Five (Non-Virtual) Team Building Activities for Spring
A year ago, the world went remote, and we were forced to get creative within the confines of our new digitally-enabled reality. While most businesses quickly adapted when it came to virtual staff meetings, one-on-ones and client calls, team building activities required a little more ingenuity. We saw everything from virtual cocktail hours, virtual cooking classes and virtual Pictionary games to virtual trivia, virtual icebreaker games and virtual mindfulness sessions. The operative word here: virtual.
We all did what we could at the time to stay connected, and it worked to a degree. But, let’s face it, virtual-everything is getting old. As we continue to emerge from a long, dark winter into a sun-filled Spring and Summer, combined with news of readily available vaccines, many businesses are veering away from virtual activities in favor of some face-to-face team bonding.
Is that a reasonable path to take? Can we really come together with our fellow team members safely and enjoy some in-person camaraderie? The short answer: yes.
Five in-person team building activities
Ready to get your staff away from the computer screen and out into the world with other people? Here are five safe activities you can do with your team—socially distant yet together.
1. Get the rage out: We’re all a little bit angry about the events of the past year. Some are downright enraged. What better way to bond as a team than to collectively release that rage in a healthy, productive manner? Ever heard of a rage room? Here’s how it works: you split off into groups of six, dress head-to-toe in protective gear, pick your weapon and smash stuff. It’s safe, it’s fun and it gets those endorphins going. If breaking glass isn’t your thing, you might also consider ax-throwing.
2. Hunt for caches: Put those collaboration and problem-solving skills to work with geocaching. A high-tech scavenger hunt for the digital era, geocaching is a grown-up version of America’s favorite childhood pastime. Instead of digging for buried treasure, you’re looking for caches hidden in an eco-friendly site above ground. – in nature maybe, instead of eco-friendly.
3. Get competitive: Nothing builds camaraderie like some good, friendly competition. Organize a pickleball game, a cornhole tournament or, on those warmer days, a good, old-fashioned water balloon toss. When it comes to outdoor team-based games, your options are endless.
4. Go for a hike: Hiking has taken center stage over the last year. When businesses coast to coast shut their doors and we were all required to work, live and play inside the confines of our four walls, going for a walk or a hike was, for a time, our only escape. This forced outdoor time became a way of life—and today, more people are hiking than ever before. Why not bring that trend into your workplace with an organized team hike? Give your team a little exercise, some fresh air and an opportunity to talk to one another.
5. Take it to the sky: Experience social distancing on a whole new level with an organized skydiving team outing. What could be more open and freeing than jumping out of a plane into wide open space? Granted, you’ll need to consider your people before picking such an event. But if you’ve got a team who tends to veer towards the more adventurous side of life, this activity is sure to please.
Don’t forget to brand your event!
People love swag. Whether it’s a giveaway just for showing up or a prize for team winners, be sure to commemorate your event with a company-branded remembrance of the day.
Headed to the rage room? Why not give your team a commemorative drinking glass? If you’re taking to the woods or the park, opt for an outdoor-related item, like an insulated cooler bag, a compass tool or a mini wireless speaker. For the adventure-seeking skydivers, mini binoculars, a model airplane or even a mini parachute would work nicely. When it comes to prizes, think bigger: a BBQ set, a smart-device charging station, a desktop cornhole game or a picnic blanket. for example.
As the nation slowly begins to open its doors to the outside world, people are ready to start seeing faces again—in the flesh! This presents a great opportunity to bring your team together for a fun, memorable experience that adds a little levity to life, drives team member engagement and strengthens bonds.
Need help branding your next team outing? At Clearly Branded, we will partner with you to design, source and deliver high-quality products that drive employee morale while supporting your brand goals. Contact us at 973-328-0160 and let us help you create a memorable team building experience.
Details
May 7, 2021
Clearly Branded
Name: Aida Simmons
Email: aida@clearlybranded.com