Thinking about a team building day? Evidence suggests that if you want to make the most of the experience, you are best venturing outdoors. There are a number of reasons this might be the case, and some will resonate with some workers more than others.
In this guide, we’re looking at the top arguments for getting out of the office with your team. We’ll also suggest some of our favourite outdoor team building challenges that help to build trust and camaraderie between team members.
Why is team building such a challenge?
Securing the support of your team when planning a team building event is never easy. From the outset, you may find there is resistance and reluctance to get involved. There are many reasons this could be the case.
First, some workers might find it to be a waste of time. If they are stressed about their workload, it can feel counterproductive to be spending time on tasks that they deem to be silly or frivolous.
Others simply don’t see the office as a place to socialise and make friends. They prefer to keep up their barriers and maintain a strict sense of professionalism. This can make it difficult for their teammates to communicate with them and could erode the sense of trust.
These challenges must all be overcome in order to plan successful team building exercises. And one of the best ways to achieve this is to get outdoors.
Why is outdoor team building so much better?
Outdoor team building exercises offer a number of advantages. First, there is the separation from the usual office environment that will allow everyone to disconnect from their usual role. Second, there is evidence to suggest that stress levels are lower when we are outside and in nature. Lower stress levels can help to facilitate better outcomes for your team building plans.
How does being outdoors boost problem solving?
Being outdoors and in nature is great for our health. It helps to lower blood pressure and can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Stepping away from technology and connecting with nature can give our brains a much-needed break.
This can help with creativity and problem-solving, which are two skills that are essential for a good team-building day. Facing challenges and overcoming these as a team can help to boost confidence, build trust, and improve relationships between team members.
So, being out in nature helps them to relax and de-stress, and then the sense of satisfaction they derive from successfully completing a challenge provides a confidence boost that improves the way teammates relate to one another.
For those team members who struggle with anxiety – in particular, social anxiety – being out in nature offers an added boost. It can help the most anxious team members to relax and engage with the activity like never before. Those suffering with stress from their job will also be able to switch off and forget their work.
The best outdoor team challenges
Once you are convinced of the benefits of outdoor team challenges, you’ll soon be looking for ways to include these in your company calendar. Regular team-building events should make up your monthly routine, allowing everyone to look forward to the next challenge – and the chance to take a break from the usual office grind.
These are some of our favourite team building activities that take place outdoors, and will therefore help to reduce stress and anxiety, while boosting creativity and problem-solving.
Team cycle challenge
A long distance cycling challenge is not something that your team will undertake on a whim. It will take time to prepare, with regular training as they gradually increase their endurance. This type of challenge is suitable for those with any level of fitness, and with adapted cycles it can also be taken on by those with physical disabilities. The best part about this type of challenge is that you are not aiming to win the race as an individual, you are trying to cross the finish line as a team.
Survival camping
Camping and learning how to survive in the wilderness is a great way to reset and get back to nature. This type of challenge might not be for everyone, but you might be surprised to learn who thrives in this type of environment. This will encourage strong bonding and trust between teammates, as everyone will have to pull together in order to overcome the challenges.
Scavenger hunt
A simple scavenger hunt is a great way to develop a sense of competition between departments and get everyone out of the office and feeling active. This is often recommended as an urban alternative to orienteering, which is the perfect team-building option for those businesses that are based in cities and towns where nature is less prevalent. You can still enjoy the benefits of the outdoors, even if you’re in a city.
Leave A Comment