Have you been tasked with organising a fun team bonding activity and have no idea where to start? Don’t worry – this article will help to guide you and hopefully make it as painless as possible!
Have all the obvious options been done? So dinner and drinks just doesn’t cut it anymore?
Here are five top tips to organise a fun social activity that your team will love AND most importantly it won’t break the bank.
With time in mind, we’ll get straight to it…
Understand your team
Consider the interests and preferences of your team members. What activities do they enjoy? What would be a good fit for the team’s personality?
Keep in mind the diverse preferences within the team. Try to find activities that can appeal to a broad range of interests.
Try to choose something that has a wide appeal, rather than just heading to the local pub. Are they an active bunch? A group of culture vultures? Or do they love an ‘experience’?
What’s the objective of the team bonding activity?
What are your team’s goals? Clearly define the objectives of the team bonding activity. Is it meant to improve communication, build trust, enhance collaboration, or simply provide a break from work?
Make sure there is relevance to the team bonding activity. Ensure that the chosen activity aligns with the goals and values of the event, team and the organisation as a whole. If it needs to fit into a wider corporate day, can you find something that slots seamlessly into the theme(s) of the day?
Consider logistics of the team bonding activity
Choose a time that works for everyone, and be mindful of the duration of the activity. It should be long enough to achieve its objectives but not too long to cause discomfort or cause boredom.
Select a convenient and accessible location. This could be within the office premises, at an off-site location, or even a virtual setting. Getting outside and the team moving is always a good option to keep everyone engaged.
Choose an engaging activity different to what you’ve done before
You could incorporate a mix of activities to cater to different preferences. For example have an outdoor organised activity followed by a more informal networking activity for teams to mingle. Or perhaps something in in your office with smaller groups responsible for bitesize bits of entertainment? I’ve seen a simple rock, paper, scissors competition go down a treat with a bunch of accountants and really raise the energy!
Encourage reflection and feedback
Schedule time for a debriefing session after the activity. This allows everyone to reflect on the experience, share insights and discuss how the lessons learned can be applied in the workplace.
Collect feedback from the team about the activity and take the time to review it properly. This can be valuable for future planning and ensures that these team bonding activities continue to meet the evolving needs of the team.
Remember, the key to a successful team bonding activity is to create an inclusive, enjoyable experience that aligns with the team’s goals and promotes positive interactions among team members.
Now you have the tips are you ready to organise a fun team bonding activity?
As the founder of an outdoor scavenger Hunt company, I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of getting teams outside and doing something unique and fun that can provide a great balance of meeting teams objectives.
Here’s why an outdoor scavenger hunt is perfect for enhancing teamwork, communication, and overall team spirit:
- Collaboration at its best – teams must work together to solve clues, strategize, and navigate through the outdoor environment.
- Provides a communication boost – working together to solve riddles, decipher clues, and locate hidden locations —all of which require effective communication. Such an activity enhances verbal and non-verbal communication skills as teams work together to crack codes and complete challenges.
- Build trust and camaraderie – strengthen bonds among team members by sharing the excitement of discovery and accomplishment.
- Healthy competition – introduce a dash of friendly competition to energise the atmosphere. Teams can compete against each other, adding a fun and motivational element to the activity.
- Enjoy the great outdoors – escape the confines of the office and enjoy the natural surroundings. Fresh air and outdoor exploration can invigorate the team, fostering a sense of well-being.
In most cities in the UK there are outdoor scavenger Hunts available. The format ranges from paper-based treasure hunts; those using phone messages or whatsapp; right up to Hunts using their own application software such as StreetHunt Games (which is built around an interactive map). Players use the map to find virtual contacts, who share information to help you crack the case.
An outdoor Scavenger Hunt is not just a team bonding activity; it’s an adventure that brings your team together, promotes collaboration, and ensures a day of shared laughter and achievement.
