Looking for meaningful ways to reengage with your team and bring everyone together? We've collated a list of our ten favourite creative team building activities to do in the UK.
Whether you are running a small business or looking after a team, it's becoming increasingly important to allocate time for your employees to connect on a more personal level. The team need the opportunity to bond and get to know each other outside of their day-to-day interactions. Why? Research has demonstrated this to drastically increase trust, compassion as well as efficiency and productivity back in the office. There are also many health benefits of building a support network at work, in fact it is often quoted as the most important factor by leading health organisations when it comes to building resilience and avoiding burnout. But a team offsite or workshop can also be a unique opportunity to learn new skills or acquire the tools to help return to the workplace refreshed, invigorated and inspired.
Here at Create Space Retreats, we've compiled a list of our favourite ten creative team building activities and ideas for you and your employees and get the most out of your time together:
1. Script Writing or Poetry class.
Whether you are an experienced writer or just taking your tentative first steps, an introduction to creative writing will teach the basic tools and techniques. You'll look at line length, figures of speech, metered verse, tone, imagery and lyricism. You will be encouraged to find ways to deliver these creative concepts and guided to craft your words into workable forms of self-expression. This is fundamentally a fun opportunity to practise and learn new communication skills.
2. Intuitive Drawing class.
Intuitive art is a gentle way to tap into our inner creativity. It encourages us to use our feelings, imagination and intuition as inspiration. Paying attention to your gut feeling is so vital - both in your personal and professional life. To actually know when it’s speaking to you. To learn to tell the difference between your intuitive intelligence and your analytical/judging mind. And then to develop the confidence to do exactly what it says.
Intuitive drawing is kind of like meditating with a pencil in your hand. As you release your attachment to an 'end goal' (what you are trying or want to create), you open more space for possibility. This is what can spark new ideas and creative problem solving!
3. Go on a Hike.
Hiking is often described as nature’s therapy! In today’s world of chaos and constant stimulation, it’s sometimes hard to quieten the mind. Getting into nature offers a way to find some clarity; our mind and body actually needs silence and calm in order to regenerate.
Hiking is a great way to get out there and reap the benefits of what nature has to offer. Sometimes the fatigue from everyday life tries to dissuade us from getting outdoors; but in the end, the rewards of breathing in some fresh air are amazing. Hiking is a way for nature to give us some much needed space and to bond with our colleagues... it soothes and clears the mind, allows us to connect with each out without using technology, and may even provide some fresh perspectives on our projects.
4. Cooking Class.
The secret to good nutrition is all about knowing your ingredients, how they interact with your body and using them to maximise your output. Although we may know that certain foods are healthy, we don’t always know how to incorporate them into meals and our diet. A cooking demonstration and nutritional class can act as a playful introduction into healthy eating, that empowers your employees to incorporate the healthiest foods into exciting and tasty recipes in a non-technical and uncomplicated way.
5. Volunteering.
Research shows that volunteering is associated with higher levels of wellbeing and fewer mental health problems. The socialisation that comes from volunteering in groups and with other people is beneficial, similar to taking part in sport. The sense of purpose that you gain from volunteering may also be a contributing factor. So not only does volunteering give you the opportunity to develop personal and professional skills, strengthen connections with colleagues, try new things, give you a chance to get out of the office and into a community, it also has a positive impact on our wellbeing.
6. Mindful movement or yoga.
Mindful movement refers to engaging in different exercises while placing all of your attention (or as much as you can) on the movements of your body as well as your breathing. The chances are that you usually overlook these aspects of your physical well-being. By drawing your attention to them, you can gain a moment of stillness and relaxation. Movement routines and activities, when done mindfully, allow the mind to focus, engage and be present. Benefits of this practice include lower stress and anxiety and develop improved levels of focus.
7. Cycling.
Riding a bike is healthy, fun and a low-impact form of exercise for employees all ages. Whether you take on the mountain bike trails or simply go for a leisurely cruise through the countryside, it is also fun, cheap and good for the environment. Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. It also works your core muscles, including your back and abdominals. So make sure you schedule something relaxing for the team to do afterwards!
8. Acting class.
This isn't about becoming the next Leonardo DiCaprio, it's about offering a fun and supportive space for anyone to learn the main techniques and tools of public speaking, which is a daunting experience for most people. However with some simple coaching and practice you can encourage employees to become more comfortable with presenting or just speaking up in group situations.
9. Surfing.
Whether beginner, intermediate or advanced level, the local surf school, with their friendly experienced instructors will make sure that you have fun and stay safe. They can provide all equipment and transport to the local break and even film you catching your first wave! Surfing is not just a fun activity, but it's also one that gets us out of our heads and more in-tune with our bodies. The meditative benefits of getting in the water are incredible and doing it as a team will without doubt bring people together.
10. Breathwork.
Breathwork is a general term used to describe any type of therapy that utilizes breathing exercises to improve mental, physical, and spiritual health. Many forms of breathwork therapy exist today, each with their own unique methods of using breath for healing purposes. Drawing from Eastern practices like yoga and Tai Chi while also incorporating Western psychotherapy techniques in order to bring about self-awareness, breathwork can include elements of talk therapy, breathing exercises, art, music, and bodywork. This therapy can be used with individuals, couples, and groups and will be facilitated by a certified professional. It is a great way to encourage a more honest and open dialogue amongst teams.
Are you organising a team or company off-site?
Want it to have a wellness angle? Need some help with the event planning?
Our all-inclusive corporate retreat packages are tailor-made for you and your guests. We provide an end-to-end event design, management and support service; to remove as much of the stress for you as possible, allowing you to concentrate solely on the work content and benefiting yourself from the retreat. Download our full retreat brochure with pricing examples, arrange a call with one of our team, or request an initial quote within 24 hours.
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