In 2023, Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report painted a concerning picture with regards to employee engagement. The report revealed that employee stress levels have remained high and “quiet quitting” has become a prevalent issue in companies across industries.
Moreover, employees are increasingly disengaged, and businesses are struggling to retain talent and foster a culture of collaboration. Gallup contends that engaged business teams drive positive outcomes, while low engagement costs the global economy an estimated $8.9 trillion. As organizations seek to address these challenges, outdoor team-building activities are emerging as a worthwhile investment for improving morale, communication, and cohesion within teams.
These activities provide a welcome break from the monotony of office life, allowing employees to connect in meaningful ways outside the traditional workspace.
Below is a closer look at the wide-ranging benefits of outdoor team building-activities as well as a list of essentials to ensure a safe excursion.
The benefits of outdoor team-building activities
As we discussed in a previous post, team-building activities boast far-reaching benefits that can directly impact workplace dynamics. When teams are challenged to solve problems together or are given a chance to step outside their comfort zones, they can forge meaningful connections with each other.
Bonds formed during team-building exercises can lead to stronger communication, deeper empathy, and improved team dynamics. Altogether, this can contribute to higher retention rates. Additionally, according to a study by the American Psychological Association, exposure to nature has been shown to lower stress hormones and improve mood. When employees feel relaxed and supported, they are more likely to bring their best selves to the workplace.
Outdoor team-building activities can range from light and fun sports, such as golf and hiking, to more intensive experiences like survival challenges. The Bear Grylls Survival Academy, for instance, combines outdoor survival techniques with teamwork exercises, teaching participants how to work together to solve real-world challenges in remote settings.
These experiences can also help identify latent talents, enabling employees to step into new roles and responsibilities with confidence.
However, outdoor adventures come with their own set of challenges, and ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants is key to maximizing the benefits of team-building experiences. Whether you’re facilitating a lighthearted group sport or embarking on more extreme outdoor challenges, being prepared with the right essentials can make all the difference in creating a productive team-building event.
Essentials for outdoor team building activities
Sunglasses
When spending time outdoors, especially during team-building activities that involve physical movement and extended exposure to the sun, high-quality sunglasses are an essential item. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to serious eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration.
Sunglasses with 100% UV protection help shield employees’ eyes from harmful rays, reducing the risk of long-term damage while enhancing comfort during outdoor activities.
Employers can invest in quality sunglasses for their teams as part of the event gear. Retailer Sunglass Hut offers a wide selection of stylish, high-performance eyewear from brands like Ray-Ban, Versace, and Burberry. Providing employees with luxury items like these promotes safety but also serves as a morale booster.
A thoughtful gift like premium sunglasses can show employees that their well-being is a top priority, contributing to a sense of appreciation and enhancing overall engagement.
Sunscreen
Another essential for outdoor team-building events is sunscreen. Sunburn is a common risk when participating in outdoor activities, and repeated exposure to the sun without proper protection increases the risk of skin cancer over time.
Sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (SPF 30 or higher) should be applied liberally to exposed skin and reapplied every two hours, especially if participants are sweating or swimming.
Employers can make sunscreen readily available during team-building events to guarantee that all employees are adequately protected. Consider providing travel-sized bottles, such as the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion, to each employee so they’re encouraged to use the product consistently.
Additionally, distributing sunscreen as part of the event’s gear can demonstrate a company’s commitment to employee health, creating a culture that values safety and well-being.
Sun hats
A wide-brimmed sun hat is an invaluable accessory for any outdoor team-building event. Hats not only protect the face, ears, and neck from harmful UV rays but also help keep participants cool by providing shade.
Whether it’s a classic straw hat, a sporty cap, or a lightweight, breathable outdoor hat, providing sun protection for the head is important for ensuring that all participants are comfortable and safe.
For a team-building event, employers can hand out branded hats that employees can wear during the activity. Brands like Cap America and Snappy both have personalization services that make designing corporate giveaways much easier. Custom hats with the company logo can also double as a keepsake from the event, fostering team pride and camaraderie long after the day is over.
Water bottles
Staying hydrated is one of the most crucial aspects of outdoor activities, particularly when physical exertion is involved. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even heatstroke, so it’s critical that all participants have access to fresh water throughout the event.
Personalized water bottles from Yeti, which can be customized with each employee’s name or the company logo, are an excellent way to promote hydration and add a personal touch to the experience. Reusable water bottles are also an eco-friendly choice, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Shade tents
Finally, providing shade tents or canopies is a must-have for any outdoor event. These structures offer respite from the sun and serve as a cool gathering space for breaks, meals, and team discussions. Shade tents help prevent overexposure to the sun, allowing participants to rest and recharge between activities.
For larger team-building events, renting multiple tents or canopies ensures that employees can spread out and enjoy some rest while staying protected from the sun. Shade tents also create a more welcoming environment for employees who may be sensitive to heat or sun exposure, making the event inclusive for everyone.
Thoughtful planning and attention to detail signal to employees that their well-being matters, creating an environment where they can thrive. By prioritizing these essentials, companies can make outdoor team-building activities both enjoyable and impactful, paving the way for a happier, healthier, more connected workforce.
If you found this article useful, head to the Apollo Technical website for more advice on retaining top talent and improving company culture.
