7 Original Team Building Ideas

#Intro: Choosing an Original Team Building Activity

Why do a team building?

Team building plays a crucial role in developing a cohesive and harmonious work environment. It involves activities designed to enhance social relations and define roles within teams, often involving collaborative tasks. Effective team building initiatives can bridge gaps between employees, fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual respect. 

What are the benefits of team building?

The benefits of team building extend far beyond social cohesion. Engaging in team-building activities can significantly boost employee engagement and productivity. When team members have strong, positive relationships, they are more likely to communicate openly, share ideas, and work collaboratively towards common goals. This sense of unity and purpose can lead to increased motivation, higher job satisfaction, and a more vibrant, innovative workplace. 

How to choose the best team building activity?

To ensure that team-building activities are effective, it's important to consider several key criteria. First and foremost, the activities should be inclusive and engaging, allowing all team members to participate regardless of their role or personality. More importantly, the activities should be fun and enjoyable, creating positive experiences that strengthen team bonds. Last but not least, aligning team-building activities with company goals and values can enhance their relevance and impact, ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to the organization's objectives.

#Original Team Building Activities

All the following activities are not only team building ideas, but also team bonding activities. Discover the differences between these two concepts in this article.

#1. City Exploration Game

The city centre becomes your playground! Urban Rally is an engaging outdoor game where participants face challenges and riddles that they have to solve by observing the monuments and emblematic buildings around them. 

👍 Why is it a good team building idea?

Players work in teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective achievement. As well as exploring the streets of the city, the players learn fun facts about it. This group activity not only enhances problem-solving skills but also encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. The group is divided into teams of 6 players maximum to ensure everyone participates.

📝 About the organization:

This original escape game-like activity is perfect for small and medium groups. Its budget-friendly nature ensures that it can be easily integrated into team-building initiatives without straining resources. The game is self-guided by an app, so it’s autonomous. It’s available in multiple languages, and each player can play in their own one.

• 🌟 From 2 to 30 players

• 💸 Budget-friendly and easy to organize

• 🧩 Encourages creativity and riddle-solving

• 🌍 Multiple languages available

• 🌳 Outdoors and accessible physical activity

Discover the best "Urban Rally"

#2. Company Olympics

Company Olympics involve organizing various fun and competitive sports activities that promote physical fitness and team spirit. Teams can compete in events such as relay races, tug-of-war, and obstacle courses. 

👍 Why is it a good team building idea?

This company activity combines the excitement of competition with the benefits of physical exercise, fostering a healthy and active workplace. The competitive yet friendly nature of the event encourages team members to support each other and celebrate their collective achievements.
The only downside of a sporting activity is that not everyone has the skills or preparation for it, and therefore some people may feel excluded and participation may not be as high as desired.

📝 About the organization:

Suitable for medium groups, Company Olympics are budget-friendly and easy to set up, requiring basic sports equipment and a suitable venue. Although it needs proper panification surrounding the choosing of activities, the points counting, the equilibrated teams composing and, of course, safety.

• 🏅 Fun and competitive sports activities

• 🏋️‍♀️ Promotes physical fitness and team spirit

• 💸 Budget-friendly but proper planning

• 🤝 For medium-sized groups

#3. Film Making Workshop

Yes, there are film-making workshops! This team building activity provides a creative and collaborative opportunity for teams to work together on a project from start to finish. Participants can take on different roles, such as scriptwriting, directing, acting, and editing, allowing them to explore various aspects of film production. 

👍 Why is it a good team building idea?

This company activity fosters creativity, communication, and teamwork as team members collaborate to produce a short film.

📝 About the organization:

Ideal for small to medium-sized groups, a film-making workshop requires a moderate budget and some planning to gather necessary equipment and resources. The end result serves as a tangible reminder of the team's collaborative effort and creativity.

• 🎬 Creative and collaborative group activity

• 🤝 For small anda medium gorups

• 💸 Moderate to high budget and planning required

• 📽️ Tangible reminder of team effort

#4. Flash Mob Dance

It might seem old-fashioned, but organizing a flash mob dance is actually an exciting way to energize your team and foster a sense of unity. Participants learn and perform a choreographed dance routine, which promotes coordination, cooperation, and collective enthusiasm. Here’s an example of flashmob:

👍 Why is it a good team building idea?

This is the kind of group activity that encourages team members to step out of their comfort zones. The shared accomplishment of performing a synchronized routine strengthens bonds and creates a sense of collective achievement.

📝 About the organization:

This company activity is ideal for medium to large groups. It’s budget-friendly, although it will require quite a lot of organization and time for planning and practice. 

• 💃 Fun and energetic group activity

• 🌟 Promotes coordination and teamwork

• 💰 Budget-friendly but planning required

• 🤝 Creates a sense of collective achievement

#5. Scavenger hunt in the city

Go one step further on playing a city game! Ready to take part in the most exciting tournament between civilisations? The Trophy of the Tribes by Coddy is an outdoor game that challenges teams to solve riddles and complete challenges while walking and observing the city to find the answers. What civilisation will win?

👍 Why is it a good team building idea?

This cohesion game fosters problem-solving skills, teamwork, and communication as participants work together to achieve common goals. The competitive element between teams adds excitement and motivation, encouraging team members to push their limits and support each other.

📝 About the organization:

This escape game-like activity is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for medium and large groups. Its budget-friendly nature and ease of organization make it an attractive choice for HR professionals looking to implement impactful team-building activities without significant financial investment. Moreover, it’s available in multiple languages and players can choose individually the language they want to play in. The outdoor setting also provides a refreshing change of environment, promoting physical activity and mental relaxation.

• 🤝 From 20 to 500 players

• 💰 Budget-friendly and easy to organize

• 🧩 Encourages teamwork and problem-solving

• 🌳 Outdoors and accessible physical activity

• 🌍 Multiple languages available

Play the Trophy of the Tribes

#6. Culinary Team Building

Culinary team building activities, such as cooking classes or team cooking workshops, offer a delicious way to promote teamwork and communication. Participants collaborate on creating a meal, learning new culinary skills while bonding over shared experiences. 

👍 Why is it a good team building idea?

This hands-on activity allows team members to engage their senses and work together towards a tasty goal. The shared experience of preparing and enjoying a meal together fosters a sense of community and accomplishment.

📝 About the organization:

Ideal for small groups, culinary team building can be tailored to different budgets, from simple cooking classes to more elaborate culinary challenges.

• 🍽️ Creative and interactive cooking classes

• 🤝 For small groups

• 💰 Medium to higher budget with proper planning

• 👩‍🍳 Enhances team morale and cohesion

• 🎨 Boosts creativity

#7. Volunteer Together

Last but not least… volunteering! Participating in volunteer activities as a team provides a unique opportunity to give back to the community while enhancing team spirit and social responsibility. Teams can participate in activities such as organizing charity events, community clean-ups, or helping at local shelters. 

👍 Why is it a good team building idea?

These activities not only benefit the community but also create a sense of purpose and unity among team members. The shared experience of working towards a common goal outside the usual work environment strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride.

📝 About the organization:

Suitable for all group sizes, but planning required accordingly. Volunteer activities are often budget-friendly and can be tailored to the interests and skills of the team. 

• 🤍Opportunity to give back to the community

• 🤝 Enhances team spirit and social responsibility

• 💸 Budget-friendly but planning required

• 👥 Suitable for all group sizes

#Enhance Team Collaboration!

Team building is essential for creating a cohesive and productive work environment. By incorporating original and engaging activities, HR professionals can enhance team collaboration, communication, and morale. Outdoor adventures like "The Trophy of the Tribes" and "Urban Rally", as well as creative and interactive workshops, provide unique opportunities to bring teams closer together.

These activities not only strengthen the bonds between team members but also promote a sense of unity and shared purpose. By choosing the right activities that align with company values and goals, HR professionals can create positive and memorable experiences that contribute to the overall success of the organization. Explore these ideas and find the perfect team building activity to inspire and unite your team, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic workplace where everyone thrives.

Book a game for your team building!

#FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is an example of a team building activity?

• "The Trophy of the Tribes" is an example of an outdoor competition and collaboration game that promotes strategic thinking and teamwork.

How can I ensure all team members participate?

• Choose activities that are inclusive and cater to different interests and abilities to ensure everyone feels comfortable participating.

What makes Coddy’s outdoor game unique?

• Coddy’s outdoor games like "The Trophy of the Tribes" and "Urban Rally" offer immersive experiences that combine adventure, collaboration, and strategic challenges.

How can I plan a budget-friendly team building event?

• Look for activities that require minimal setup and resources, such as volunteer events, themed costume parties, or office scavenger hunts.

Do Coddy games require physical fitness?

• Coddy games are designed to be inclusive and can be enjoyed by participants of varying physical fitness levels, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.