Ask any human resources manager what team-building activities they dread organizing the most, and you will most likely hear the same answer: trust falls, escape rooms, trivia quizzes – you name it. Team building is no longer the exciting and anticipated event it used to be, and it is now an underestimated aspect of workplace culture building. This is why more and more organizations are now turning to an innovative and effective method to bring their colleagues closer than ever. Corporate mahjong, the ultimate tile game, has become one of the USA’s hottest workplace trends, and it is hard to understand how such an old-fashioned board game fits right into the modern corporate environment so effortlessly.

Innovative Team Building Ideas That Actually Work

While mahjong is definitely a traditional game, it has not been around for too long. It has been played in the local community for decades, but the unique concept of organized corporate mahjong has only gained traction in recent times. The game is perfect for those who want to improve workplace communication on a deeper level without forcing any specific social interaction. In other words, players do not have to communicate at all: all social interaction is driven by natural gameplay dynamics and is therefore completely voluntary. Mahjong is played with others in proximity, requiring an individual to read the room and adapt one’s strategy to others’ moves. Therefore, corporate mahjong is an excellent training event that helps players develop soft skills applicable in real business settings. Not only that, but many managers note that people who would never speak up in a regular meeting are often found chatting enthusiastically at a table of colleagues engaged in a tile game.

What Makes an Organized Corporate Event Special

Organized corporate events can vary significantly depending on the needs of the participants and the resources of the host. The game can be played at an individual or group level. Most businesses that want to introduce such an event hire a professional trainer to host the activity: this could either be a short 90-minute session for everyone involved or even a series of meetings held on a regular basis over the course of several months. Usually, the host will provide the necessary equipment and knowledge to help participants get familiar with the game. During the first session, the attendees are introduced to the basic rules, after which they spend the rest of the time in small groups playing and learning the fundamental mechanics of the game.

Where Can You Host Such an Event?

Organized corporate mahjong play sessions are now happening not only in major cities but across the country as well. Businesses and community groups alike are inviting a professional trainer to a private game. Some opt for an in-site session: they bring the equipment and the tables to the office and never leave the workplace. Others prefer a private luxury event at an external location.

If you are interested in such an event, make sure to ask the trainer about the table size and capacity. There are some games designed for 2 players, and some that require up to 4 participants per table. Ask the trainer if they have relevant experience with total beginners and if they can suggest a format that will be suitable both for a large group and an intimate meeting. A professional company like SoBamFun will always be able to advise you on the subject.

The Business Case Beyond "It's Fun"

Many might argue that corporate team building is a somewhat pointless exercise that rarely provides meaningful results. And, to a certain extent, it is right: the usual interactive events are often counterproductive as they force an individual to engage in uncomfortable public displays. The entire focus is on the participant, who is put in an uncomfortable position that puts their social or psychological well-being at risk. These challenges are avoided when playing mahjong: the game does not require a person to put themselves forward. Instead, an individual plays with others nearby, and the dynamics of the game guide all social interaction.

Another common problem corporate events face is the inability to bring people of diverse backgrounds together. In order to improve workplace culture and increase employee satisfaction, many companies are pushing for greater diversity within a team. A serious challenge is created when the workforce needs to collaborate on a daily basis while never interacting outside work.    

How to Choose the Right Corporate Event

If you are interested in hosting such a session, a single 90-minute lunchtime session with a professional instructor is a great way to start. Most providers allow for a small group to request a ‘starter kit’ style of a brief session that is designed exclusively for people who want to test the concept before investing in a larger event. All rules are simplified, and the gameplay time is reduced: the purpose of such a session is to allow for a workplace group to experience the benefits of the game without feeling overwhelmed in any way.

Workplace culture has changed in the last several years, with many employees becoming disillusioned with traditional team-building events that do not truly serve their purpose. Such activities are seen as ineffective by many: they create pressure and force people to engage in activities they do not enjoy. Organized tile game play sessions offer a wide variety of activities that can suit both individual and group-oriented needs of an organization.