Team building exercises get a bad rap.
Blame it on cringey ice breakers or someone somewhere forcing a group to fall backwards into each other’s arms (don’t worry, we don’t do that). But when done right, team building exercises are absolute rocket fuel for company culture.
Let’s set the record straight: these aren’t just games — they’re culture-boosting, connection-building, productivity-igniting tools. And they work.
🚀 What Are Team Building Exercises, Really?
Team building exercises are structured activities designed to bring colleagues together to improve communication, trust, collaboration, and morale.
Sounds a bit HR-speak, right? Let’s translate.
They’re clever ways to get your people talking, laughing, solving problems, and building rapport — without feeling like work. Whether it’s a creative challenge or a competitive task, the right exercise breaks down silos, encourages vulnerability, and gets teams aligned in all the right ways.
❤️ The Real Benefits of Team Building Exercises
Still sceptical? Let’s talk about what actually changes after a good team building session, run by a bonafide Team Building Company.
1. Improved Communication
Most workplace issues can be traced back to poor communication. A team building exercise forces people to talk — not via email, not with awkward Teams messages, but face-to-face, in real time, with actual conversation. Game-changer.
2. Boosted Morale
When teams have fun together, they feel good together. That feel-good energy doesn’t vanish after the day ends. It carries back into your office, Slack channels, and Zoom calls. It’s contagious — in a good way.
3. Stronger Company Culture
Culture isn’t just values on a wall. It’s how your team behaves under pressure, how they treat one another, and how connected they feel. A well-run team building exercise is a microcosm of your culture in action — and a chance to make it better.
4. Better Collaboration
When people have had to escape a fictional jail cell or build a makeshift bridge out of LEGO together, they collaborate more naturally on that Q3 strategy doc.
🔥 Zing-Approved Team Building Exercises That Actually Make an Impact
Now for the fun part. Here are a few tried-and-tested exercises we run at Zing Events that aren’t just fun – they’re purpose-built to create stronger teams.
🧠 Escape the Box
Part escape room, part code-breaking mission, this is a fast-paced challenge that pits teams against the clock. It encourages logical thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration — and works brilliantly across departments that don’t normally work together.
Great for: problem-solving, communication, and keeping competitive teams happy.
🎯 Precision Games
Crossbows, archery, laser clays — this isn’t your average away day. Teams take on a series of skill-based challenges that require focus and calm under pressure. No experience needed, just a good sense of humour and some team banter.
Great for: encouraging supportiveness, team spirit, and a bit of healthy competition.
🧩 The Deceivers
Inspired by the hit TV show The Traitors, this clever game of lies and deduction is the ultimate trust exercise. Who’s lying? Who’s telling the truth? And can your team figure it out before time runs out?
Great for: leadership development, trust building, and observational skills.
🏗️ LEGO Bridge
Don’t be fooled — this playful activity is secretly one of the most revealing team building exercises out there. Teams must build a freestanding bridge that supports weight — but there’s a twist: communication is restricted and roles are divided.
Great for: communication, delegation, and discovering hidden leadership skills.
🧠 Why These Exercises Work
It’s not just about blowing off steam (though that’s important too). These kinds of challenges tap into different working styles, expose blind spots, and encourage psychological safety. When your team feels safe to speak up, get creative, or even fail — that’s when culture starts to thrive.
And yes, it really does work. According to a Gallup report, highly engaged business units see a 21% increase in profitability.
That engagement doesn’t come from spreadsheets — it comes from experiences that foster trust, respect, and shared goals.
🕵️♀️ What to Look for in a Team Building Exercise
Not all team building exercises are created equal. When planning your next session, keep this checklist in mind:
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✅ Is it inclusive? (no one should feel awkward or left out)
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✅ Does it support your goals? (communication, collaboration, etc.)
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✅ Will people actually enjoy it?
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✅ Does it create a safe space for participation?
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✅ Is it scalable for your team size?
If the answer’s yes to all, you’re onto a winner.
👀 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s what not to do:
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❌ Pick a boring or overdone activity (hello, awkward trust falls)
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❌ Forget to explain why you’re doing it
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❌ Make it feel like punishment or an “HR exercise”
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❌ Exclude remote team members
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❌ Assume everyone will “just get into it”
Spoiler: they won’t — unless it’s actually good. That’s where we come in.
🧭 Final Thought: Start Small, Think Big
If team building exercises feel overwhelming to plan, start with a single session. One afternoon can spark months of better collaboration, fresh energy, and genuine connection.
And hey — it’s not just about the ROI (though it’s nice to know it’s there). It’s about people. Happy, connected teams do better work. And that’s good for everyone.
⭐️ Reviews
“We didn’t realise how much we needed this until we did it. The whole office is still buzzing a week later.”
— Lucy, PA at a London fintech firm
“Best team building event we’ve done in 10 years. The Zing team nailed the brief and then some.”
— Adam, HR Director, FTSE 100 company
❓FAQ: Team Building Exercises
What’s the best team building exercise for a remote team?
Try something virtual like Escape the Mansion or Team Connected. Designed for screens but packed with team spirit.
How long should a team building session be?
Anywhere from 60 minutes to a full day — depends on the outcome you’re after.
Can you customise the exercises?
Absolutely. At Zing, everything can be tailored to your goals, group size, and vibe.
