A business is only as good as its employees. Perhaps you’ve heard that one before? But can you also hear that creeping sense of dischord around the office? The lack of the usual harmony, there for all to hear, loud and clear; the team aren’t singing from the same hymnbook and the manager is tone deaf to the problem. Yep, this clumsily extended metaphor can afflict any office, anytime. But as fast as this disquiet can strike, it can also be remedied just as quickly, if there is a collective will. The answer? A day out, icebreaking, idea making and blue-sky creating. Here are 5 IDEAL outdoor activities perfect for team building.
LASER TAG
We all have someone we’d like to shoot in the office, right? RIGHT? Well, here’s your chance. Laser tag also brings the element of teamwork vital for such a morale-boosting exercise to succeed.
When the term ‘laser tag’ springs to mind, you tend to think of the indoor version enjoyed in your youth, with lots of flashing lights, zapping noises, and dark corners to take refuge in, but the activity and industry have both come a long way. Take GO Laser Tag London, for example, which has a huge facility spread across several acres that contains multiple forest battlefield environments; a more adult experience great for a day of teambuilding.
5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL
There’s nothing more effective in illuminating to staff the value of teamwork than introducing a little competitive edge. Team sports, such as five-a-side footy, offer a great opportunity to bond, keep fit and form friendly rivalries which have a long-lasting impact on office harmony. If made a regular thing (weekly perhaps?) a deep-rooted loyalty can be developed. After all, who’s going to want to walk out on their job when the big clash with the H.R department is going down next week?
HIKING
Office morale can get jaded by just how much time everyone is spending in front of a screen. A day out where no one has to look at a weekly report or send an email, instead breathing in fresh air and giving their legs a good stretch, is a fantastic way to bring the team together.
In the UK, we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by some of the most amazing hiking spots in the world. In terms of health, hiking at a decent pace can burn over 400 calories per hour, which is substantial when you consider that many people hike for an entire day. Take that, sedentary lifestyle associated with being tied to a desk!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Not everyone wants to be competing and cavorting. Something a little more serene could be just the ticket for those wanting to explore their creative side. This activity is an ideal follow-on from hiking, as the two can go hand-in-hand. Photography is an art form and as such can encourage an artistic eye within the group which could be of great benefit once back in the office. Of course, the equipment doesn’t come cheap, but this is a team building exercise which if done regularly could keep on giving.
VOLUNTEERING
Rather than forcing people to have organised fun, do something that will make a difference. From building community gardens, protecting wildlife, helping out at a farm, renovating community spaces, and revitalising parks and rundown housing estates, there are plenty of outdoor volunteering activities that are ideal for a memorable and rewarding team building trip.
