Team building is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to improve employee morale, bring people together, and enhance the company’s culture. Of course, there are many great activities you can organize for your employees both indoors and outdoors, but there is no denying that the great outdoors offers something truly unique. 

The open skies above and all that fresh air will work their magic in making your colleagues feel healthier all around, while physical activity will boost their mental health and physical well-being. Being in nature and away from the bustling city is probably the best way to spend time together, but you might be wondering what the best activities are for your team.

Luckily, there’s plenty you can do, and many outdoor team-building events are easy to organize. That’s why today we’ll be taking a look at some of the best sporting activities you can take your employees on that will help take your business forward in the long run.

Boosting their adrenaline with airsoft

Let’s start with an extreme activity that never fails to get the adrenaline going. Airsoft battles, laser tag matches, and paintball wars all have the ability to boost morale and teach teamwork, strategy, equality, leadership, and much more. Plus, these activities can be very taxing on the body, so your team members are guaranteed to get an amazing workout in along with a whole day of energy-fueled fun.

Remember to start off slow and have clear safety rules in place. Make sure that the facilitator of the event supplies all participants with the right protective gear and clothing. Have a few practice matches to loosen people up and help them realize that this is a fun game they should enjoy. Lastly, make refreshments and food available on site so that people can enjoy their time when not playing. 

Hitting the outdoor courts

Of course, not every team-building activity needs to be an extreme, adrenaline-inducing sport, as there are many other activities that can elevate the heart rate. You can choose to take your teams to play basketball, soccer, football and baseball, golf, and almost any other team sport you can think of. That said, it’s important that you organize these events on outdoor courts instead of the indoor facilities. 

Let people enjoy their time under the clear blue skies, soaking in the sunshine and breathing in the clear air. Choose outdoor courts that are nestled in parks and nature surrounding the city. Choose a variety of activities and sports that boost morale and teamwork, and to keep everyone engaged throughout the day. After all, not everyone likes or wants to play the same sport the entire day, so give people options. Encourage a friendly competition as well, and give out prizes for all participants.

Going hiking in nearby national parks

Activities that require a lot of intensity and can take a lot out of a person are not always the best – sometimes, people prefer a steadier pace. Many people just want to enjoy their time in the great outdoors without worrying about the score or working towards a prize. Sometimes, people just want to relax in nature and spend time together.

That’s why you should take them to nearby national parks for hiking and camping. Make sure to ride together to your destination by choosing a local minibus hire that offers buses with enough room to seat all your colleagues and safely store all their outdoor gear. This will inspire people to socialize on the way there, and you’ll be able to take them back home quickly afterwards. 

Keep a steady pace on your hikes and have a professional guide take them through the region’s most beautiful sights. Set up a camp at the end of the trail and let people eat, drink, and just have fun under the skies.

Achieving peace and serenity out on the water

Another peaceful and restorative experience would be to take your team out on a lake or a river. Kayaking, canoeing, or just having everyone chill out on a small boat is a great way to spend time in nature. You can take in the sights and get some light exercise in to boost the mood and energy, taking your team across the water to a nearby restaurant where they can put the perfect end to a beautiful outdoor excursions.

Build a positive culture with outdoor yoga

Lastly, you can choose a completely restorative team-building experience with a day-long yoga retreat. While yoga might not be a sport in the typical sense of the word, it can still be physically challenging and it has proven mental health benefits. Your colleagues can use this ancient practice to find inner peace, challenge their bodies, and achieve mental clarity.

Wrapping up

Team building is essential nowadays if your goal is to create a thriving company culture. Try these activities out throughout the year to inspire and motivate your employees to strive for more and achieve better results.