Life should not be all work and no play. Even in the corporate world, it is important to build time into the busy schedule for team outings. A well-planned corporate outing will encourage teamwork, build friendships, reduce employee stress, and enhance the overall satisfaction of the employees. Here are seven ideas to help get you started.
Get the competitive juices flowing with a group scavenger hunt. You can divide people into groups based on their department or you can mix them up to encourage interaction amongst the different divisions in your company. There are a variety of creative services that will actually facilitate the scavenger hunt for you if you do not want to manage it yourself. Groups will have to race against the clock to locate all of the items on the list. After the hunt is over, you can all meet for a meal and relive the excitement of the competition.
Nothing will provide as much intrinsic value to your group than volunteering together as a team. By selecting a cause that means something to everyone in the group, all employees will have a vested interest in the outing. It is ideal if you can find a skill-based volunteering activity that leans on the expertise of your employees and company. For example, restaurant staff could volunteer to cook and serve the homeless at a soup kitchen. Or a marketing company could volunteer their professional services to a non-profit organization. Your group will surely bond over the good that they do for the community.
Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in a team outing that involves getting outside and working up a sweat. Depending on the season and the area in which you live, there is a bevy of activities to choose from. Ideas to consider include kayaking, hiking, or canoeing. If you have runners in your group, a fun run is an amazing way to bond and get in your daily exercise at the same time. Bonus points if the activity requires that the group train together prior to the event.
One of the biggest trends in corporate outings is the escape room. Your employees will be divided into groups to compete against one another and the clock to solve the puzzle and escape the room. This activity requires that participants work together to solve the puzzle. An escape room will bring out the best and the worst in your employees, making for a fun and interesting experience for everyone.
Take me out to the ballgame! Taking your company to a sporting event is a great way to facilitate team bonding. Unlike a movie or theater outing, sporting events encourage conversation during the event. If you really want to go all out, you can rent a private suite for your event. Even if you are just sitting in the cheap seats, your employees will be sure to have a blast rooting on the home team with all of their colleagues.
A shared learning experience is an ideal way to encourage bonding while also giving your employees valuable skills that they can take back with them to the workplace. You can host a professional development workshop either in the office or at an off-site location—making it a flexible option for a myriad of situations. The workshop can be directly related to your company’s objectives or it can be broader in nature.
There is no better way to get people out of their shells than an old-fashioned karaoke competition. This type of group outing is ideal if your group is extroverted. You can keep it casual and just for fun or you can make it a competition with prizes. Be sure to bring along props such as sunglasses and hats and take lots of pictures to document the fun event.
Once you have selected the activity for your outing, you can begin planning the details. After settling on a date and time, be sure to consider all of the elements that will lead to a successful bonding experience. Arranging group transportation will ensure that everyone stays together throughout the event and will improve the overall logistical flow. Arranging for a corporate shuttle is an ideal way to keep the group together and deliver a more relaxed experience for all of the attendees. A group meal either before or after the event will complete the outing and allow for more bonding time.
With the proper planning and execution, you can ensure a successful corporate outing. Not only will your employees have fun spending time together, but the trickle-down effects of this feeling will also spill over into the workplace, creating a more positive working environment.
Let Pegasus Transit make your corporate outing as stress-free as possible. We provide group transportation to locations all over Ventura County, San Fernando, and the greater Los Angeles area. Reach out to us today to start planning your next company event!