March marks the official end of winter into the beginning of spring and we’re ready to shake off the winter blues with some fantastic spring reconnection events.
It has been a tough couple of years for businesses and employees all over the world. Not only have we had to adjust to new working arrangements, but we’re also having to address the impact on emotional wellbeing.
With a rise in remote working and a more flexible approach to working hours, businesses are looking for ways to safely reconnect staff and maintain strong relationships between employees who might not return to the office full-time.
With the multitude of changes to the ways we work, one thing remains constant, and that is the need for employee engagement. Around 37% of the EU working population transitioned to working from home (WFH) as a result of the pandemic, and 24% WFH for the first time. Participants of this study reported several advantages of working from home, such as perceived control over the workday, working more efficiently, or saving time previously spent commuting. In contrast, the disadvantages of WFH included social isolation and loneliness.
As the weather starts to warm and the days get a little longer, start thinking about ways to keep your team engaged this spring and summer. Organisations have a fantastic opportunity to help their teams refresh, re-energise, and get excited for warmer weather and longer days.
Why bother with team building?
Team building exercises improve communication skills and can develop and help identify leadership skills. All of these activities are designed with skills-building in mind. The majority of team building activities are built for collaboration, communication, and teamwork. Often, these activities present opportunities for developing leadership skills in groups, which in turn identifies employees who are comfortable in managerial roles, as well as demonstrating their leadership styles.
Networking
Studies have proven that socialising and building relationships in the workplace can increase productivity, drive, and morale. 89% of employees agree that work relationships are important for their overall quality of life. This study also shows that friendships in the office can strengthen the employee’s connection with their organisation as a whole.
Nurturing strong bonds between colleagues enhances their work experience, which in turn makes them happier and more dedicated to their jobs. Happy employees benefit businesses through higher output and enhanced performance. Team building is a great way to deepen relationships between colleagues, whilst also sharpening a variety of skills such as problem-solving and communication.
Competition
Teams learn to bond through shared experience and healthy competition. Competition will encourage your delegates to perform to the best of their abilities. Challenge your team to work against each other and incite healthy competition to boost morale and increase collaboration.
Celebration
Celebration events such as rewards dinners and family fun days are the best ways to thank your employees and encourage further good work. Recognising your employees’ efforts and saying ‘thank you’ is one of the most important motivators for delegates. The celebration will also come upon competition of team building events.
Communication
Many of us have been apart from one another, and away from the office for a while. Whilst we have become accustomed to communicating virtually, we need to ensure that we build back the skills necessary to communicate in person. Team building activities will encourage communication and collaboration, as well as building strong bonds between colleagues.
Building a strong team doesn’t happen overnight! You may have a team that meshes well organically; however, it is up to team leaders to reinforce relationships with effective strategies. Team building and company events will be one of the most important business investments that you make.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of our most popular outdoor team building options to get the team back together. From country pursuits in the Great British countryside to Corporate Festivals in London, we have a range of options to inspire your next live event.
Corporate Festivals
Corporate festivals are a fantastic way to get all of your employees together in a relaxed and informal setting. From fairground rides, street food stalls and more, there are so many ways to make this a unique and enjoyable event for all. You could also choose to bolt on another teambuilding activity such as Country Pursuits or It’s a Knockout.
Recent years have seen more of a move away from traditional corporate events, which are losing delegate engagement due to their predictable format. Corporate Festivals are now rising in popularity due to their unusual and interactive nature. They’re the ideal way to mix laid-back networking with well-planned conference objectives and are most popular in the summer months when the idea of sitting in a stuffy meeting room becomes unbearable.
Retro Sports Days
Turn back time and relive fond memories with a retro sports day. We’re talking a full day of old school activities; think tug-of-war, three-legged races, egg-and-spoon, beanbag races, high-jumps and so much more. A retro sports day is perfect for capturing the attention of a large group of people whilst giving teams a healthy competition atmosphere. A blast from the past for most, and a guaranteed winner for all. Explore the Eventurous retro sports day solution.
Host a BBQ or Picnic
You can’t go wrong with a picnic or BBQ. Find a park, field, or other outdoor space, and bring essential picnic items. Consider bringing some games or activities such as giant Jenga, rounders set or some frisbees, or you could even go bigger with a bolt-on activity such as a treasure hunt or a cook-off! Encourage delegates to relax and get to know one another in an informal setting, beyond the constraints of scheduled work calls and meetings.
Treasure Hunt Team Building
Get your steps in and explore with a treasure hunt! Break out into teams and have a scavenger hunt around the city. You can organise one yourself or use a creative teambuilding service such as Eventurous, which offers a range of exciting corporate treasure hunts.
Pick up clues, solve quests and complete intriguing challenges against your rivals. These can be an excellent way for employees to demonstrate leadership and communication skills, as well as a fun way to leave the office for a while. Delegates will come back to work motivated and refreshed.
Mini Olympics
Go for gold with an Olympic games-style team building solution. Inspire drive and dedication in your team with Olympic sports events. Choosing from a variety of activities, engage your whole team with challenges they can all get stuck into.
Soapbox Derby
Ready, set, GO! Get creative with your team as you build a one-of-a-kind soapbox derby car to race around the track and earn your place on the leaderboard. Build communication, enhance creativity, and have fun as a team! Fun and competitive, soapbox derby team building events bring everyone together whilst having a great time.
Give Something Back
No matter where your office is based, there are undoubtedly people in your local community who are less fortunate. We suggest picking a cause and encouraging your team to do some good. This could be raising money for charity, donating old toys, selling lemonade to pay for school supplies, or even something as simple as litter picking. We guarantee that coming together to give back to your community will not only bring your team together but has the potential to bring your community together.
Family Fun Days
There’s fun for the whole family on a family fun day! Reward your hard-working staff in a day designed to create lots of memories. With activities such as funfair games, obstacle courses, fairground rides and inflatable games, fun days are guaranteed to be a hit! Family fun days are perfect for getting away from the office, getting to know the family, and gathering together in an informal and relaxed setting. Need a hand putting together your fun day?
Country Pursuits
Escape the city in favour of the great outdoors with country pursuits team building. From archery to clay pigeon shooting and axe throwing, you will be in for a day full of adrenaline and fun. Hitting targets is not just for the office! Participate in unique, diverse, and exciting activities that are sure to leave you wanting more.
Motor Sports Day
Grab the steering wheel and hit the accelerator for some stress-busting, fun motor sport challenges. Adrenaline-inducing team building activities such as go-karting or quad biking can help your team to rest and recharge excitingly and differently.
Consider that most employees will not participate in motorsports often, therefore these activities offer new skills, competition, and FUN! Break out of your comfort zone to build confidence, ignite competition, and foster communication skills.
Crystal Clear Challenge
Split into teams and undertaking a series of challenges, the crystal maze-style fun day is perfect for a mixed experience. From building leadership to promoting teamwork, there’s something for everyone.
It’s a Knockout
Based on the popular British TV show, teams go head-to-head in a non-stop frenzy of wacky challenges. Brimming to the edges with fun, this team building activity is our fan favourite in the summer months. Participants will work together to complete challenges designed to break down barriers, build relationships and boost morale.
