Social team-building events can work wonders for team morale, helping colleagues to recharge, feel valued and build stronger working relationships with colleagues. Whether you’re looking to organise a high-energy activity or a more family-friendly event, there are plenty of team building activities for Manchester businesses that are perfect for boosting team happiness.
Indoor team-building activities
It can be difficult to predict the weather forecast, especially in the North of the country. That’s why it’s smart to have a few indoor team-building activity ideas to bring teams together, regardless of the UK’s unpredictable weather!
1. Corporate quiz nights and game shows
Nothing helps employees bond more than a competitive quiz. A team quiz night is a great opportunity to break the ice and bring out a team’s playful side. Many event providers around Manchester provide tailored nights specifically to your company, with bespoke questions and rounds that may play into inside jokes or office banter. Quiz nights are a definite crowd-pleaser, never failing to lighten the mood and create a touch of friendly competition.
2. Escape room or murder mystery experience
Escape rooms are a go-to team-building activity for many companies. Solving cryptic clues to break free from a locked room within a time limit may sound challenging, but the high-pressure environment pushes teams to communicate and think creatively as a group. Every person has a role to play to ensure the group escapes, which brings out a fun, creative side to all those involved.
3. The Big Manchester Bake
Culinary classes are an opportunity to try something completely new and get messy with colleagues. The Great British-inspired Big Manchester Bake gives your team the chance to compete in the race for the best baked good, with the help of a professional baker for guidance. Great for all culinary abilities, this hands-on experience is not shy of light-hearted chaos, but you’re guaranteed to leave the tent with a tasty creation to enjoy at the end.
4. Wellness activities such as yoga or mindfulness sessions
Intense activities aren’t for everyone, which is why a guided relaxation class such as yoga or meditation can be a great way to improve the wellbeing of staff. Many yoga instructors can come to your premises with all equipment to host sessions onsite and some even offer sessions via Zoom. When forced to slow down and relax, colleagues can bond through a shared calm connection and activities like these give the chance to reset and recharge together.
5. Flight Club Manchester
From axe throwing to shuffleboard and retro arcade games, Flight Club Manchester is the perfect post-work activity to boost morale. With so many games to choose from, your team has a choice of activities for all levels. The buzzing, interactive atmosphere is the perfect place to unwind after work and uncover new levels of competition with colleagues. Plus, employees have the opportunity to team up with those they wouldn’t usually connect with.
6. Cocktail-making sessions
Perfect for larger groups and those who love getting creative, cocktail-making sessions are a crowd-pleasing activity. Not only do you get to learn the art of mixology and experiment with your own flavours, but you’ll also get to try what you make at the end of the class. This kind of vibrant environment allows everyone to mingle in a relaxed setting. You’ll never be stumped when it comes to finding reasonable cocktail-making classes around Manchester.
Outdoor team-building activities
When Manchester treats us to a bit of sunshine, it’s a great opportunity to move team-building activities outside. Informal outdoor activities in the fresh air can help to reduce stress and boost morale, especially for office-based teams.
7. Company sports day
What better way to spend a sunny day than with a company sports day? There’s nothing like a bit of light-hearted competition and nostalgic sports activities to bring people together. This kind of activity brings out team spirit and encourages friendly rivalry, boosting morale and making lasting memories. Companies get the freedom to shape the sports day exactly how they choose and these events also make for great additions to the company photo album.
8. Group hike or sponsored walk
For those who prefer more relaxed activities, a group hike or charity walk is a great outside team-building activity to do in Manchester. Free-flowing, open conversations tend to take place more naturally outside, which can lead to improved connections between colleagues. With the Peak District just a short drive away, it’s easy to find the perfect route that appeals to all levels of fitness ability. Even better if the activity is for charity to add an extra feel-good factor.
9. Outdoor picnic or BBQ
Whether it’s in a city park or rented outdoor space, a laid-back BBQ or picnic is a great way to unwind as a team. The family-friendly nature of these activities allows for friends and family to be included, further improving connections between employees. Informal settings give space for positive connections to form, creating a buzz separate from the office environment.
10. Bike tours around the city
A great way to explore the city is through a guided bike tour. Many tour companies offer custom routes that combine sightseeing with fun facts and local trivia, which can be great for medium-sized groups. Not only do you get to learn something new, but it also gets teams out and about in the fresh air. Activities like this get the team moving and learning together, helping to connect better on a personal level.
Plan your perfect team building day
Team-building activities like these not only give team members a break from their busy schedules but also make for a productive, happier workforce. Social activities allow teams to bond outside of the office, creating improved connections in and outside of work.
