When businesses think about professional development, they often picture meeting rooms, presentations and workshops. While these all have their place, some of the most valuable learning happens when people step away from their desks.
That’s why outdoor team building events continue to grow in popularity. They offer employees the opportunity to get out of the office together, strengthen their workplace relationships, and develop practical skills in a way that’s engaging, memorable and enjoyable.
Whether you’re planning a company away day, a conference, or an annual team event, outdoor team building can deliver lasting benefits that extend far beyond the day itself.
What Are Outdoor Team Building Events?
Outdoor team building events are structured activities designed to improve teamwork, adaptability and active listening in an outdoor setting. Unlike traditional training sessions, they encourage participants to learn through experience by solving problems, completing challenges and working together towards a common goal.
Outdoor events are suitable for businesses of all sizes and can be tailored to suit a wide range of objectives, from improving communication to celebrating success or strengthening company culture.
Why Getting Outside Makes a Difference
A change of environment can have a significant impact on how people think and interact.
Leaving the office removes many of the day-to-day distractions that can limit creativity. Employees are encouraged to approach challenges with a fresh perspective, work with colleagues they may not usually work alongside, and develop stronger personal connections.
Outdoor environments also create a more relaxed atmosphere, helping participants feel comfortable contributing ideas and working together.
The Benefits of Outdoor Team Building
Encourages Creative Problem-Solving
Many outdoor challenges require teams to think differently, adapt their plans and overcome unexpected obstacles.
These experiences help develop flexible thinking and improve confidence when solving workplace challenges.
Improves Communication
Many outdoor challenges rely on clear communication to succeed. Teams must share ideas, listen to one another and make decisions together under time pressure.
These experiences help employees develop communication skills they can apply back in the workplace.
Builds Stronger Relationships
Shared experiences help build trust.
Working together outside of the office gives colleagues the opportunity to connect on a personal level, making future collaboration more natural and effective.
Requires Strategic Thinking
Outdoor activities encourage a new approach. Your team is used to figures on a paper, but assembling a catapult or guiding their blindfolded coworker means finding new ways to lead and collaborate.
Success often depends on combining different strengths and focusing on often forgotten soft skills.
Supports Employee Wellbeing
Spending time outdoors has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood and increased energy levels.
Combining these wellbeing benefits with purposeful team building creates an experience that’s enjoyable as well as productive.
Popular Outdoor Team Building Events
Soap Box Derby
Teams design, build and race their own soapbox vehicles, developing communication, planning and creativity throughout the process.
Scrapheap Challenge
This hands-on challenge has teams competing to create the best catapult, putting teamwork, resource management and creativity to the test.
Bee Hotels
Businesses looking to combine team building with sustainability can choose Bee Hotels, where participants work together to build habitats that support vital pollinators.
Why Outdoor Events Work for Company Away Days
Company away days provide an opportunity to step away from routine and focus on people.
Outdoor team building complements these events perfectly by encouraging interaction, improving morale and creating memorable shared experiences.
Whether your objective is celebrating success, welcoming new employees or strengthening workplace relationships, outdoor activities help achieve meaningful results.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Team Building Event
When selecting an event, consider:
- Your business objectives
- Group size
- Venue
- Accessibility
- Time available
- Budget
The best outdoor team-building event is one that aligns with your goals while ensuring every participant has the opportunity to contribute.
Why Choose EML?
At EML, we deliver outdoor team-building events across the UK and internationally, helping organisations create experiences that are engaging, inclusive and aligned with their business objectives.
From energetic challenges to sustainability-focused activities and bespoke events, we work with every client to design an event that delivers real value.
Outdoor team building offers far more than a day away from the office. It strengthens communication, improves collaboration, builds trust and creates shared experiences that positively influence workplace culture long after the event has finished.
If you’re looking for a fresh way to engage your team, outdoor team-building events provide the perfect opportunity to invest in your people while creating lasting memories. Get in touch today!
With over two decades in corporate team building, I’m Co-founder and Lead Facilitator at EML Team Building. We help organisations strengthen collaboration through innovative, engaging, and outcome-driven experiences.
Since 2000, I’ve worked with 6,000+ teams from globally recognised organisations—including American Express, Deloitte, and Danone—designing and delivering tailored events that build trust, improve communication, and elevate performance.
I believe in collaboration that works—sessions designed to be business-relevant, energising, and immediately useful back at the desk.
