Why it is important for your engineering team to be involved in non-work activities

I have been leading engineering teams for many years now and I have seen firsthand the importance of involving engineering teams in non-work activities. While work is undoubtedly essential, a team that only focuses on work can miss out on the benefits of team building, networking, and personal growth. In this article, I will explore why it is crucial for your engineering team to be involved in non-work activities, and I will provide actionable steps for implementing these activities.

The benefits of non-work activities for engineering teams

Engineering is a field that often demands long hours and intense concentration, which can lead to burnout and a lack of creativity. Non-work activities provide an opportunity for team members to take a break from their day-to-day work and engage in activities that can benefit their mental health, physical health, and overall well-being.

One of the most significant benefits of non-work activities is team building. By engaging in activities outside of work, team members can form stronger relationships with each other. This can lead to better collaboration, increased trust, and a stronger sense of belonging within the team. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, "team-building activities can help build trust, improve communication, and increase collaboration among team members" (Harvard Business Review, 2021).

Non-work activities can also help team members develop new skills and interests. By engaging in activities that are outside of their comfort zone, team members can challenge themselves and gain new perspectives. This can lead to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities in their work. As Steve Jobs once said, "Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while" (Jobs, 1996).

Networking is another critical benefit of non-work activities. By engaging in activities outside of work, team members can meet people who work in other areas of the industry, attend events, and gain exposure to new ideas and technologies. This can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends, learn about new job opportunities, and develop a broader professional network.

Actionable steps for implementing non-work activities

Implementing non-work activities into your team's routine can be a simple process that yields great rewards. Here are some actionable steps you can take to get started:

Survey your team. Before implementing any non-work activities, survey your team to determine their interests and availability. You can use an online survey tool like SurveyMonkey to gather information about their preferences.
Schedule regular activities. Once you have gathered information about your team's interests, schedule regular non-work activities. These can include team-building activities like escape rooms, bowling, or laser tag, or networking events like attending industry conferences or meetups.
Encourage participation. Encourage team members to participate in non-work activities by emphasizing the benefits of these activities. Be sure to make attendance voluntary and consider offering incentives for participation.
Get feedback. After each non-work activity, gather feedback from your team to determine what worked well and what could be improved. Use this feedback to improve future activities and make them more engaging for your team.

Conclusion

Involving your engineering team in non-work activities can lead to stronger relationships, increased creativity, and a broader professional network. As a technology leader, it is essential to recognize the importance of these activities and take actionable steps to implement them. By surveying your team, scheduling regular activities, encouraging participation, and gathering feedback, you can create a team that is not only productive but also engaged and fulfilled. As Marissa Mayer once said, "You can't have everything you want, but you can have the things that really matter to you" (Mayer, 2013). Investing in non-work activities for your engineering team is a way of investing in the things that matter most - your team members' well-being and professional growth.

In conclusion, as a technology leader, it is essential to recognize the importance of non-work activities for your engineering team. By providing opportunities for team building, skill development, and networking, you can create a team that is not only productive but also engaged and fulfilled. Remember to survey your team, schedule regular activities, encourage participation, and gather feedback to ensure that your non-work activities are effective and engaging. By doing so, you can create a team that is motivated, creative, and passionate about their work. As Jeff Weiner once said, "I believe that when you invest in the well-being of your people, they are more productive, more creative, and more likely to stay" (Weiner, 2019). So invest in your team's well-being and professional growth by involving them in non-work activities, and watch your team thrive.