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Want to plan something fun for your colleagues that they’ll actually be excited about, but not sure what team building ideas to go with? Or how to even start planning a team building event? We've got you covered. In this guide, we’ll dig into cool team activities that are the opposite of boring, as well as how to take the pressure off figuring out the logistics of your next team building event!
Before you dive in, ask yourself some questions. What does the team need to boost morale and motivation? Are you coming off a busy and stressful period? You could get crafty and mindful with painting or pottery. Or maybe it’s a good time to start thinking about your EOFY or Christmas celebrations? In that case, a make-your-own-cocktail party could be what your team needs.
With those questions in mind, you're already halfway to planning an event your team will genuinely enjoy. Follow these steps to bring it all together.
1. Build your shortlist
Take the first step and get a feel for some potential options! Any event planner worth their salt knows the first step is research. But planning a team building event involves more than simply googling "team building activities near me".
It's about exploring different experiences, reading reviews and considering practical details like group size, location and budget to find the right fit for your team. And here, you can find all that information in one place. Before you start shortlisting activities, take some time to explore what's available. Then, list out a few you might enjoy personally, as well as any that make you think of your team and their personalities or interests. Sometimes getting everyone out of their comfort zone is the best way to build connections.
Experiences such as building a terrarium, or a hand-building clay class, may be a good place to start. Often, these types of workshops will include everything, making your role as easy as booking, showing up and enjoying!
2. Chat with your team
Team building events are all about teamwork, right? So, start the fun by working together. Let your team know you’re organising a team building event and would love their input! This could be done via chat, email or in your weekly team meeting. Make it into a brainstorm—get your team together and think about some key questions.
What kind of activities are suitable for the current season? For example, indoor activities are probably a better idea in winter. What does your team enjoy outside of work? Are they foodies? Do they enjoy the arts? Have they lost time for extra hobbies? This gets the conversation started way before the team building event ever takes place. You may find out things you didn’t know about your teammates, like what creative activities they enjoy or their favourite cuisines.
Get them thinking about what they might like to try. This piques their interest and builds anticipation! Plus, when they’ve had a say in what they’ll be doing, they’ll feel more invested in the outcome.
Is your team feeling the effects of burnout? Discover how hobbies can help here.
3. Narrow your list
Go back to that list you first made, then add to it, or refine it! Cull some things you know no one would be interested in, and add some choices that might keep that curiosity alive. There are heaps of team building activities where no experience is required at all, and laughter is pretty much guaranteed.
Paint and sip classes are a good example. Available nationally, they are a unique chance to break the ice, share some laughs and get creative over a couple of drinks. You and your team could paint your pets or portraits, choose your own subject, or find something fully guided with an exact template. You could even try drawing with a drag queen!
4. Get your colleagues involved in the team building event
Put some of your amazing ideas to a vote! Including your team in the team building event can be the best way to get them excited about what’s ahead. If everyone has the context and has played some part in the planning, then everyone can look forward to it as much as you!
Team building events tend to work best when people feel it's designed with them in mind, rather than something that's being imposed on them. Giving your team a voice in the process can help create that sense of ownership from the start.
If people are nervous about trying something new or different, use this as an opportunity to show empathy and have a chat about the activity and what to expect to put their minds at ease.
5. Book your event!
Once you have a winner, all that’s left to do is book your team event. Double-check your numbers, your location, the day and the time and get booking! This can be as easy as clicking a button or sending a message.
Lock the event into your team's calendars and send over a few pictures or links of the event space and team activity to get people pumped up!
Our top picks for team building activities
We love team building fun, and these popular activities are sure to impress your team at your next team building event.
Some of our most loved classes include cocktail making or cooking! And this cooking experience in Sydney combines both! You and your team will be making your own dumplings and cocktails. (Yes, you can absolutely enjoy both the cocktails and the dumplings after you’re done!)
Introduce a healthy dose of nostalgia with painting, pottery or crafting! We love these unique craft classes— mosaic lamp making in Darlinghurst, and tufting for beginners in Chatswood! If a paint and sip entices you, this class will get everyone painting their own canvas bag, giving you and your team a wearable artwork to use daily!
For other hands-on activities that are a little out of the norm, we love jewellery making, candle making and blending your own perfumes! This charm bar workshop on the Gold Coast is easy and casual, but will still have everyone leaving with a gorgeous piece of jewellery that speaks to their personality. If you want a more mindful activity, this perfume making workshop in Newtown will see everyone blending their own unique fragrance to keep. They even run mobile classes if you’re planning an in-office event!
It can be tricky to pick something that everyone will love, but with a new, creative experience, there’s every chance that people will want to give it a go. Especially when they can enjoy or take something home they can be proud of. Set the tone and share the excitement by getting your team involved and planning the best team building event together!
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