Nationwide: 020 3822 0600
15 Team building activities for corporates that aren't Awkward or Cringe!!!
Mention team building within an office these days and there's a good chance someone will immediately picture trust falls, awkward icebreakers and being forced to reveal their "interesting fact" to a room full of colleagues.
Thankfully, team building has moved on.
The best team building activities don't feel people with dread and anxiety, they give teams something genuinely enjoyable to focus on. Whether that's solving a puzzle, competing against colleagues in an unique indoor event, building something for a charity or getting completely absorbed in a shared challenge.
If you're planning a corporate teambuilding event, and want to avoid collective eye-rolling from the office, here are 15 team building activities that your colleagues will actually look forward to.
15 Non-cringy events….
1. Saboteurs – For teams that love The Traitors - Strategy, Deception, Suspicion, Teamwork, Competition. Whats not to love?
Why it works: Teams become immersed in the game and challenges, rather than being asked to "perform" as themselves.
2. Beat the Box – For Puzzle Lovers. Great for teams who:
- Love escape rooms
- Enjoy problem-solving challenges
- Prefer brain power over physical activities
Why it works: Everyone has a role, and the focus is on beating the challenges and the clock, rather than forced social interaction.
3. Hidden Quest – For those who want to get out the office and explore. GPS-led clues, challenges and competition, there is somethign for everyone.
Why it's not awkward: You're walking, exploring and doing things in the great outdoors. Conversation happens naturally, therefore no forced fun!
4. Casino Nights – For a more relaxed evening. Casino Nights are a great example of team building that doesn't necessarily feel like team building. People can play blackjack, try roulette and learn their poker face in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
Why it works: It feels like an experience rather than a corporate exercise.
5. The Crystal Challenge – For competitive teams
- Fast-paced.
- Different types of challenges.
- Mental, creative and physical.
Why it works: Everyone gets involved in different ways, meaning the loudest person in the room doesn't automatically dominate.
6. Murder Mystery – For groups who love a bit of drama. A professional murder mystery with professional actors and custom written scripts creates a completely different environment.
Why its not awkward: The actors carry the performance pressure not your team.
7. F1 Challenge – For competitive, creatives. Design. Build. Brand. Race. This one ticks lots of boxes.
Why it works: This challenge combines creativity with competition, so there isn't just one type of "winner".
8. Chocolate Making – Because no one doesn’t like chocolate right!? Sometimes simple is best. Learn a new skill, make something that you can try at home and eat something tasty – what’s not to like!
Why it works: It's relaxed, social and there's no pressure to be sporty or competitive. Plus, there is chocolate to eat.
9. Tour de Team – For Hands on Teams. A unique experience to build and brand
Why is works: You team are physically making something together, rather than sitting around talking about teamwork.
10. Spy School – For individuals who have always dreamt of becoming a 007 spy!
Why its not awkward: Assigning people a skill to concur, and a role to play in a group, can make them less self-conscious and let their guard down.
11. Rollercoaster Challenge – For creative problem solvers. Teams have to work together and communicate to design and construct something.
Why it works: It's collaborative and fun, without requiring personal disclosure or forced interaction.
12. Quizmania – For those pub quiz addicts. The secret to a good team quiz? Make sure nobody can answer everything.
Why it works: There is genuine collaboration in a naturally social setting
13. Country Sports – For fully getting away from the office to the great outdoors.
Why it works: A complete change of environment. Sometimes the best thing for team dynamics is simply getting everyone away from desks and Teams calls.
14. Charity Teambuilding – For teams who want to give something back. Building something tangible that benefits a charity, changes team dynamics completely.
Why it works: People aren't just competing against each other. they're working towards something meaningful.
15. It’s a Knockout - Yes, technically, you might look ridiculous. But the difference is that everyone signed up for it!!
Why it’s not awkward: Giant inflatables and silly challenges work because the silliness is the point.
What makes a Team building event feel awkward?
Forced fun – There’s a big difference between encouraging people to get involved and putting someone on the spot. Nobody enjoys arriving at a corporate event only to discover they have to stand up, perform in front of the room or reveal something deeply personal about themselves before they've even had a coffee.
The best team activities give everyone an opportunity to contribute in their own way.
No clear purpose - We've all been there….. You're halfway through a challenge and suddenly someone asks:
"What am I supposed to be doing?"
If a team building activity feels completely disconnected from the groups dynamic or doesn't have a clear goal or outcome, it can very quickly start to feel boring and pointless.
Too much pressure - The most successful team building events don't rely on everyone having the same personality type. Successful teambuilding encourages people to get involved in different ways.
While some people love the idea of dancing, acting, singing or presenting in front of their colleagues, for others it sounds like their worst nightmare. Finding right the balance is a must.
Choosing the wrong activity - There is no such thing as one perfect team building activity for everyone. A highly motivated and competitive team might love a head-to-head challenge where there's a leaderboard, a timer and something to win. The same activity might be less appealing to a group who would rather spend the afternoon indoors, solving puzzles, making beautiful chocolates or exploring a city on a custom written treasure hunt.
The best event is the one that meets your teams dynamic, rather than forcing everyone into the same mould.
How to choose the right Teambuilding experience for your team
Ask yourself these questions for your group…
Does your team like competition?
If so, try:
Do they prefer something more relaxed?
If yes, try:
Do they want to be inside or outside?
Try:
Around the World Treasure Hunt
Are they creatives or problem solvers?
If yes, try:
FAQ
What are the best team building activities for corporate groups?
The best team building events are engaging, inclusive and suited to the personalities of the group. Popular options include competitive challenges, treasure hunts, murder mysteries, creative workshops and problem-solving activities. The key to a successful event is choosing an activity that gives everyone a chance to contribute without forcing people too far outside their comfort zone.
How do you make team building feel less awkward?
The easiest way to make team building less awkward is to choose an activity with a clear goal that people can focus on together. Competitive challenges, puzzles, treasure hunts and creative activities naturally encourage interaction without relying on forced introductions or personal icebreakers.
What team building challenges do employees actually enjoy doing?
Employees are more likely to enjoy team building activities that feel like a genuine experience rather than a work exercise. Activities involving friendly competition, problem-solving, creativity or something completely different from the everyday working environment such as a charity challenge, tend to be particularly popular.
Are team building activities worth it and why?
When chosen carefully, team building activities are a great way to strengthen relationships, encourage collaboration and give colleagues the chance to interact outside their usual working environment. The most successful events are enjoyable first and deliver the team benefits naturally as a result. Fun is the key to success.
What are some fun team building activities for my group?
Fun team building activities for work include treasure hunts, team challenges, murder mysteries, cooking workshops, quiz events, outdoor activities and competitive team challenges. The best option depends on your group size, location, budget and the personalities of the people taking part.
How do I choose the right team building activity for my team?
Start by thinking about what your team genuinely enjoys doing. Consider whether they are competitive, creative, active or more relaxed, as well as your group size, location and available time. Choosing an activity that suits the people taking part is far more important than simply choosing the most popular event.