Let’s be honest – most of us have been on a cringey away day. You know the one: lukewarm tea, trust falls, and some poor soul leading icebreakers from 1997, but it doesn’t have to be like that – here’s Team Building Ideas in the Workplace That Actually Work
Team building ideas in the workplace have come a long way. Done well, they can be the rocket fuel that propels your team into collaboration, creativity and actual fun (yes, fun at work). Whether you’re nurturing a new team or reigniting an established one, the right activity can transform how your people communicate, connect, and contribute.
At Zing Events, we specialise in team building ideas that don’t make people groan – we make them grin. From fast-paced games to mindful challenges, our experiences are designed to bring out the best in your people and make your workplace culture unforgettable.
Here are 9 ideas that actually work in the modern workplace 👇
1. Deceivers – The Ultimate Trust Test
Based on the smash-hit TV show The Traitors, this game is brilliant for workplace teams who want to explore trust, strategy and deception (safely, of course).
It’s like Mafia, but turbocharged: your team must work together to spot the liars in their midst while completing challenges. It’s all about collaboration, reading people, and keeping your cool.
🧩 Best for: Cross-departmental teams, problem-solving, trust
📍 Great for: Indoor office spaces or conference rooms
🎯 Why it works: Builds critical thinking and emotional intelligence
2. Target 10 – Rapid-Fire Team Challenge
You’ve got 10 challenges. Limited time. And the clock’s ticking.
From LEGO bridge building to movie scene re-creations and egg-drop engineering – Target 10 is designed to test collaboration, communication and innovation. It’s essentially a ‘best of’ all the classic team building challenges, all packed into one session.
⚡ Best for: Large offices or away days
🧠 Why it works: Encourages a growth mindset, group accountability, and quick decision-making
3. Urban Art – Creativity Meets Collaboration
Think your team can’t paint? Think again.
Urban Art is all about expression, vision, and bringing ideas to life – together. Your team creates a large-scale mural that represents your values or company mission. Bonus: it’s a talking point in the office long after the activity ends.
🎨 Best for: Hybrid or creative teams
🌈 Why it works: Encourages inclusivity, communication and creative risk-taking
4. Escape the Box – Sherlock Meets Dragon’s Den
Imagine an escape room… without the dark lighting and cheesy props.
Escape the Box challenges teams with logic puzzles, business dilemmas, and moral conundrums – all wrapped up in a box that’s delivered to your workplace. Think of it as a brain workout that also helps with teamwork, resilience and leadership under pressure.
📦 Best for: Remote-friendly companies or office-based teams
🕵️ Why it works: It’s collaborative, cerebral, and accessible
5. Putt A Hole in Hunger – Give Back While You Bond
CSR is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s a must.
This feel-good activity lets teams build a mini-golf course out of non-perishable food items, which are then donated to The Trussell Trust food banks. It combines creativity, problem-solving and purpose – and we promise it gets people talking (and smiling).
💚 Best for: Culture-focused teams, CSR champions
🏌️ Why it works: Combines team building with impact – and everyone leaves feeling good
6. The Sphere – Crystal Maze Vibes Without the Lycra
Inspired by The Crystal Maze, teams tackle different zones (physical, mental, mystery, skill), collecting golden tickets along the way. It ends with a dramatic dash inside the iconic Zing Sphere to grab as many flying tokens as you can. It’s nostalgic, chaotic, and absolutely brilliant.
🎡 Best for: Annual kickoffs or company milestones
🔥 Why it works: Boosts morale and camaraderie through shared success
7. Food Chain – A Deliciously Strategic Challenge
Forget bake-offs. In this foodie team building activity, you’re competing to design and build your own restaurant brand – from concept to pitch. Expect menu designing, budgeting, role play and some seriously competitive energy.
👩🍳 Best for: Marketing, sales or client-facing teams
🥗 Why it works: Encourages collaboration, communication and confidence
8. Team Connected – The Remote Collaboration Fix
Working from home doesn’t mean missing out. Team Connected is a fast-paced online game packed with trivia, memory puzzles and live challenges, all hosted by our high-energy team. Whether you’re in London or Lisbon, your people stay plugged in.
💻 Best for: Fully remote or hybrid teams
🌍 Why it works: Reinforces company culture across time zones
9. Office Games – Workplace Olympics, Anyone?
Perfect for a Friday wind-down or onboarding week, Office Games is a hilarious series of mini challenges that can be run in breakout spaces or boardrooms. Expect laugh-out-loud moments, surprising skills, and a bit of healthy competition.
🎯 Best for: New hires or department mixers
😄 Why it works: Low-pressure, high-engagement and ideal for breaking the ice
Why These Team Building Ideas in the Workplace work?
It’s simple: great team building ideas in the workplace create the culture you want to see. They’re not about ticking a box or getting a budget spend across the line. They’re about making work feel more human.
Zing Events designs experiences that get people talking, laughing, thinking and feeling – and that’s what truly builds better teams.
Final Thoughts
Gone are the days of stale trust falls and awkward icebreakers. The best team building ideas in the workplace are the ones that feel like a reward, not a chore. From creative workshops to adrenaline-filled competitions, Zing’s got a lineup of activities that actually reflect the energy of modern work.
And whether your team’s remote, in the office or somewhere in between – there’s an idea here that’ll spark the kind of connection that leads to stronger culture, better performance and real results.
🗣 What Our Clients Say
“Our team said it was the best team building day they’d ever had. Fun, fast-paced and totally on-brand for us.” – Head of HR, FTSE 100 Client
“Zing just gets how to make these events modern, exciting and genuinely useful. We saw a real difference back at work.” – Office Manager, London Tech Startup
🤔 FAQ: Team Building Ideas in the Workplace
What’s the best team building activity for a small office?
Escape the Box or Urban Art – both work brilliantly in smaller spaces and focus on collaboration.
Do you offer virtual or hybrid activities?
Yes! Team Connected and Escape Polar Survival are perfect for remote teams.
How long do your activities take?
Most Zing activities run from 90 mins to half a day, depending on your team size and goals.
Can we run something in our office?
Absolutely. We have loads of options that require minimal setup and no awkward logistics.
