It’s that time of year again when the warm weather reminds us how great it is to be alive. But between busy personal lives and the eight hours a day, five days a week spent inside the workplace, it can be difficult for employees to actually get outside and enjoy the sunlight.
As spring makes way for summer skies, it’s the perfect time for leaders to step in and help their employees get outside the office to participate in outdoor teamwork activities. Not only does being in nature improve physical and mental wellness, but it can also help “boost creativity and problem-solving abilities,” according to UC Davis Health. Meanwhile, team building events provide a crucial opportunity for members to form lasting bonds that foster a tight-knit work community and facilitate better collaboration and communication skills.
To help companies take advantage of the warmer weather and the great outdoors, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of team building activities. We based each activity on one of the 6 pillars of holistic wellness:
Without further ado, here are our 36 wellness challenges to help employees recharge and rejuvenate this summer:
1. Find a Workout Buddy
The Workout Buddy challenge is a great place to start for all employees—it involves working out with another person 10 times in a month. Employees can choose a friend, a family member, or an equally motivated co-worker.
The key to success with this challenge is planning: It can be difficult for people to coordinate work out times, let alone 10 different times in a 30-day period. Have each employee work with their partners to plan out the entire month of workouts in advance for this challenge.
They should compare schedules with their “workout buddies” and carve out time in their calendars. As the weather gets nicer, encourage them to get some fresh air with an outdoor activity on nice days.
2. Practice Outdoor Yoga
Outdoor yoga sessions are a fun activity that provides an excellent way for team members to unwind and refocus. Employers can organize yoga classes in a peaceful outdoor space like a local park or garden, with sessions tailored to all levels, from beginners to regular practitioners.
Not only does this promote physical wellness by improving flexibility and core strength, but it also aids in mental relaxation and mindfulness. Incorporating regular outdoor yoga as a team building activity can help reduce workplace stress and boost overall morale.
3. Hike Some Local Trails
Hiking is the perfect outdoor activity to help teams reconnect with nature. It’s a great cardiovascular exercise that can invigorate the body and the mind, giving employees the chance to explore the natural environment around them.
In addition to the physical activity, hiking provides a breath of fresh air and an informal platform for conversations. This can help the team bond on an individual level, while simultaneously improving mood and increasing energy levels.
4. Group Geocaching
Geocaching is another fun way to get team members outside. This activity blends hiking with treasure hunting, using GPS devices to help employees search for geocaches—small, waterproof containers hidden in publicly accessible places.
But the fun doesn’t stop at finding the geocache. Once the team opens it up, they’re often met with a registry of past finders and small items or tokens left behind. They’re encouraged to write their own names and exchange the token for one of their own. This team activity requires problem-solving, navigation and communication skills, making it an exciting challenge and a memorable adventure.
5. Compete in a Relay Race
Looking for something a little more competitive? A relay race is a great way to ignite team spirit and foster friendly competition. Whether it’s a series of fun challenges or a full-on obstacle course, this team building event requires not just speed but coordination, strategy and team collaboration.
Each team member’s performance impacts the collective result, so the relay aspect really emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collective effort. This dynamic encourages effective communication and collaboration, strengthening each employee’s ability to work under pressure.
6. Go for a Bike Ride
Cycling is an excellent aerobic workout that can improve physical health without the consequences of high-impact activities like running. It’s also an eco-friendly activity that’s easy to scale in intensity based on different employees’ fitness levels.
Organizing a group bike ride at a shared pace offers ample opportunities for team bonding over shared experiences and beautiful views. Whether the route follows bike paths through a city or across country roads, cycling is the perfect way to take in the scenery and discover new places.