Rituals that Transform Teams
In our work with leaders, we’ve uncovered something often underestimated but incredibly powerful: rituals. We define rituals as collective activities that team members engage in regularly and attribute meaning to. In a three-year-long study, we explored how team rituals impact employee well-being and team success. Our research shows that these simple yet powerful practices can bring teams together, create a stronger sense of purpose, and boost commitment. When used intentionally, work rituals can make the difference between an overwhelmed team and one that is vibrantly engaged and motivated.
Moreover, the impact of rituals extends beyond the collective. On an individual level, they transform the employee experience, driving measurable improvements that leaders can count on. Our findings reveal significant changes stemming from these rituals:
23% increase in commitment to team purpose
20% boost in psychological safety
28% growth in interpersonal knowledge
22% enhancement in job satisfaction
The Diversity of Team Rituals
Curious about individual approaches and preferences regarding these activities, we asked our team to share their favorite rituals. Their answers showcase the various benefits stemming from implementing different rituals in the workplace. Here are some highlights:
Faten: Standups⏰
As a remote team, standups are crucial to starting our day together. They help us align on priorities and brief each other on ongoing or upcoming projects. We also identify where we need support. These daily check-ins act as a sanity check, ensuring we’re all aware of what we can realistically deliver. Interestingly, Wednesday is the only day we don’t have standups, and it always feels incomplete. This absence reminds us how much these rituals contribute to keeping us grounded, connected, and focused as a team.
Hadeel: Celebration Rituals 🎉
At Cosmic Centaurs, we are dedicated to our rituals. My favorites are the celebration rituals. Whether it’s the Ice Cream Parties or our end-of-year team time, these moments remind us to pause from our busy work lives. They allow us to celebrate each other and feel proud of our achievements. These intentional breaks create essential spaces for joy and recognition.

Marie: Team Time 🌟
Every 3-4 weeks, we carve out an hour to step away from work and reconnect as a team through fun, non-work-related activities. We’ve played Cosmic Conversations (our very own card game), Pictionary, and even participated in an online escape room once. These moments are invaluable; they bring us closer in a light-hearted and creative way. It’s our chance to laugh, share, and discover new things about one another.
Maya: Cosmic Conversations Icebreaker 💫
One of my favorite team rituals is starting meetings with "Cosmic Conversations" as an icebreaker. It’s a fun and meaningful way to learn more about each other. These conversations strengthen our team bonds and, most importantly, lift our spirits—no matter how tired we may be!
Tala: Grow Day 🌱
At Cosmic Centaurs, we host quarterly Grow Days—a day free of meetings or work, entirely dedicated to growth. We sometimes choose a theme, like AI tools or Leadership Polarities. Other times, we focus on personal learning goals. Whether it’s completing an online course, reading a book, or exploring creative tasks, the goal remains the same: to invest in our personal and professional development.
Afterward, we share what we’ve learned, fostering a collective moment of inspiration and reflection. This ritual is a prime example of how we connect and boost engagement while fostering meaning at work.

Zeinab: Retrospective 🕵️♀️🌟
I love a good Retrospective. It allows us to reflect, align, and brainstorm ideas for improvement. As a team, we take time to pause, celebrate our wins, and identify areas for growth. This practice enhances our bond and ensures we move forward with clarity and purpose.
Making Rituals Stick
Rituals can take countless forms—explore our ritual bank for inspiration. Each team must adapt these to fit their operational and personal dynamics. Leaders should actively reach out to their team members to design new rituals that align with both the culture and the interests of the team.
The key to successful rituals is ensuring they become ingrained in the team's routine. Making them stick is vital in reaping the full benefits. Rituals should be a regular part of team life, cultivating a sense of community and connection.
Learn More About Team Rituals
In our recent Harvard Business Review article, "The Surprising Power of Team Rituals," we share five practical steps to help leaders implement new practices that can evolve into powerful rituals.

Comments