Imagine your group of employees getting together for a retreat to bond and learn more about themselves and each other.
Conceptualize them coming back from the weekend with renewed energy, better camaraderie, and a closer team. Team-building activities are all about workmates coming together to have fun.
Instead of just dumping money in the team building activities budget as an afterthought, plan and make it part of your onboarding program.
If you invest in some creative exercises, you’ll reap the rewards of being well-equipped to face the challenges of being a team.
You don’t have to be a genius to run an effective team-building activity. These activities can be as simple as getting people together in one room and discussing the company’s future.
The key is ensuring everyone feels they’ve contributed something worthwhile and enjoyed themselves.
Here are eight awesome team-building activities that can help make your next corporate retreat productive and memorable:
1. Go On A Scavenger Hunt.
It is one of the most popular team-building activities because it’s so easy to put together and doesn’t require much planning or supplies.
All you need is a list of items your team must find and bring back to the starting point for each round. It’s a great way for everyone to get outside and move while having fun.
A scavenger hunt is fun to let employees get out of the office and explore their city. Depending on how many people attend your retreat, it can be an individual or group activity.
The idea behind a scavenger hunt is simple – every person gets a list of items they need to find to complete their list.
These items could be photos of landmarks, funny signs, or even something as simple as taking selfies with strangers.
Once everyone has completed their lists, all participants meet back at the starting point for one final task before heading home!
2. Head Out For A Hike
Hiking is one of the best ways to get to know one another on an outdoor excursion. It’s also easy to set up; all you need is good weather and a trail map, so everyone knows where they’re going.
If you’ve got some newbies on your team who might not have participated in a hike, don’t worry — there’s no better way to teach someone how than by doing it yourself.
Hiking is one of the best team-building activities because it allows you to bond over an activity you all enjoy doing together. Not only will you get some exercise, but you’ll also get to know each other better by talking about topics that aren’t work-related.
If you’re looking for something more challenging than just taking a stroll through the woods, try backpacking or mountaineering!
3. Take Over A Bar.
A bar takeover is a fun way to get everyone together in one place. Set up a few tables or a dance floor at your chosen venue and get ready to have fun. You can bring in a bartender if you want, but it’s also fun if everyone gets involved in making drinks — especially if they’re doing shots.
4. Table Games
These games are also known as casino games on websites such as https://topcasinoer.net/. They are always popular with groups because they’re fun and exciting. They also provide an excellent opportunity for people from different departments or teams to interact with one another in an informal setting.
These games are ideal for corporate retreats or whenever you want some fun with your coworkers.
5. Marshmallow Challenge
The Marshmallow Challenge is a great team-building activity for your next corporate retreat. It’s also a lot of fun because you’re forced to work with your friends and colleagues.
The challenge is simple: you have to eat one marshmallow while chatting and answering questions, then the next marshmallow while working together on a problem that needs solving.
This challenge aims to test people’s ability to work in pairs, communicate effectively, and collaborate on a task.
It’s also an excellent way to get your employees acquainted with each other and build teamwork skills.
6. Human Knot
Human Knot, also known as human knotting or knotted cord, is a team-building game that helps people learn to work together.
A ball attached to a rope should be at the center of the game and then wrapped around four poles.
Each team member takes turns wrapping their hands around the cord and pulling on it until they can no longer hold their hands up. The last member standing wins.
This activity is excellent for team bonding and developing communication skills between group members.
It’s also an effective way to help employees develop leadership skills by showing them how they should be leading their teams if they were in charge.
7. Blindfold Competition
The game aims to build a structure using only your hands and feet. The design must start to finish in one hour, with no cheating allowed.
You’ll need to form groups of four willing to work together but do not have anyone else involved in the group (e.g., partners).
Once everyone is blindfolded, they will get instruction on how to safely carry out their task without others hindering them with their actions.
For example, if another team member attempts to help them construct the structure, they should stop working and ignore this person’s assistance until it is over with
8. Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt can occur anywhere, from the office to the local park. It does not matter where you choose to store your treasure hunt, as long as there is enough space for everyone to participate.
The first step in setting up a treasure hunt is deciding how many participants will be there. A good rule of thumb is about half the number of people participating in the activity. If you want ten people to experience it, then make sure at least five or six others wish to join you.
The next step is to decide which items need to hide around where you plan on having your treasure hunt held. You can use many different things such as candy bars, toys or games that require skills like darts or soccer balls.
Work and Play
The primary goal of team-building activities is to help create a sense of community and strengthen relationships within the group.
As such, you’ll want activities that require input from everyone, encourage collaboration and involve everyone in the process.
It was amazing to see how well things came together as a result of these exercises and made an unforgettable impression on many team members involved.