When the weather improves, there’s nothing quite like getting outdoors for some team building fun. This is a great way to break up the working day and enjoy some fresh air and exercise.
Team building offers many benefits from employees and employers. It can help teams to work together more effectively by encouraging them to communicate in different ways. It can help to forge new alliances between individuals that might never have worked together. It can also break down barriers and make it easier for those who might struggle to make friends in the workplace to talk to their colleagues on a personal level.
For employers, the benefits can be wide-reaching. It can help to boost morale and increase staff retention by cultivating an accepting and fun workplace. It can also be an ideal opportunity to spot hidden skills and talents that would otherwise be undiscovered. Natural born leaders are often revealed during team building exercises, and it’s often not the obvious choices.
Choosing the right team building activities relies on knowing your team and knowing what they will respond to. Remember that not everyone will click with every activity, which is why it’s a good idea to mix up the selection and try different team building activities throughout the year. Try these outdoor team building activities when the sun is shining to help inspire your teams.
Charity bike ride
A physical challenge such as a bike ride is not about one person rising above and beating everyone else. It’s all about everyone reaching the finish line together, which is an excellent sentiment to strive for during a team building exercise. Your team will need to train together in advance of the event, which can help them to get to know one another outside of work in a less formal setting. This is an excellent way to develop genuine friendships from teams.
Treasure hunt
A treasure hunt or scavenger hunt is a great way to get outside, get active and enjoy some friendly competition. Give each team a list of items they need to find and send them out into the world. Some items should be simple enough to find but others should require a touch of creativity. They don’t have to be items, but they could also include challenges, such as getting a photo with a particular landmark. This type of team building exercise is great for integrating new members into the team as they will quickly get to know those in their group.
Record breaker
Your company could break a world record with a bit of thought and planning. The record breaker team building exercise can take place over many weeks. Start by challenging your team with finding a world record they think they can break. Next, they have to practise and figure out the best strategy for breaking the record. You’ll need to check the requirements for the evidence required, and then practise for your world record attempt. The final team building day will be your record attempt!
Networking picnic
A networking picnic is not just a great ice breaker for new hires but it’s also an effective way for employers to give back. An afternoon away from the office will always be welcome, and employees can get to know one another over a picnic lunch and networking activities. Bring out the giant lawn games if you really want to make it an event to remember.
Team gardening
Taking care of a garden is a calming and therapeutic way to spend an afternoon. Encouraging your team to bond over a shared garden is an excellent way to learn new skills while creating a relaxing environment for everyone to get to know one another. Some people in your team might be more adept with tending a garden and will be able to teach the others some skills. If no one is confident with gardening, consider volunteering with a community garden project to help give something back while also learning some valuable new skills.
Outdoor cinema
Team building activities don’t have to be challenging. Sometimes, it can just be something fun for your team to enjoy together in a social setting. With just a projector and a white screen or wall, you could set up an outdoor cinema and watch the latest blockbuster film together. Make sure there’s plenty of popcorn and other film snacks to enjoy. This is a great event to combine with a company BBQ as an effective mixer to introduce new team members.
Final thoughts about outdoor team building
Planning an outdoor team building event can be incredibly rewarding and will be welcomed by your employees as a way to kick back and enjoy some time away from their usual work environment. Make it an annual event, or mix up your events throughout the summer to keep things interesting.
