Teambuilding as a Therapy
In today’s reality, where balancing war, work, and life is especially crucial, it’s important to maintain “inner balance.” Team building is evolving into a tool for supporting the mental health of the team, taking on a therapeutic role. It’s no longer just about entertainment, but a way to relieve stress and strengthen connections between colleagues. Laughter and positive emotions during such activities play a key role in emotional recovery.
Scientific research confirms the therapeutic power of laughter. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), laughter reduces levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, while increasing endorphins — the hormones of happiness. Neuroscientist Robert Provine asserts that laughter strengthens social bonds and improves a person’s psychological well-being. Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, known for her “broaden-and-build” theory of positive emotions, emphasizes that joy helps develop interpersonal connections and enhances resilience to stress. When a team laughs and enjoys time together, it strengthens interaction within the group, making it more cohesive and productive. Psychologist Sofia Vlokh also highlights that celebratory moments reduce emotional tension, providing a sort of “emotional anesthesia.”
At Detectolic Games, we’ve created a new team-building format — ironic detective quests. Our games allow teams not only to unwind but also to actively engage with each other, sharpening their wit and teamwork.
The game revolves around Tolyan, a supermarket security guard who dreams of becoming a tester. He has completed QA courses but hasn’t yet received any job offers. Nonetheless, Tolyan doesn’t give up and is ready to apply his skills by solving complex cases.
Players discuss hypotheses, gather evidence, and solve puzzles, competing to see who can solve the case first. Our quests are built around an ironic storyline, free from horror or violence, allowing participants to enjoy the process without distractions from negative elements.
Thus, team building in today’s world is more than just a way to have fun. It helps maintain mental health, reduce stress, and strengthen team dynamics. Laughter and joy that arise during group activities have a scientifically proven positive effect on both physical and mental well-being.