Starting to notice some droopy shoulders around the office? Does your team need a bit more pep in their step? Sounds like it’s time to plan a team outing!
Team outings are a great way to facilitate bonding with your team members, reduce employee stress, and give them the chance to get to know one another outside of the office.
And, you know, they’re really fun.
But how do you find ideas for a great team outing? Maybe you start with a Google search for “team outing ideas” and this is the first article that shows up. Um, hang on. Did they seriously list “field trips,” “professional development activities,” and — ahem — “shared meals” as three of their five ideas? You want to get your team chattering with excitement, not dreading “that awful team bonding thing Mike’s making us do again.”
Next time you plan an outing for your team, cut the trust falls and get one of these awesome ideas on the calendar, instead.
1) Karaoke Night
What better way to get your employees to break out of their shells than to have them get up and sing some karaoke? You can even have a contest for best group karaoke performance. Bonus points if there are feather boas and cowboy hats involved.
This works best for a more extroverted group — if your team isn’t into strutting their stuff on stage, consider an idea on this list that caters more toward their personalities.
2) F1 Racing
Get your team’s adrenaline pumping with some race car driving! Nothing like a little competition to see who comes in first place. Just make sure everyone pays attention during the safety lecture.
3) Trampoline Jumping
Hey, trampolines are for adults, too! Take your team to a trampoline gym for some jumping fun and a chance to work off the day’s stress.
4) Something Embarrassingly Touristy
Embrace your city! Pick a hot tourist destination and go as a team. It’ll be fun to laugh at how silly it feels to be a tourist in your own city, and you might even learn something new.
5) Scavenger Hunt
Find a beautiful day, break everyone out into groups, and have a scavenger hunt around the city. You can organize one yourself. Your team will feel nice and refreshed after some fresh air and fun challenges. Be sure to take lots of silly pictures — you can even have a slideshow when everyone regroups at the end.
6) Kayaking/Canoeing
Speaking of getting outdoors, grab a paddle and head down the river for a great spring or summer outing. You can encourage folks to rent multi-person kayaks and canoes. Nothing says “let’s work together” quite like trying not to end up in the water.
7) Laser Tag
Another great way to get your adrenaline pumping — a good ol’ game of laser tag. Seriously. Enough said.
8) Painting Class
If you’re looking for a slightly more relaxing activity, take a group painting class. Some hosts painting classes by local artists at various bars throughout major cities. It’s a great way to let your team members unwind, catch up over some wine, and express their creativity.
9) Kitchen Surfing
In the mood for something a little more… culinary? Change up the usual outing to a bar or your local restaurant, and try Kitchen Surfing, where you can hire a professional chef to come cook a fancy meal for you in your home or office kitchen. Between the multiple courses prepared before your eyes, your team will have plenty of time to strike up conversation and enjoy the delicious aromas.
10) Sports Game
Round up the team and head out to a sports game. What a fantastic way to rev up team spirit, and combine both competition and camaraderie.
Now you’re ready to show your team a great time, increasing their happiness and creating a great company culture. And hey, you might just be the “cool boss” now. How cool would thatbe?
What are your favorite creative team outing ideas? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
