What Actually Happens at a Corporate Team Building Event? Your Questions Answered!

There may be one colleague who immediately asks whether they'll have to do anything embarrassing. Another wants to know if there will be food. Someone else is already checking the weather forecast, while the office competitive streak suddenly comes out in full force.

And then there's you, tasked with finding an event that everyone will actually enjoy!

If you're organising a corporate team-building event for the first time, you might have a few questions. What actually happens? How long does it last? Will everyone need to get involved? And how do you choose an activity that works for a group of very different personalities?

Don't worry. We've got you covered.

At The Teambuilding Company, we've been organising events for businesses since 1988, so we've seen just about everything. Here's our guide to what you can expect from a successful team-building experience.

So, What Is a Corporate Team Building Event?

Put simply, a corporate team-building event is an organised activity designed to bring colleagues together outside their usual working environment.

It might involve solving puzzles, completing physical challenges, building something from scratch, competing in a treasure hunt or working together towards a shared goal.

The idea is to encourage people to communicate, collaborate and get to know each other in a different setting.

Some events are highly competitive, with teams battling it out to win. Others are more creative and collaborative, focusing on achieving a shared result.

The best part? They don't have to feel like work!

What Happens During a Typical Team Building Event?

Every event is different, but most follow a fairly straightforward format.

1. The Welcome and Briefing

Your event team will welcome everyone, explain the activity and divide participants into teams where appropriate.

This is the time to explain the rules, introduce the challenges and get everyone in the right frame of mind.

2. The Main Event

This is where the fun begins!

Depending on your chosen activity, teams might be solving clues, racing against the clock, building machines, completing creative challenges or taking part in a series of competitive tasks.

3. The Competition

Many of our events include a points system or leaderboard, giving teams something to aim for.

There may be a little friendly rivalry, some questionable tactics and perhaps the occasional accusation of cheating!

4. The Results and Celebration

At the end of the activity, scores are calculated, winners are announced and the winning team gets their moment in the spotlight.

It's a great opportunity to celebrate everyone's efforts and reflect on what the team has achieved.

Which Team Building Activities Can You Choose From?

One of the biggest misconceptions about team building is that everyone has to enjoy the same type of activity.

Fortunately, that's not the case.

There are plenty of different formats available, so you can choose something that suits your team, your venue and the type of experience you're looking to create.

Here are a few examples.

For the competitive team: Our F1 Challenge gets teams designing, building and racing their own miniature racing cars. Perfect for anyone who thinks they could do a better job than a Formula 1 pit crew!

For the problem-solvers: Beat The Box challenges participants to crack codes, solve puzzles and work together to unlock a series of boxes.

For the adventurous: Our outdoor treasure hunts take teams on an expedition to solve clues, complete challenges and discover their surroundings.

For the creative: Chocolate Making gives everyone the opportunity to design and create their own chocolate masterpieces. Whether they look like something from a luxury chocolatier or a slightly questionable science experiment is another matter!

For the socially conscious: Charity activities such as Skate To Donate and Pedal For Purpose give teams the chance to create something that can be donated to others.

There's something to suit almost every group.

How Do You Make Sure Everyone Gets Involved?

This is probably one of the most important considerations when organising a corporate team-building event.

Every workplace has a mixture of personalities. Some people love being centre stage, while others would much rather contribute quietly behind the scenes.

The trick is choosing an activity that offers different ways to participate.

For example, a treasure hunt might require some people to navigate, others to solve clues and others to manage the team's time and strategy.

An F1 Challenge could involve designers, builders, problem-solvers and enthusiastic pit crews.

A good team-building activity allows everyone to contribute in their own way.

It's also important to consider accessibility, mobility requirements and any other needs when selecting an event. An experienced event organiser can help you find an appropriate format.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corporate Team Building

• How long does a team-building event usually last?
• This depends on the activity and your requirements. Some conference icebreakers last around an hour, while many of our main team-building events run for two to three hours. Larger experiences and full away days can be tailored to fit your schedule.
• How many people can take part?
• Team-building events can accommodate a wide range of group sizes. Some activities are suitable for smaller groups, while others can cater for hundreds of participants. The key is choosing the right event for your numbers.
• Do we need to provide our own venue?
• Not necessarily. Many events can be delivered at your own offices, conference venue or chosen location. We also work with a selection of hotels and event venues across the UK and can help you find a suitable setting.
• What happens if it rains during an outdoor event?
• It's the British weather, so we always recommend considering a suitable contingency plan. Depending on the event and venue, alternative arrangements may be possible. We can help you decide whether an indoor option is more appropriate.
• Do team-building events have to be competitive?
• Absolutely not! While some of our most popular events involve a healthy dose of competition, we also offer collaborative experiences where everyone works towards one common goal.
• Can activities be tailored to our business?
• Yes. We can help recommend activities based on your objectives, group size, available time, venue and budget. Whether you're looking for a fun social experience or something with a stronger focus on communication and collaboration, we'll help find the right fit.
• Are team-building activities suitable for people who don't enjoy traditional team building?
• Definitely. In fact, that's one of the reasons we offer such a varied range of events. From treasure hunts and gameshow-style challenges to chocolate making and creative workshops, there are plenty of alternatives to traditional icebreakers and trust exercises.
• How far in advance should we book?
• For the best choice of dates and venues, we'd recommend getting in touch as early as possible, particularly if you're planning a large event or looking for a popular conference date. However, it's always worth asking about availability if your plans are more last-minute.

Ready to Plan Your Team's Next Event?

Organising a corporate team-building event doesn't need to be complicated.

The secret is finding an activity that fits your people, your objectives and the experience you want to create.

Whether you're looking for a competitive indoor challenge, an outdoor adventure, a creative workshop or a charity event with a difference, The Teambuilding Company can help bring it all together.

With over 35 years of experience and events delivered across the UK, we know how to make your next company event something people will genuinely look forward to.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's get your team out of the office and into the action!

Get in touch with our team today to start planning your Team Building event.