While employees need to work well together in order to accomplish goals at work, some of the strongest bonding can occur outside the office. Team-building activities are useful for strengthening collaboration, which will then translate into the workplace and increase morale. Although there are many fun excursions to try, one of the most effective ways to boost team spirit is also the simplest: taking your people to the bar for happy hour. Discover some of the powerful advantages this holds for your business.

3 Benefits of Taking Your Employees to the Bar

1. Promotes Bonding

There’s only so much small talk you can make in the office, but happy hour gives employees more time to open up. Talking about favorite hobbies can spark a deeper connection among employees, some of whom perhaps don’t even know they have common interests. This level of connection is important for facilitating a strong corporate culture and developing a team built on camaraderie and collaboration instead of unhealthy competitiveness.

2. Alleviates Tension

After a particularly stressful day, treating your staff to a beer or cocktail can be a useful way for unwinding together as a group. It also invites employees to discuss any ideas or concerns they might have without having to worry about interruptions or distractions. In this informal setting where the pressure is off, creativity is more likely to flow freely. Believe it or not, some of the most innovative progress your company makes may get its start at the bar.

3. Shows Appreciation

Treating your team to happy hour is also the perfect way to collectively celebrate an accomplishment or important milestone. Whether a veteran employee is celebrating many years with the company or your department has recently secured an important win, taking your employees out for drinks shows your appreciation for their dedication. And the rewarding feeling of being acknowledged for their hard work could translate to boosted productivity, as research shows happier employees contribute more. 

If you’re a manager in the Dunwoody/Atlanta, GA, area, head down to Gilly’s Sports Bar with your team after clocking out. Offering an impressive range of popular happy hour specials, this beloved bar has been in business for more than 20 years. With deals on wings and drinks, this welcoming establishment has something for everyone. Browse through their menu online or call (770) 817-2789 to reach a staff member.