Organizing a fun corporate outing for your employees is the perfect way to bring everyone closer together. While special occasions like picnics and retreats sound lovely, you may not know where to begin with arranging one. Luckily, you’ll find some tips for planning an outdoor team-building company event below that can help you successfully pull it off.

Why Host a Team Building Event

You can use team-building exercises to foster improved communication and cooperation, allowing teams to become more effective and successful. Motivating your employees to focus on better communication and teamwork improves workplace relationships and job quality. Your employees will be happier and more productive because of these events.

Tips for Planning an Outdoor Team-Building Company Event

Have a Clear Objective in Mind

The activities you choose should act as a microcosm for the problems and solutions your employees face in the workplace. Establishing a clear aim or purpose for your team-building event helps guarantee that it is enjoyable and successful. Try to answer the five ‘“W’s”: who, what, when, where, and why.

Plan Out Your Activities

You should focus on activities that force people to communicate and work together to achieve a common goal. These could be as simple as playing capture the flag or elaborate as a challenging scavenger hunt. There’s no wrong way to go as long as you keep inclusivity and accessibility in mind.

Figure Out Who’s on the Guest List

Be sure to invite all your employees if you’re hosting a company-wide event. Should you not have the cash for such a large event, divide the organization into teams and hold a few smaller, more inexpensive retreats. 

Know Your Budget Going In

You should start planning your team-building event months in advance so you can set aside enough money to pay for everything. Some of the potential expenses you need to account for include: 

• Venue rental

• Food and drink

• Event staff

• Potential transportation

• Entertainment

• Gifts for your employees

• Activities

Keep Weather in Mind When Choosing a Date

When organizing an outdoor event, weather and seasonality are the most significant factors you need to consider. If it’s 30 degrees Fahrenheit outside and snow is falling, you will ruin your pleasant picnic. Unless you’re expressly going for something like a ski resort, try to plan for warmer weather and avoid the rainy season. 

Location, Location, Location

You’ll need to find an event area that can successfully handle your employees. Public parks will be the most affordable option and provide plenty of space but might not offer much else in the way of frills. You might also consider renting out venues, like resorts, golf clubs, and wineries, to maximize options of events people can participate in.  

Using these tips for planning an outdoor team-building company event can go a long way towards bringing your staff together as a cohesive unit. Don’t forget to load up on bug spray and suntan lotion so that everyone stays safe throughout the day.