When we have relationships with the people we work with, we work better together.
You can help your team members build stronger bonds and become more effective by offering a team-building activity at least once a year.
We’ve rounded up some ideas for team-building activities in Simcoe County.
Unique team-building activities in Simcoe County
Bouldering
It’s easy to make connections between rock climbing and work. It requires mental focus and you have to leave your comfort zone to accomplish goals.
Bouldering is rock climbing without ropes and harnesses, so your team can get to the activity quickly after a short demo. Check out Alt Rock, a bouldering gym in Barrie, Ontario. The gym has options for different skill levels, including beginners.
OneSmartWorld 4D-i assessment
If your team members want to understand themselves better, then OneSmartWorld’s assessment might be a great option for you.
The Collingwood-based company works with organizations all over the world. Their assessment helps people learn how to shift and develop thinking skills to improve communication, collaboration, decision making and more. Your facilitator will help your team understand the results and how to use the new knowledge to improve how you work.
Cooking workshops
There are many options for team cooking activities. You could run a competition-style event with teams and main ingredients, host a meal prep event, or collaborate as a group to prepare a meal you’ll enjoy together.
If you have a small team and space in your kitchen, you could book a chef to come to your home. If not, check out Liason College in Barrie.
Make your own tea
Have you thought about creating a custom tea for your workplace? We ran this activity at [inn]space and it was a hit! And now we have two unique blends to offer our guests. Contact Plan de Vida to book and if you need a space to host your session, let us know!
Volunteer work
There are various local charities that will welcome your team to volunteer for the day. During the holidays, you can sign your team up for Christmas Cheer. You can also contact your local food bank to see if you can lend a hand, or grab some gloves and bags and head out to clean up the neighbourhood.
Stand-up paddleboarding
Balance, presence, focus — these are some of the benefits of stand-up paddleboarding that connect back to work. It’s also a great way to be out in nature and good for beginners. Northern SUP offers private group lessons out of Barrie. If you’re closer to Collingwood, check out Bluwave.
Hiking
With so many forests and trails in Simcoe County, we had to include hiking on the list! It’s a low-cost activity and is good for a range of fitness levels. Someone on your team may be familiar with the local trails and be willing to lead the group. If not, look for a local guide. Vicki Tree Yoga in Oro-Medonte offers guided hikes through Copeland Forest and other local areas. The guides are able to adjust the hikes to suit different abilities. They can also work with you to plan a full-day retreat incorporating yoga and other wellness activities.
Snowshoeing
Don’t let winter weather stop you from creating opportunities for your team to be in nature. Snowshoeing is a good outdoor winter activity because you don’t need prior experience and it’s accessible for a range of fitness levels. Borrow or rent snowshoes and hit the trails on your own, or visit Hardwood Ski and Bike.
Essential oil make and take workshop
Learning about essential oils is a relaxing way to have fun with colleagues. Perhaps you have someone on your team who is familiar with essential oils. Or, contact a provider in the community (there are many!). Work with them to plan a make and take workshop.
Truth and Reconciliation training
If equity and inclusion are priorities for your team, consider offering Truth and Reconciliation training. Journey Into Truth is a local company that offers workshops to help non-Indigenous people work with Indigenous populations with empathy, understanding and respect.
What to consider when planning team-building activities
Your team-building efforts could backfire if you don’t create the right opportunity for your team. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Accessibility — not everyone has the same level of ability. People also have fears. When you select physical activities, make sure it’s something your team members will be able to do, or that there are modifications available.
- Interests and input — consider what your team members enjoy and how you can provide an experience they’ll value. Why not give them a few options to vote on for your next team-building activity?
- Connection to purpose — help your team understand how the activity relates to their overall purpose at work.
- Commitment — are you asking your team to be available after work hours, or offering the activity during the normal workday? Evening or weekend activities can be tough for some people, especially if they have young children or are caring for an aging or sick relative. Keep this in mind for your planning.
You could combine some of the activities we shared to make a full-day mini retreat, or offer something on its own. Whatever you do, remember the goal is to have fun learning and growing together.