Energizers are a powerful way to refresh and refocus team members during meetings or work sessions. Co-written with Niek Verspaget, a cloud engineer working in an ART, this blog post explores the benefits of energizers, what makes a good energizer, and shares personal insights and examples to help you incorporate these activities into your routine.

What Should an Energizer Do and What Does It Bring?

An energizer is a brief activity designed to refresh and refocus team members during meetings or work sessions. Its goal is to break the monotony, lift energy levels, and enhance team bonding. Energizers are essential tools in the Agile world, helping to reset the team’s mental state, especially during long meetings or intense work periods. By introducing a playful element, energizers allow team members to step out of their usual roles, reduce stress, and foster a sense of community. This short break from the routine can lead to increased creativity, better problem-solving, and higher productivity once the team returns to work. Energizers also help to break the ice, encourage interaction among team members, and improve morale, creating a more positive work environment and leading to better team cohesion and collaboration.

What Does a Good Energizer Need?

A successful energizer needs to be engaging and inclusive. Here are a few key elements:

1. Simplicity: The activity should be easy to understand and quick to implement.
2. Inclusivity: Ensure that the energizer is suitable for all team members and does not exclude anyone.
3. Fun Factor: It should be enjoyable and light-hearted, making it easier for participants to let loose and have fun.
4. Relevance: While not always necessary, tying the energizer to the work context can make it more meaningful.
5. Timing: The best time for an energizer is usually at the beginning of a meeting or during a natural break when energy levels tend to dip.

An Energizer example – ‘Spelling Bees‘

In this activity, participants are divided into pairs. Each pair now has to form the shape of a letter, for example, the letter ‘A’. After 30 seconds, every pair teams up with another pair, and these groups of four now have to form the shape of a figure, such as a ‘star’. Give the participants not too much time; one minute is enough. Then, the groups of four pair up with another group of four to create a more challenging shape, like a car. You continue this iteration according to your group size. For smaller groups, you can start with one person forming the letter and scale up from there.

This energizer promotes teamwork, communication, and creativity as groups work together to form these shapes.

A Personal Perspective on Energizers

To provide a personal perspective on energizers, here’s what Niek Verspaget, a cloud engineer working in an ART, has to say:

“As engineers, we are often naturally introverted (without generalizing), which makes us inherently resistant to something as extroverted as an energizer. This is precisely why energizers work so well! When an RTE or Scrum Master can get everyone out of their comfort zone, I believe it helps everyone regain their focus when it’s needed. The success of an energizer entirely depends on the enthusiasm and the right delivery by the RTE or Scrum Master.

Personally, the more ‘silly’ an energizer, the better. This way, everyone feels embarrassed enough to join in. I remember being surprised when the RTE would introduce another energizer. I used to think, ‘Do I really have to do these silly things?’ But the more energizers I participated in, and the more I got past the embarrassment, the more I enjoyed them. I also noticed that stepping out of the situation for a moment allowed me to return with 100% focus on the work at hand. Energizers have real added value for me, especially during dry and tedious days when focus tends to wane, such as during PI and I&A events.”

Share your thoughts and experiences with energizers in the comments below—what are your favorite activities?