Team away days are not only fun but also super valuable for team building, problem-solving, and getting creative together! These off-site events give everyone a break from the daily grind and a chance to connect and strengthen relationships. By having fun and taking on challenges together, teams can build trust, boost morale, and learn to work better as a team. Away days are also known to spark new ideas and even create a space for brainstorming and tackling work-related issues, leading to both innovative solutions and better productivity.
Team away days are a great investment for any organisation looking to improve team dynamics and achieve shared goals. But, how do you find the balance between fun and productivity on a team away day? What’s the best way to ensure that everyone is getting value and learning from each other and avoid the day being a distraction? We’ve come up with a list of things that can help you balance fun and productivity on your next team away day!
Set Clear Goals and Objectives
Perhaps the most important thing to do when you’re planning your team away day is to set clear goals and objectives before you get started on anything. Having a clear plan before you even decide where you’ll go for your team away day or what you’ll spend the day doing will help narrow down your choices. You’ll be able to hone in on the purpose of the day. Is it to promote team bonding? Are you trying to solve a problem you have? Do you want to come away with something other than a good time? Maybe the objective of your team away day is to let off some steam and have fun. No matter what your goals and objectives are, you’ll be able to plan something that works for you and your team.
Create a Mix of Activities
We love a team away day that combines some really great learning sessions as well as some time for fun. When you create a mix of activities you end up balancing out the work with something enjoyable. We recommend kicking off the day with some icebreakers. Then you can break into different groups and work on a hackathon. Afterwards, break for lunch so everyone can socialise for a bit. For the second half of the day you can do some more activities that are both entertaining and good for team building. If it’s nice outside why not play a game of rounders? If you have to stay inside you can play pictionary or something similar. In the evening head for drinks or some competitive socialising.
Allow for Free Time
One of the most important parts of a team away day is making sure you give everyone enough free time. By doing this, you’ll allow people to decompress. Give time for everyone to grab some lunch, offer tea and coffee breaks, or allow people to take a moment for some fresh air.
Encourage Team Bonding
If you’re wondering how to encourage team bonding, one easy way is by pairing people up with team members they don’t usually work with. This allows for new friendships to develop which ultimately will lead to more collaboration across the company.
Provide Opportunities for Reflection
Once your team away day has come and gone, make sure you follow up with everyone. Giving people an opportunity to reflect on the event allows them to be heard. It gives them a chance to share what they enjoyed and what they’d like to see change for future events.
Follow Up After the Away Day
Don’t let the stuff you discuss on the away day just disappear when it’s over. Follow up with various teams to see if the new processes and ideas you discussed have been successful!
Need a Team Away Day Venue?
It doesn’t matter what type of venue you’re looking for for your team away day. We can help you find it! The VenueScanner team is filled with experts who know the best venues for every event. If you’re looking for a cool meeting room or a private dining room with AV or a pub or activity bar, we’ve got you covered!
Some of our favourite team away day venues include BAM Karaoke, where you can sing your heart out. If you’re looking for something more traditional, why not head to The Hoxton Shepherds Bush? Have your meetings in The Library and then head to the bar and restaurant for some fun in the evening. Or you can get competitive at Lane 7 where you can try your hand at bowling and other great games!
