Teams are essential to any workplace. While team building activities aren’t a novel concept, it’s important to distinguish between those conducted in the office and out. Although both can help foster a positive work environment, stepping out of the office can help promote team building in a new and exciting way.
Why Are Team Outings Important?
You might wonder why you need a team outing when you can host an in-office social. The benefit of an outing is that it allows teams to connect in a way they wouldn’t normally. Outings open up a new set of possibilities for team-building activities.
A team outing puts people in a different setting allowing the formal barriers to come down. This can boost communication and relationship-building between team members.
With the formal environment taken away, individuals are more open to making genuine connections with those around them. Having friendships at work can also help to boost employee satisfaction.
As we all know, stress is a common feeling in many workplaces. Many individuals may come to associate their workplace with stress. A team outing provides an opportunity to de-stress in a new setting while doing something fun with the team.
On the topic of fun, these activities can boost creativity and problem-solving which are key to any workplace.
Now that we have covered the importance of team outings, let’s look into 20 different team outing ideas.
1) Charity Run
Your team could participate in a charity run together. Not only will this get people active and help reduce stress, but it will promote teamwork while contributing to a good cause. This can also encourage employees to try something new if they aren’t frequent runners.
2) Cooking Class
There are many cooking classes your team can attend depending on what you want to learn. Take a survey in advance to see what everyone’s interests are and if someone has an allergy. Cooking classes are a great outlet for collaboration.
3) Beach Day
There are many things you can do on a beach day including watersports, beach volleyball, having a BBQ and so much more. This environment will allow everyone to de-stress while building relationships in a less formal setting. Taking part in competitions such as volleyball can improve communication and team bonding.
4) Have a Campfire
Many people have grown up around campfires in the summer, making it a fun memory for all. Taking your team out for a camping trip or simply having a late-night campfire will bond the team over shared campfire stories.
5) Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are always enjoyable and provide a friendly source of competition. You can hire a professional company to organize the scavenger hunt or have your team members design it themselves. Creating the scavenger hunt encourages teamwork and develops key professional skills such as organization and creativity.
Participating in the scavenger hunt will encourage communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. There are many different types of scavenger hunts you could organize.
6) Hiking
Hiking is always a fun activity. Whether you're close to a hiking trail or simply have access to a local park, take your team outdoors. An outdoor environment can be relaxing while boosting communication as you navigate a new space.
7) Fitness Class/Yoga
A fitness class will allow your team to get out of the office for a refreshing break that boosts their physical health. Exercise also releases endorphins that will have people feeling positive. Exercise can also alleviate stress and improve people’s moods.
8) Volunteering Event
There are many charities or volunteering events that your team can participate in. Decide together as a team what cause you want to contribute to. This could be a run, clean-up day, etc. Doing something to give back to the community will bring the team together while sharing meaningful conversations about causes everyone is passionate about.
9) Movie Night
Hosting an outdoor movie night is a fantastic way to bring a team together. It’s a perfect way to unwind after work and get to know other people’s movie preferences. A funny movie can spark some laughs while a thought-provoking film can lead to engaging conversations. This activity can also be done virtually. Pair it with an outdoor barbeque and you have a wonderful team-building event!
10) Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is an activity that will encourage people to get active. This activity will require trust, open-mindedness for those who are new to it, and encouragement from the team.
11) Escape Room
Escape rooms are an activity where the goal is to escape the room within a time frame with your team using the given clues. This will encourage teamwork while enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
12) Karaoke Night
If you like music, karaoke will be a good option for your team. A karaoke night will allow people to get loose and enjoy a fun time with others. This environment will bring down barriers thus encouraging individuals to make genuine connections. It will also bring out laughs and allow you to learn about the hidden talents of some team members.
13) Golfing or Mini Golf
Taking your team to a golf course or a mini-golf outing is an excellent way to foster friendly competition and potentially learn a new skill. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, this is a great way to bond with your team. It can help push some people out of their comfort zones and encourage leadership from others who can teach those new to it.
14) Laser Tag
Laser tag is a fun game many have played when they were young. It will evoke a sense of nostalgia among many. As you usually play in teams, it will encourage collaboration. Laser tag also requires support while being able to move quickly and efficiently.
15) Trivia Night
Trivia uses the knowledge of each team member to win. Many establishments host trivia nights that you can go to. Trivia will get your team to collaborate, think critically, problem-solve and learn more about each other.
16) Board game Tournament
There are many board game cafes that you can use for your outing. Make sure to call ahead of time if you have a big group. You can ask your team in advance to determine everyone’s favourite board games. A board game tournament will foster competition, strategic thinking, and laughs.
17) Comedy Night
A comedy show will bring a night of laughs and improve the mood of the team. It’s a fun event to attend whether for work or personal reasons. You can also have conversations with others during the show or even after to discuss your favourite parts.
18) Art Class
Taking part in art classes such as painting, pottery, or photography will foster creativity. It will also teach many a new skill and is a great way to bond with your team.
19) Sporting Event
Sports games are always happening so if one is near you, buy tickets for your team and go together. It’s a great way to bond with your team over a shared love for a sport.
20) Book Club
Book club is an activity where everyone reads the same book and comes together to discuss it. Reading has many benefits such as relieving stress, enhancing knowledge, fostering creativity and much more. On top of this, a book club will promote communication and bond your team over shared interests.
Conclusion
Remember, the point of team-building is to foster a better work environment so that people are more connected and work better together. It’s important to ensure that everyone is included and comfortable in all team activities.
If done right, team-building activities will be something people will look forward to. Take the time to plan these out carefully, consider the preferences of everyone and what is feasible for the company. What team outings has your team participated in?
Written by Kaitlin Duong
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Jony Studios is a client-focused media production studio offering audio/video production, B2B podcasting, and audiobook services. They have worked with a wide range of clients from small businesses to larger organizations such as Penguin Random House, Amazon, University of Waterloo, Freakonomics Radio and many others.
