7 Facts About Team Building and Team Development

Team building and team development are the heartbeat of high-performing teams. Whether you’re a PA trying to find the perfect company away day or a manager looking to fix a frazzled team, mastering these two areas could seriously up your game. In this guide, you’ll find answers to everything you need to know about team building and team development—and exactly how to use them to improve your team’s dynamics.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What is team building?

• What is team development?

• Difference between team building and team development

• Team building vs team development

• What’s more important: team building or team development?

• How can managers support team building and team development?

• Team building and team development activities

What is Team Building?

Team building and team development both aim to get teams working better, but team building kicks things off with fun, bonding experiences. It’s the magic wand that helps people connect, build trust, and break down those awkward “we-just-work-together” barriers.

Through corporate team building activities like escape rooms, scavenger hunts, or interactive quizzes, you create shared memories that last. These aren’t just about laughs—though you’ll get plenty—they’re strategic. Companies that actively build culture see a 33% boost in revenue, with skilled managers driving 27% of that growth.

Great team building activities are essential because:

• They boost communication skills without forcing it

• They break down silos between departments

• They improve trust, which research shows reduces staff turnover by 43%

In short, it’s the fastest way to take strangers and turn them into teammates.

What is Team Development?

If team building is the spark, team development is the slow, steady burn. It’s a longer, more strategic process that focuses on how teams actually perform and grow over time.

Think structured goals, leadership skills, decision-making, and clear accountability. It’s about moving from a group of individuals into a powerhouse unit that thinks, plans, and wins together.

Team development matters because:

• Employees who trust their leaders are more loyal and more productive

• Highly engaged employees demonstrate an 18% boost in productivity

• Teams with strong development see 23% higher profitability

It’s the reason some teams consistently outperform others. Through team development, organisations foster innovation, reduce turnover, and position themselves ahead of competitors.

Whether it’s through leadership coaching, mentorship, or learning activities like Rollercoaster or The Apprentice, team development gives teams the skills they need to keep levelling up.

Difference Between Team Building and Team Development

While team building and team development are often used interchangeably, they’re different beasts—and it’s important to know which you’re aiming for.

In simple terms:

• Team building gets people talking and laughing.

• Team development gets people performing and winning.

Companies that ignore either are gambling with their culture. In fact, 64% of employees with poor company culture start looking for new jobs within six months!

Team Building vs Team Development

You don’t have to pick a side. Team building and team development aren’t rivals—they’re teammates. Together, they create a thriving workplace culture that delivers better results.

Use team building when:

• Teams are new and need bonding fast

• Morale has taken a nosedive

• You want to celebrate wins and reward people

Use team development when:

• Your team needs better goal alignment

• Leadership potential needs unlocking

• Innovation and accountability need a boost

Teams with high engagement levels produce 18% more in sales and experience 70% fewer safety incidents. You can’t afford to miss out by only focusing on one side of the coin.

What’s More Important: Team Building or Team Development?

Both are essential, but which one you prioritise depends on your team’s needs.

If your team doesn’t trust each other or communicate well, start with team building. Create strong foundations. If your team already gets along but struggles to deliver results, shift towards team development.

Remember:

• Team building gets the team connected.

• Team development gets the team performing.

Ignoring either can be dangerous. Research shows individuals unhappy with company culture are 24% more likely to quit, costing businesses money, time, and morale.

A smart company will cycle between both—keeping the team culture strong while pushing towards bigger goals.

How Can Managers Support Team Building and Team Development?

Managers aren’t just spectators. They’re the MVPs when it comes to embedding a culture of team building and team development.

Here’s how managers can make a real difference:

• Get involved: Don’t lurk on the sidelines. Teams are 18% more productive when leaders are visible and engaged.

• Be consistent: One away day isn’t enough. True development needs regular check-ins and continuous learning.

• Encourage trust: Leaders who build trust reduce turnover and increase loyalty.

• Celebrate growth: Recognising small wins keeps motivation sky-high.

Companies that invest in engagement see 21% higher profitability and a 59% reduction in turnover. Managers must lead by example if they want teams to flourish.

Team Building and Team Development Activities

Here are some of the best activities to boost your company away day with a mix of both team building and team development magic:

Escape the Box
Teams must solve brain-bending puzzles, crack cryptic clues, and race against the clock to open the box. It’s high-energy, pressure-packed, and demands flawless communication.
This activity builds problem-solving under pressure, encourages quick thinking, and fosters better collaboration—all crucial skills for high-performing teams.

The Trading Floor
It’s fast-paced mayhem as teams buy, sell, and trade their way to financial glory. Quick decision-making and sharp negotiation skills are essential to come out on top.
By simulating a real-world trading environment, this activity strengthens leadership, decision-making, and the ability to work strategically under pressure.

Putt a Hole in Hunger Indoors
Design, build, and play on your own mini golf course made entirely of food, which gets donated to charity afterwards.
This creative and socially conscious challenge improves collaboration, planning, and adds a feel-good element of giving back to the community.

Rollercoaster
Teams plan, build, and test a fully working rollercoaster using limited resources and lots of imagination.
It’s perfect for honing project management skills, encouraging creativity under constraints, and developing team problem-solving.

The Apprentice
Inspired by the hit TV show, teams take on business challenges and pitch their solutions to a panel of judges.
This brilliant activity hones leadership skills, encourages strategic thinking, and fosters innovation and confidence.

Sphere Indoors
Battle through mental and physical challenges across different themed zones, culminating in the thrilling Sphere finale.
Sphere tests teamwork, time management, and determination, giving every player a chance to shine in their own way.

Urban Art
Get messy, creative, and slightly rebellious as you design and spray-paint your own team masterpiece under expert guidance.
This activity fuels creativity, breaks down barriers, and leaves teams with a lasting piece of collaborative artwork to celebrate.

The Zing Show
An outrageously fun live game show where teams compete in hilarious challenges for points and ultimate bragging rights.
Perfect for boosting morale, increasing team spirit, and giving everyone a chance to let their hair down after a busy quarter.

Choosing the right activities ensures your company away day is more than just a day out—it’s a catalyst for lasting change.

Conclusion

Team building and team development aren’t optional anymore. If you want your business to grow, your team to stay engaged, and your profits to rise, you need both.

Highly engaged companies experience:

• 21% more profitability

• 41% less absenteeism

• 59% less turnover

Starting with team building can create the trust and bonds needed for deeper team development work. Then, ongoing team development keeps teams sharp, motivated, and future-ready.

Ready to get serious about team success? Whether you’re planning your first company away day or need a full strategic team development programme, Zing Events is here to help you make it unforgettable.