About Team Building
In the business world, as the old cliche goes, teamwork makes the dream work. But putting together a successful team is easier said than done. Not only do you need to find the right people to fill each position, but you need to find a way for them to work together as efficiently and productively as possible.
And that’s where team building retreats and exercises come in. By encouraging your individual team members to build stronger teams and learn how to collaborate with and trust one another, they can have a wonderfully positive impact on the future of your business.
If you’re planning a retreat or even just a day of activities to build a more harmonious team, keep reading for tips on how to find the perfect team building venue.
The Best Team Building Venues
Which team building venue is the best choice for your business? The answer really depends on what sort of activities you’re planning, and what sort of experience you want your team members to have. The good news is that there’s a huge range of venues to choose from — here are some of the more popular options you may like to consider.
- Farms and Ranches
A visit to a working farm is a great way to experience life on the land and undertake unique team building activities. Alternatively, you might like to book a stay on a secluded ranch where your people can relax, unwind, and form stronger relationships with one another.
- Bars and Pubs
Bars and pubs are simple but often highly practical team building venues. Whether you’re enjoying a few drinks and a delicious meal with your co-workers, or maybe getting together for the challenging fun of a trivia night, they’re the ideal setting for socializing and developing better bonds. With its pool tables, dance hall, and beautiful wooden bars, a high desert saloon can bring a taste of the old west to your next team building retreat.
- Sports Settings
Sporting environments are often ideal when you want to encourage a group of people to work together as a team. From obstacle courses to team sports like basketball and baseball, the simple act of working together towards a common (sporting) goal can translate to better teamwork in an office environment.
- Event Spaces
The great thing about using an event space as a team building location is that these venues are often extremely versatile. So while you can enjoy a day full of team building activities in the space, it then converts easily into the ideal setting for a relaxed cocktail party or dinner when all the hard work is finished for the day.
- Rural Retreats
Want to give your team a chance to work together in a secluded, distraction-free environment? Head for the hills and a spacious rural retreat, where the peace and quiet are perfect for team building activities.
What to Look for in Team Building Spaces
Choosing a team building space is a little more complicated than you may realize. There’s plenty to consider, so be sure to take the following into account when comparing team building venues.
- Style of Event
First and foremost, think about the style of team building activity you’re planning. Is it a one-off afternoon session or a full weekend away? Will it be a fun and light-hearted activity or something a little more serious and business focused? Once you have a clear idea of exactly what you’re aiming to achieve from the exercise, you can start searching for a team building venue that suits your needs.
- Location
Next, consider the ideal location for your team building venue. In some cases, this may mean searching for a space that’s easily accessible from your office. In others, you may want to look for a space that’s a fair way removed from your workplace to help your team get away from the day-to-day grind. Factors like travel times, proximity to public transport, and whether or not private parking is available may also need considering.
- Key Facilities
The best team building venue will have everything you need for a successful event. So now is the time to think about all the facilities and amenities that are essential for your team building activities. Is the venue large enough to accommodate your team and whatever activity you need to perform? Is all the necessary furniture provided? What about tech gear like audio and video systems, and Wi-Fi? It’s a good idea to create a list of all your must-haves before you start comparing venues.
- Price
Finally, don’t forget about your bottom line. Work out how much you can afford to budget for a team building exercise and be careful not to overspend.
Team Building Inspiration
Need some extra inspiration to help you plan a successful team building retreat? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Golf and Country Clubs
Whether you’re out on the fairways or enjoying a cool drink or two on the 19th hole, golf and country clubs offer a unique setting for some team building fun. Surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains and sitting pretty on the shores of a lake, this a rustic country club offers a memorable event space.
- Karaoke Bars
Sometimes the best way to build stronger relationships with your co-workers is to let your hair down and have some fun. And where better to do that than at a karaoke bar, belting out a few of your favorite classics?
- Farm Stays
Book an authentic farm stay for your team to give them a taste of life on a working farm, plus a chance to participate in truly unique team building activities. When you’re surrounded by animals, fresh air, and acres of space, everyday life in the city seems a very long way away.
- Escape Rooms
Escape rooms have long been a popular team building venue for businesses around the nation. They encourage teamwork and build problem-solving skills, but just as importantly are also a whole lot of fun.