Team events are the secret ingredient for better collaboration, happier employees, and stronger company culture. They encourage teammates to break away from their daily routines and build a bond that strengthens their work relationships. But planning an event that truly excites your employees doesn’t happen overnight. Here’s how to plan fun team events that employees love!
Define Your Event’s Purpose and Goal
Without a goal, your event risks feeling random or disconnected. So, why are you gathering your employees? Maybe you’re celebrating a major milestone, motivating people for a new project, or helping cross-department teams collaborate more effectively.
You set the tone for everything else when you define the purpose early, from the vibe of the event to the activities you choose. For example, a company anniversary might call for an upbeat party, while a team realignment might benefit from strategic workshops. Nail the “why” behind the event, and you’ll find the planning process feels smoother right away.
Understanding What Your Employees Want
Guessing what your employees want is a risky game. Instead, ask them! A fast online survey or a quick round of team feedback can give you the insight you need. Determine whether people prefer active adventures, want to learn something new, or need some casual social time.
Including their preferences in the planning stage and other impactful efforts can show employees that you hear them. For example, yoga or meditation events could completely transform how your team sees these gatherings if you discover that wellness ranks high for them.
Decide Between a Virtual or In-Person Event
Deciding whether your team connects face-to-face or through screens comes down to your team’s needs and resources. A virtual event can connect teams who live across the country (or even the globe). You can avoid the hassle of securing a location and save on expenses, such as travel.
On the other hand, in-person team building activities create a fun energy that’s hard to replicate. Being together in the same space allows for deeper interactions, whether it’s a mixology or dance class.
Combining Both for a Hybrid Experience
Sometimes, the best answer can be a combination. Hybrid formats weave virtual and in-person elements so everyone feels part of the same experience. For instance, you might host a core event, such as a keynote speaker in person, while broadcasting for remote participants to join.
Trivia, remote escape rooms, and other interactive games close the participation gap between those present physically and those joining virtually. Hybrid events require extra coordination, but they can emphasize inclusivity in return.
Pick a Theme or Activity That Resonates With the Team
Plan fun team events that employees love by picking a theme or activity that resonates with the team. A strong theme gives people something enjoyable to rally around. For example, a retro 80s theme can open doors to costumes, creative décor, and a playlist that energizes everyone. Themes also make activities, such as trivia, scavenger hunts, or workshops more memorable when they tie into the concept.
Appeal to various personalities and tastes when picking an activity or theme. Something niche or overly specific can alienate parts of your team. Instead of choosing themes tied to one interest, such as karaoke or fantasy sports, go for ideas that can evolve into multiple activity types.
For example, a “DIY Festival” could feature stations for painting, cooking demonstrations, or coffee tastings. A “Global Food Adventure” can mix trivia quizzes, small food samplings, and cooking competitions. The golden rule? Deliver options that ensure no employee feels left out while keeping creativity alive.
Activity Ideas for Every Energy Level
Base your event activities on what will resonate most with your team’s energy. Outdoor sports, escape rooms, or obstacle challenges can create a dynamic atmosphere for groups that thrive on movement.
Cooking classes, pottery workshops, painting sessions, and other hands-on activities are relaxing and engaging for creative minds. Wellness-focused teams might appreciate yoga events, mindfulness workshops, or spa-like experiences.
Elevate Events With Personal Touches
Personalize your event to your team’s interests or recent milestones. For instance, weave wellness tips or mini fitness challenges into the event if your company celebrates a health initiative. Create souvenirs or takeaways tied to the theme, such as custom-branded polaroids, team t-shirts, or small awards. A fun photo booth, a signature cocktail or mocktail station, and personalized playlists make the environment warm and engaging.
Set a Realistic Budget and Timeline
Your budget anchors your planning decisions, but it doesn’t need to limit creativity. Prioritize your resources toward elements that will have the biggest impact on the event.
A realistic budget for in-person team building activities might mean focusing on the venue and catering while choosing a simple but enjoyable activity.
You could shift the funds for virtual events to high-quality hosts, engaging platforms, or mailing activity kits to participants. Assign amounts for every category, such as transportation, prizes, or swag, so you know where to allocate extra funds if savings emerge.
Furthermore, deadlines give you enough time to thoroughly plan everything. Begin planning your event at least six weeks ahead, or even longer for larger gatherings. Map out key steps, such as confirming vendors, choosing activities, and sending invitations.
Prioritize reserving venues for in-person events. Meanwhile, sync schedules and confirm technical tools upfront for virtual events. Planning feels much easier without last-minute scrambling when everyone knows the timeline.
Plan for Engagement and Inclusivity
Go beyond surface-level planning and consider specific accommodations, such as wheelchair accessibility for in-person venues or captioning for virtual event platforms. Be mindful of your team’s range of backgrounds, abilities, and preferences.
For instance, plan activities that don’t exclude anyone due to physical difficulty or specialized skills. Offer a variety of options to cover dietary preferences if you’re having the event catered, from vegan dishes to allergy-friendly meals. An inclusive event doesn’t just accommodate; it makes employees feel like they belong.
Execute the Event and Gather Feedback
Ensure attendees receive clear plans through a printed agenda, a brief welcome speech, or event app notifications for a virtual gathering. Allow space at the beginning for unstructured mingling so employees feel comfortable before structured activities begin.
Once the event wraps, share a post-event recap with the whole team. This recap could be photos, funny stories, or employee testimonials. Spotlight moments where employees went above and beyond or recount little details that made the day special.
Lastly, ask for feedback while the experience is still fresh. A quick online survey or feedback station lets attendees share their thoughts. Aim for input on every key aspect—activities, food, schedule flow, and overall experience.
Consider a mix of multiple-choice and short, open-ended questions so employees have the option to elaborate. Overall, honest feedback helps you refine future events and create an even better experience next time.
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