How collaborative mural painting can help your team reconnect
This post was originally published in March 2022 and has been updated in July 2023.
During Covid, teams of all sizes who previously have been working together in offices were forced to work from home and lose the day-to-day personal interaction that seemed so mundane in the “before times”. Right now that the coronavirus might be behind us, many companies are looking for ways to reimagine their offices and make them a lively space for co-creation and team bonding. Collaborative murals are an exciting new activity to bring your team together for a mindful and relaxing team building experience.
Why do we even need offices?
Even if employees have enjoyed skipping their commute or dressing up for work, having a regular office space has some benefits that many of them have been missing during this 2-year pandemic period. Things like random encounters and unscheduled meetings can’t really be replicated in an online environment, so for many companies, some kind of WFH / office balance seems to become the norm.
Collaborative mural painting at Too Good To Go Denmark
But how can HR managers and People & Culture Officers help teams reconnect?
Team buildings and off-site getaways are two fantastic opportunities for colleagues to spend time together outside of work, especially if there are new colleagues who have been recruited during the pandemic.
Collaborative mural painting can be an especially meaningful activity because:
It helps your team rediscover the unique values and mission of your company
It uses visuals to communicate the common story of your employees
During the painting process, people can enjoy intimate conversations in small groups while doing a relaxing and mindful artistic activity together
Painting process of the collaborative mural at Too Good To Go Denmark
So how does it work?
Step 1. Co-design
First we will discuss your company history and mission, your values, and the things that you are striving for. During this co-design session, we will also talk about small anecdotes that make your team unique.
Step 2. Illustration
Then I’ll start drawing a create a design that tells your story in a visually pleasing way and fits the wall we have chosen. You will have a chance to comment on the illustration until we come up with a final design that everybody is happy with.
Step 3. Painting day!
Finally, I’ll come to your office and draw the design on the wall with light pencil marks. I’ll also add numbers to indicate the colours (hence the name Wall by Numbers). After that, it’s time to paint! We will do that in small groups so that everybody gets a chance and the wall doesn’t get too crowded. Everybody will get a chance to paint, and by the end of the day, the final mural is going to appear. If the time is right, we can organise a small celebration, as the final work will be truly worth celebrating.
Illustration of the Wall by Numbers collaborative mural painting activity
The resulting mural is a long-lasting reminder of the purpose behind your company and the resilience of your team. Or as one participant puts it: “Every time I step into our kitchen, I’m reminded of what a cool place we work at!”
You can learn more about this process and see examples at the dedicated Wall by Numbers website.
And if you’d like to book this for your next team building event, feel free to reach out, I’d love to hear from you!