Do you ever stop and wonder why some people will work at one company their entire career and others barely make it six months? Is it that the long-term employees are paid so well from the get-go that they can’t leave or is it something else? What causes short-term employees to become so disenfranchised that they are already looking for their next move before they even get settled in? Although there are many possible reasons for both outcomes, one thing is for sure; no company can succeed if their employees are unhappy and unable to work together.

Like the military, mission success depends not only on individual skill and training, but on discipline, coordination, clear communication, and the ability of each member to operate as a unit. In the corporate world, when a company emphasizes the importance of cohesiveness and team members commit themselves to a common goal, their potential is limitless. When employees take on the attitude that “we are all in this together” and “no one will be left behind”, morale is boosted, productivity is increased, creativity and efficiency are enhanced, and in the end, everybody wins. 

This is especially true for restoration companies, where the challenges of restoring lives impacted by disasters require people with a wide range of skillsets to not only execute the work, but also maintain the day-to-day operations of the company. Everyone, from the receptionist who is the first point of contact with the customer, to the estimators, sales and production teams, and even the crews who do the final cleanup, everyone has an important role to play.

A Strategy to Strengthen Cohesiveness: 

Research has established that team cohesion represents one of the primary drivers of team performance, high morale, and employee retention. However, getting employees to work together can often be like herding a bunch of stray cats. To achieve cohesiveness, people need purpose, recognition that their contribution matters, and that they belong. In turn, it is essential that they recognize the importance of everyone’s contribution to the team to avoid the “lone-wolf” mentality or building department silos. 

One way to accomplish this is to create team building exercises that are engaging, fun, and rewarding. The word “TEAM” is often referred to as an acronym that stands for Together Everyone Achieves More. Teams that work well together rely on trust built through shared experience, and cooperative games create micro-environments where teammates must depend on each other.

Research Supporting Team Video Games:

A 2021 study published in the National Library of Medicine titled “Team Building Through Team Video Games” ^[1] found that “At a high level, team cohesion theory states that teams should develop the following attributes to be able to work effectively together: (1) social relationships and trust, (2) attraction to the team, (3) general attraction to team tasks, and (4) knowledge of how to work together. This study also found that “Team Video Gaming has a positive overall effect on subsequent team performance.”

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Another study conducted by Brigham Young University in 2018 titled “Team Video Gaming for Team Building: Effects on Team Performance” ^[2] found “in-house team video gaming (TVG) has emerged in organizations as an interesting alternative to traditional team-building activities. TVG can take place in short sessions (less than 60 minutes) and can occur “in house” at the physical location of the team. Therefore, employees play team video games during breaks and before or after work. 

One study estimates that a third of all employees in Australia and New Zealand have used video games in some form to enhance their workplace productivity. Ideally, team building activities will produce greater team cohesion, which refers to the unity and bond that forms when team members have mutual positive feelings toward each other, when they can manage conflict and solve problems in a supportive and trusting environment, and when they are satisfied about how the team works together. 

The fact that so many people have experience with popular team video games provides an opportunity for team-building activities in organizations.”
 

Image Credit: OpenAI’s ChatGPT-5.2 image generator

Virtual Team-Building Tools:

The best video games for team building are cooperative, communication-driven, and problem-solving oriented. They work well because they require players to collaborate, strategize, and rely on each other to succeed. 

Video games provide shared experiences that strengthen group bonds. Multiplayer and cooperative games require players to collaborate under pressure, communicate, solve problems, and trust one another. Employees who exemplify the team spirit make it safe for others to be vulnerable and learn from each other. This helps everyone to step out of their comfort zones, tap into their skillsets and passions, which ultimately strengthens the workforce. A collaborative team environment makes employees feel valued and appreciated, which also reduces turnover.

Whether completing a timed challenge or solving a complex puzzle, players practice accountability, reliability, and mutual support. These bonding experiences translate into higher productivity, employee retention, and elevated company morale.
 

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The Competitive Edge:

It is helpful to think about video game-based activities in two different ways when using them as a team building tool. The first is an internal experience focused on strengthening teamwork within the company. In this setting, employees work together toward shared goals rather than competing against one another. The emphasis is on cooperation, communication, and problem solving, which helps prevent division or discomfort for those who may not enjoy competitive environments. Incentives in this context should feel personal and meaningful, such as gift cards, extra paid time off, tickets to sporting events, or a night out for dinner. 

The second approach is an external competition where companies compete against other companies for recognition, bragging rights, and larger prizes. This format works well as a biannual or annual event and follows a structure similar to a traditional golf tournament or industry competition. Teams represent their organizations rather than themselves, which shifts the focus to company pride and shared identity. Prizes may include trophies, sponsored rewards, or donated items provided by participating companies and their vendors. Multiple categories can highlight different strengths, such as communication, strategy, or overall performance. This type of event builds excitement, encourages participation, and becomes something employees anticipate and companies actively promote as part of their culture.

The Importance of Morale:

Morale is another critical component for an effective team. Without it, even the biggest and most financially solvent companies can fail; with it, employees are motivated, endure pressure and perform at a much higher level. Morale grows when people feel included, supported, valued, and connected. Here are some outcomes of high morale versus low morale:

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Video game-based team-building is inexpensive, enjoyable, and allows most people the opportunity to participate in-office or remotely. Gaming can be a modern morale booster that helps employees feel connected to their team and their company.

When employees enjoy each other’s company, find their work rewarding, and are recognized, they stay longer, work harder, and handle stressful jobs with more resilience.

Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine “Team Building Through Team Video Games” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8715357/
2. 2018 Brigham Young University study “Team Video Gaming for Team Building: Effects on Team Performance” by: MJ Keith, G Anderson, J Gaskin, DL Dean https://aisel.aisnet.org/thci/vol10/iss4/2/