Events that help to motivate and engage teams are crucial. Team-building activities, award ceremonies, holiday parties and social gatherings can all boost morale. As well as fostering a sense of belonging and improving workplace culture. All by simply providing opportunities for employees to connect outside their regular work routines.
Let's dive into the essentials of team building and explore how it can transform your events.
Team building in a nutshell
Put simply, team building is the process of creating a stronger bond among team members. It involves activities designed to improve communication, collaboration and trust within a group. At its core, team building aims to turn a collection of individuals into a cohesive unit working toward a common goal.
Why team building matters
Employee engagement sits at the core of team building. And in 2025, employees are not currently engaged. That’s according to a recent Gallup survey which reveals that employee engagement in the US fell to its lowest level in a decade in 2024, with only 31% of employees feeling engaged at work.
Improving employee engagement can help transform a work environment into a thriving enterprise. A place where the team is energized, engaged and—most important of all—happy.
Let’s dive deeper. Effective team building can lead to:
- Improved communication: Open lines of communication are essential for smooth event execution. Team-building activities foster better understanding and dialogue among team members
- Increased collaboration: When team members know each other well, they’re more likely to collaborate effectively. This leads to creative solutions and a more seamless event planning process
- Enhanced trust: Trust is the foundation of any successful team. Team-building activities help build trust, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported
- Higher morale: A positive team environment boosts morale, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction
Types of team-building activities
There are various types of team-building activities that event planners can incorporate into their events. Here are a few popular ones:
1. Icebreakers
Icebreakers are short, fun activities designed to get team members acquainted. They’re perfect for kicking off a meeting, planning day or event and can help break down barriers, encouraging conversation and laughter from the start.
2. Problem-solving challenges
Activities that require team members to work together to solve a problem can be highly effective. These challenges encourage critical thinking, collaboration and creativity. This can look like a scavenger hunt or building the tallest tower in groups with random objects and ingredients. Getting people to work toward a low stake common goal encourages camaraderie and connection.
3. Team-building games
Games such as relay races or "two truths and a lie” are not only fun but also promote teamwork and camaraderie. They provide a relaxed environment for team members to bond.
4. Workshops and training sessions
Workshops focused on skills development, such as communication or leadership training, can strengthen the team's capabilities. These sessions are particularly beneficial for professional growth.
5. Outdoor activities
Outdoor activities such as hiking, ropes courses, or team sports can be great for team building. They offer a break from the day-to-day office setting and can benefit employee well-being. Taking employees out of the work environment and into nature, or just the outdoors.
Team building—where to begin
Kickstarting a team-building program doesn't have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to make it seamless:
- Assess your team's needs: Understand the skills of your team and choose activities that address specific areas for improvement
- Set clear objectives: Define what you want to achieve with the team-building activities. This will help you select the right exercises and measure their effectiveness
- Create a safe, inclusive environment: Ensure that the activities are inclusive and that everyone feels comfortable participating. A supportive environment is key to successful team building
- Make it fun: Team building should be enjoyable. Choose activities that are engaging and entertaining to keep the team motivated
- Follow up: After the activities, take time to debrief and discuss what was learned. This reinforces the lessons and helps the team apply them in their daily work
If you want to speak with your clients about running team-building events or run one in your own company, let’s look again at some of the many positive impacts this can have on a business.
Team building can create:
- Stronger client relationships: When your team works well together, it reflects positively on your business. Clients will notice the cohesion and efficiency, leading to stronger relationships
- Enhanced creativity: Team-building activities can spark creativity and innovation. A well-bonded team is more likely to come up with fresh ideas and unique solutions
- Better event execution: A unified team can execute events more smoothly. With everyone on the same page, there's less room for errors and miscommunication
- Increased retention: Investing in team building can lead to higher employee satisfaction and retention. Happy employees are more likely to stay with your company and contribute to its success
- Competitive edge: In a competitive industry, having a well-functioning team can set you apart. Clients are more likely to choose event planners who demonstrate strong teamwork and collaboration
Team building matters
Understanding the importance of team building is crucial for anyone in the events industry. By fostering better communication, collaboration and trust, team building can transform a group of individuals into a high-performing team. And foster an environment where team members are not only colleagues but also friends who deeply care about each other's well-being and success.
This can have a profound impact on organizational success, helping foster trust, fearless idea exchange and robust problem-solving. Teams grounded in these values tend to be more resilient and capable of overcoming challenges and adapting to change.
FAQs about team building:
What exactly is team building?
Team building involves a number of activities designed to create a stronger bond among team members.
What is the purpose of team building?
Team building can enable stronger and better connections in your teams and between employees. It can help create trust, stronger bonds and overall better team collaboration. You can take people out of their normal work environments by booking a special venue such a meeting rooms a sport stadium or a space at a hotel— somehwere that your team or company haven't been to before to spark inspiration and a new place to connect.
What activities can you use for team building?
- Two truths and a lie. Your team go round one by one and say two things that are true and one thing that is false about them, and the rest of the team must decide what the lie is
- A three-legged race. If you want your team to get up close and personal, make them run a three-legged race! In pairs tie a rope or elastic around two legs (one of each person) and race them against their other team members
- Tower building. Healthy competition between team members can be a great thing. Split the team into different groups, hand them various materials or food items (classics are marshmallows and raw spaghetti) and ask them to build the tallest tower possible
- Scavenger hunt. Create a list of items or tasks hidden around the office or a designated area and task your team with uncovering them all in the right order
Where can I start if I haven't ran a team building event before?
If you're looking to run your first team building event but you don't know where to start, there are event management companies that specialise in bring your team together. From company away days to a virtual team building, companies such as GoTo Events can help get you started. Or run the event for you.
