It’s been a tough couple of years for businesses the world over. Recent surveys suggest that 59% of workers are still working remotely- and the majority are doing so out of choice.
Somewhere along the line, this degree of separation may take its toll on team morale. What can employers do to bring the team together and boost the spirit of cooperation?
Company events are a great chance for everyone to get together away from the pressure of work. It’s a chance to forge closer bonds and understand each other on a new level. But what are the best corporate event ideas to actually achieve that?
Let’s explore 12 of the best corporate event team-building ideas, so you can bring your team back together.
1. Boat Trip
A corporate yacht charter is a team-building event that can go two ways. You can learn about how a boat operates and the importance of teamwork to keep it moving in the right direction. Or if you prefer something more laid back, you can have the party of a lifetime.
A typical charter can comfortably accommodate around 45, and they have a full-service crew to do all the heavy lifting. It’s a great chance to socialize, play games, and enjoy each others’ company.
There’s also the option of using the lounge for more formal activities. Unless you work on a boat, it’s the ultimate change of scenery and a great way to say thank you to your hardworking team.
2. Cookery Competition
This is a great option that caters to everyone’s dietary needs and is low budget.
Provide each team member with some cash for provisions and set them the challenge. It could be a chili cook-off or cake bake. Or you could split the team in two and assign both challenges.
Everyone gets to cook and bring in what they like. Some company event venues will allow you to cook on site. Some people will go for a screaming hot beef chili, while others might bring in a milder vegan number.
Everybody wins! Well, only the winner wins, but everyone gets involved.
All you need is a few games and facilities to safely store and reheat the chili when it’s time to eat. If your office has a low-stress, relaxed vibe, this could be the perfect fit.
3. Scavenger Hunt is a Good Team-Building & Teamwork Idea
The basic aim of a scavenger hunt is to split off into teams, hunt down clues, and work them out to win a prize. It’s a great choice for company events because it naturally builds teamwork.
To mix things up, give people who are not normally leaders the chance to lead the team. You might find your next hidden talent.
They take a little time to set up, but some corporate event locations will set them up for you. They work best in the great outdoors, but make sure that health and safety aren’t jeopardized!
4. Mocktail Competition
It’s another food competition, but with a twist. You supply the ingredients and break the teams down into competing factions. Give them a brief on which they’ll be judged and let the fun begin.
Give them something to get them thinking, such as an unusual ingredient or an odd choice of glass. This gives people who don’t normally work together with the chance to collaborate. You can also see who takes a backseat and who’s built to lead!
In the end, judge them on the final result. Fun prizes can include gift certificates and beauty treatments.
5. Eco-Challenge
What happens when a scavenger hunt meets the Amazing Race? A corporate eco challenge event does just that. At the same time, it educates your team about the impact their actions have on the planet.
These company event locations are normally in the woods, sometimes with river access for kayaking. Make sure that the program is adapted to include everyone on the team, including those with disabilities or health issues. Your employees will be divided into teams and then be presented with their challenges.
For example, they may be asked to design a completely sustainable community. All necessary equipment will be provided by the event organizers. It’s a great way to spark lively conversations and relate to each other in new ways.
6. Virtual Murder Mystery Event
Most people love a good murder mystery evening. This is a chance to dress up, usually in 20s garb, and knock back a couple of gin rickeys.
But they’re also perfect for the modern age as many company event companies have adapted them for virtual events. Your team still gets to work together, but it includes anyone who may still have to stay away because of the pandemic.
Other virtual events that can be just as fun as the real thing include:
- Virtual escape rooms
- Wellbeing events
- Corporate hospitality delivered directly to their door
You may not be together in person, but you can be in spirit!
7. Bridge Building Exercise
Take your team out of the office to a corporate event venue with plenty of outdoor space. Divide them up and give them the supplies they need to build a bridge!
Every team builds their part and then it’s assembled into the finished article. All you need is cardboard and duct tape.
What about decoration? Here’s a chance to go truly corporate. Have each team decorate it with inspiration for the year ahead.
Whether it’s feel-good quotes or specific goals to achieve, you’ll create a bridge of harmony and inspiration!
8. Corporate Canvas
Tap into your team’s artistic side with a collaborative art project!
It’s true that you might not have any budding da Vincis on the payroll, but never fear. Corporate event companies are way ahead of you and can provide beautiful paint-by-number murals. All your team has to do is paint to their heart’s content.
They can be tweaked to feature your company’s name and other personalized text. Get everyone to sign their masterpiece and you’ve got a fun memento of a great away day together.
9. Speed Networking
Have you been disappointed that your team still hasn’t gotten to know each other on a personal level? Speed networking can put an end to that. It works similarly to speed dating, but without the awkwardness.
Corporate event locations do all the hard work, arranging the prompts and furniture. When the bell rings, all you have to do is move to the next person!
It’s a great way to get people talking who would never normally interact in the workplace. Get to know colleagues on another level, including their hobbies and interests outside of work. It’s bound to be educational and will boost mutual respect and understanding between coworkers.
10. Corporate Olympics
Here’s one that will get the blood pumping.
The day starts by dividing your team into competing ‘nations’. They then take part in a range of head-to-head competitions. Don’t worry, athletic ability is not the name of the game here.
A huge scoreboard keeps track of who’s winning and one team tops the medal table. Corporate Olympics are a great, inclusive event. The planners will allow you to select a range of activities you know your employees will love.
No one gets left out because it’s not about who can run fastest or throw farthest. It’s just a great chance to spend the day outdoors and enjoy collaborating on some fun activities.
11. Escape Room Challenge
Escape rooms are widely available now and are a great way to stimulate your team’s problem-solving skills.
Along with problem-solving, small teams need to collaborate and communicate effectively. They also need to make decisions and cooperate. It’s a testing environment but also a lot of fun at the same time!
There are even mobile escape rooms that event planners can bring right to your door. Pair them with a food truck and you’ll be in everyone’s good books for the next year.
12. Healthy Cooking Class and Competition
Want to help your team achieve peak health? A corporate event based around learning to cook healthy dishes could be just what they need.
Want to add a little competition? Give them a set of ingredients, a fully equipped kitchen, and an hour to whip up something special.
It’s a great way to develop resourcefulness, communication, and lateral thinking skills.
Also Read: 3 Must Read Management Theories for Modern Managers
Plan the Best Corporate Events for Your Team
Whether it’s a day out on a yacht being wined and dined or an escape room, corporate events are great opportunities. They’re chances for your team to forge strong bonds. At the same time, they can develop skills they would never have been able to in the office.
For more hints and team-building tips on motivating your employees, head over to our Business section today!
