Workplace team building exercises to engage your whole team
Workplace team building exercises can feel like a daunting task—especially if it’s your first time organising one. But it doesn’t have to be. Grab a cuppa, read on, and by the end you’ll have a toolkit of ideas that feel fun, genuine and deliver real impact—without the cringe.
What are workplace team building exercises and why they matter
At its core, workplace team building exercises are structured experiences—games, problem-solving tasks, creative challenges—designed to boost trust, collaboration and morale. Done right, they create stories, lift communication and help people see what each other’s made of.
Why bother? Because it works. Companies that maintain high employee engagement levels experience a 21% increase in profitability, a 17% boost in productivity, and a 41% reduction in absenteeism.
Plus, according to a SHRM Global Culture Report, 72% of employees gave their workplace culture a positive rating, but nearly one in three still dread heading to work. That disconnect? It’s often due to a lack of connection and meaningful interaction—precisely what team building solves.
If you’re a PA or HR manager under pressure to “get it right”, the right workplace team building exercises will save time, deliver value, and most importantly—make your team feel connected again.
Top indoor workplace team building exercises in London
These indoor team building activities are ideal for office spaces, meeting rooms or London venues that suit an indoor setting. They’re also great when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Escape the Box
An immersive puzzle game where teams race against the clock to solve codes, crack clues and collaborate under pressure. Great for promoting quick thinking and teamwork.
Animate
Teams turn simple objects into stop-motion masterpieces. It’s quirky, creative and perfect for letting introverted teammates shine.
The Apprentice (Zing twist)
Your team becomes rival firms competing to develop the next big thing—pitching, building and presenting their idea in front of “investors”. Hilarious and surprisingly insightful.
Trading Floor
High-speed trading simulation where teams react to market swings and negotiate deals in real-time. Excellent for fast decision-making and trust building.
Charity Challenge / Putt a Hole in Hunger (Indoors)
For teams that want their time together to make an impact. Build, play or create—then donate. These give back while still hitting those team building objectives.
All of these indoor workplace team building exercises in London can be done in under three hours, require minimal setup, and deliver big energy for smaller budgets.
Outdoor workplace team building exercises for bigger groups
Got access to a London park, green courtyard or outdoor venue? These outdoor team building exercises bring your team into the fresh air and give them a chance to move, collaborate and laugh—loudly.
Team Survival
Think Bear Grylls for beginners. Teams complete wilderness-style tasks to ‘survive’ and score points. A fantastic metaphor for navigating workplace challenges together.
Soap Box Derby
Design, build and race your own wacky wheels. Equal parts creativity, chaos and collaboration.
GPS Adventurer
A high-tech scavenger hunt across urban or rural settings. Uses tablets and GPS to guide teams to checkpoints and mini-challenges.
Sphere (Outdoors)
Combines physical and mental challenges with a big visual finale. Perfect for competitive teams.
Back to School Sports Day
Egg and spoon? Tug of war? Sack race? All the classic school events get a nostalgic, team-focused upgrade.
Race Around the World, Escape the Box (Outdoor) and Putt a Hole in Hunger (Outdoor)
Creative and competitive options that are perfect for large groups, team rotations and leadership development.
From Battersea Park to Regent’s Park, London’s outdoor spaces make a great playground for these energetic options.
Virtual or hybrid workplace team building exercises
As a team building company who deals with 100’s of corporate clients a year. We have seen the real benefit of getting remote teams together in person. In fact, many need these exercises more than ever. Isolation leads to disconnection—and these activities tackle that head-on.
Squid Play Game Show
Inspired by the iconic series, this fast-paced challenge pits teams against each other in a series of brain games, memory tests and ridiculous mini‑tasks. No one gets eliminated, promise.
Deceivers Game Show
Inspired by TV’s The Traitors, this interactive game tests who can lie best—and who can sniff them out.
The Zing Show
A high-energy, TV-style game show with rounds like “What’s in the Box?”, “Guess the Colleague” and more.
No Ordinary Quiz, Musical Bingo, Pub Games, Generation Game, Murder Mystery
Perfect for teams that want something light, engaging and flexible across time zones.
Even over Zoom or Teams, these virtual workplace team building exercises build trust, spark creativity and strengthen culture.
How to choose the right workplace team building exercises fast
You don’t need a psychology degree or a five-week planning window. Just follow this logic.
Matching exercises to your team’s vibe and logistics
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Want creativity? Go for Animate, The Apprentice or Charity Challenge.
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Need competitive energy? Try Escape the Box, Squid Play or Soap Box Derby.
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Prefer chilled and inclusive? Musical Bingo or Putt a Hole in Hunger (Indoor) will do nicely.
Catering to different personalities and mobility levels
Not every team member loves running around a field. Balance high-energy games with seated or cerebral tasks. Escape games, quizzes and storytelling activities make sure everyone feels seen.
Timing, budget and venue hacks
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Most workplace team building exercises work brilliantly in a 2–3 hour slot.
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Combine a physical task with a relaxed debrief over snacks or drinks.
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Many central London venues allow you to switch between indoor and outdoor if the weather turns.
Quick comparison at a glance
| Format | Best for | Top Activity Ideas | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor | Collaboration, puzzles, creativity | Escape the Box, Animate, Trading Floor, Charity Challenge | 1–3 hrs |
| Outdoor | Movement, fresh air, team celebration | Team Survival, Soap Box Derby, GPS Adventurer | 2–4 hrs |
Build a better culture, not just a better day
This isn’t just about a fun afternoon. According to PwC, nearly 70% of leaders say company culture gave them a competitive edge during difficult times. That edge? It comes from shared experiences—like workplace team building exercises—that reinforce purpose and unity.
Want to boost retention, increase productivity and give your people a reason to stay? Start with how they feel when they’re together.
Reviews & social proof
Don’t just take our word for it. Zing Events has over 600 five-star reviews on Reviews.io and Google Reviews for Zing Events. We’re trusted by FTSE 500 companies and loved by teams across the UK who want more than just a ‘nice day out’.
Related articles you might find useful
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The Best Outdoor Team Building Exercises – for when the sun’s out and the vibes are up
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Corporate Charity Challenges That Work – make an impact while building a stronger team
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Choosing the Right Team Building Provider – practical tips for choosing the right team building company
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are workplace team building exercises?
A: They’re structured activities—indoor, outdoor or virtual—designed to improve communication, collaboration and team morale. Think escape games, scavenger hunts or creative challenges.
Q: How long do most workplace team building exercises take?
A: Most run for 2–3 hours. Virtual formats can be done in 45–90 minutes. Some full-day events include multiple challenges and a social finish.
Q: Can I organise workplace team building exercises with a small budget?
A: Absolutely. Virtual quizzes, indoor activities and evening activities are low on cost but high on engagement.
Q: What’s the best time of year to do team building?
A: Any time, but summer’s great for outdoor options like GPS Adventurer. Winter? Go indoors or run a virtual quiz to keep energy up.
Q: What if my team includes remote staff?
A: Hybrid team building options are perfect. Virtual shows, escape rooms and quiz formats allow everyone to join from anywhere.
Q: Can team building support our CSR goals?
A: Yes. Activities like Putt a Hole in Hunger and Charity Challenge blend team development with giving back to the community.
Q: How do I know if the event actually worked?
A: Track post-event engagement, survey feedback and even look at retention rates over time. A stronger culture has real ROI.
Q: Do workplace team building exercises really improve morale?
A: Yes. Shared laughter, wins and challenges build stronger connections. That creates trust—and trust fuels productivity.
