double purpose!”
Jumping through HR’s hoops
There is a huge array of activities available when it comes to choosing a team building exercise. They all come with the specific intent of breaking down barriers, and breaking the ice. The slightly bizarre experience of bouncing with colleagues makes dropping inhibitions that much easier. Smashing your colleagues with soft balls while playing a team match of Trampoline Dodgeball (no pain involved, don’t worry!) can be very liberating. This demolition of barriers can help improve team cohesion both on the trampolines and in the office.
Trampolining can be a pretty active sport, however Chan expressed, “For those with limitations, there is something that can be done at one’s own level of comfort that still gives the positive feelings of a physical challenge and working alongside a team.” For those who would like to practice more daring challenges, they are welcome to experiment with aerial moves. All of this is guided by attentive staff who are happy to assist those who need it. Chan reminisced, “We had a hotel porter, aged 65, who thanked us and said he would have never thought of jumping into an air bag at this age and that he felt 10 years younger!”
The experience was certainly enlightening—though very exhausting—and a great mid-week bonding and de-stressing session. It allowed a fresh sense of vigour when approaching the office on Thursday morning. After all, who does not like trampolining?
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
