Team away day ideas are more than just a break from the office. They’re a chance to invest in your company’s most valuable asset – your employees. These events are the perfect opportunity to build stronger relationships, boost morale, and enhance communication within teams. When planned correctly, a team away day can create lasting bonds, improve company culture, and give everyone a renewed sense of purpose. Here are some team away day ideas that can make a real difference.
1. Outdoor Team Building Activities: Get Active and Creative
One of the best ways to bond is through fun and physically engaging activities. Outdoor team building exercises like scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, or adventure challenges can inspire creativity, trust, and problem-solving. These types of activities help break down barriers and encourage natural collaboration, often leading to new insights and connections among team members.
Activity Tip: Try a GPS Adventurer Treasure Hunt, where teams navigate through the city or countryside, completing challenges using cutting-edge technology. It’s a high-energy activity that promotes teamwork, and each challenge can be tailored to highlight your company’s core values.
2. Workshops and Skill-Building Sessions
Sometimes, the best way to connect is through shared learning experiences. Workshops focused on developing new skills—whether creative, leadership, or communication-based—offer valuable takeaways for participants while also strengthening team bonds. You could hire a guest speaker or facilitator for an engaging session that’s both educational and enjoyable.
Activity Tip: A cooking class or team-building workshop centred around creativity and collaboration is an excellent option. It encourages teamwork while also allowing for hands-on, tangible results.
3. Volunteer and Charity Work: Giving Back Together
A day spent giving back to the community can be a powerful way to build company culture. Organising a charity event or volunteering together can foster a sense of unity and purpose. Plus, it’s a rewarding way to make a real difference in the local community.
Activity Tip: Consider a “Putt a Hole in Hunger” event, where teams work together to build a golf course using food items donated to charity. This creative approach brings the team together and allows for an impactful way to give back.
4. Escape Rooms: Problem-Solving in a Fun Environment
For a more immersive and thrilling team away day, escape rooms are a fantastic choice. Teams must collaborate under pressure to solve puzzles and “escape” within a set time limit. These activities push individuals to use their problem-solving skills while enhancing communication and decision-making.
Activity Tip: You can opt for a themed escape room activity, such as “Escape The Box,” where teams work through challenges inspired by the company’s own culture or mission. It’s a fun and interactive way to reflect on company values while bonding as a team.
5. Sports Day: Fun, Nostalgic, and Competitive
Bring out your team’s competitive spirit with a sports day! This nostalgic team activity can range from classic events like sack races and tug-of-war to more modern challenges like relay races. It’s a great way to foster teamwork while also adding a playful element to the day.
Activity Tip: “Back to School” is a fun, nostalgic sports day event that takes place in the heart of London’s royal parks, just a short walk from major corporate offices. This activity is ideal for team bonding and offers a great mix of competition and camaraderie.
6. Creative Challenges: Showcase Team Talent
If your team has a lot of creativity to offer, why not set up some challenges that let them show off their skills? Whether it’s painting, building sculptures, or designing a video, creative activities allow employees to express themselves outside the normal work environment. Not only do these activities encourage innovation, but they also give teams a chance to appreciate each other’s unique talents.
Activity Tip: Try a team art project like Urban Art, where each team collaborates to create a mural or sculpture. It’s a fun and visually rewarding activity that can leave behind a lasting reminder of the team’s efforts.
7. Outdoor Adventure: Push Boundaries and Have Fun
Sometimes, the best way to bond is by getting out of the comfort zone. Outdoor adventure activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, or zip-lining offer a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping experience that can build trust and camaraderie. These activities challenge team members to push their limits together, creating shared experiences that improve relationships.
Activity Tip: Consider activities like “The Sphere,” an exciting competition inspired by classic game shows, where teams compete in various physical and mental challenges. It’s perfect for teams looking to strengthen their problem-solving abilities while having fun outdoors.
8. Relaxation and Wellness: A Chance to Recharge
Not all team away days need to be action-packed. Sometimes, a relaxing and wellness-focused retreat is just what your team needs. Think spa days, yoga workshops, or guided meditation sessions to help your team de-stress, recharge, and refocus. Fostering well-being is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and productive workplace.
Activity Tip: A wellness day in a tranquil location can include mindfulness sessions, yoga classes, or massages, all tailored to the team’s needs. This type of activity can promote mental health, reduce burnout, and improve overall productivity.
9. Team Competitions: Friendly Rivalry with a Purpose
Competition doesn’t have to be cutthroat—team challenges with a bit of friendly rivalry can be a fantastic way to energize your team. Create competitions that focus on collaboration rather than individual success, such as trivia contests, building challenges, or problem-solving scenarios.
Activity Tip: The “Soap Box Derby” is a fun team competition where teams design and race their own soapbox cars. It’s a great mix of creativity, engineering, and teamwork, providing plenty of opportunities for bonding and healthy competition.
10. Themed Day: Turn the Office into a Playground
Want to make the day feel extra special? Choose a theme for the day! Whether it’s a corporate Olympics, a “Great British Bake Off” challenge, or a “James Bond” spy mission, themed events can make for a memorable team away day. The fun atmosphere helps to break down barriers and get everyone involved in a creative way.
Activity Tip: Why not try a themed quiz event like “No Ordinary Quiz,” featuring bespoke questions that help your team engage, learn, and laugh together?
The Power of Team Away Day Ideas:
Team away days ideas offer far more than just a day off work—they’re a powerful tool for building company culture, fostering communication, and boosting morale. Whether through outdoor adventures, skill-building workshops, or wellness retreats, these activities provide opportunities for teams to bond and grow together. When planning your next team away day, be sure to choose activities that align with your company values and goals, ensuring a rewarding and memorable experience for everyone.
