Bring the whole team together with these fun games and activities

While you probably first experienced team-building events as a child at school, they can be a hit in the workplace, too. A shared challenge, lots of giggles, and maybe a few luxury chocolate prizes — what could be better?

Whether you have new recruits or just want to treat your established team, take a look at our top 11 activity ideas for team-building events.

1. Charity hike

The best team-building events end up being fantastic memories — and that’s exactly what you’ll get with a charity hike. Fresh air, the great outdoors, and lots of exercise, it could be the perfect break from the office that your team needs.

Your team will feel closer than ever with the shared goal of raising money for your company’s chosen charity. Just raise funds from family and friends a few weeks in advance of the hike, then head out on your adventure.

Whether you’re based in the North or South of the UK, choose a National Park and route that works for your team’s location and fitness levels. The 5 peak challenge in the Lake District is a popular choice and includes Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. Why not make sure everyone warms up at the top with a flask of delicious hot chocolate?

You could even have a competition within your team for raising the most money. Whoever wins gets a scrumptious box of chocolates.

2. Volunteer together

If a charity hike is a little ambitious for your team, why not find a way to volunteer together? Choose a local charity doing great work in your area and see how your company can get involved — whether it’s sorting donations, cooking hot food, or picking up litter.

This doesn’t need to be a multi-day activity — it’s possible to volunteer for one day or half a day. Your team will still be getting involved, contributing to a good cause, and getting to know each other on their day out.

3. Office team lunch

It’s never a bad idea to get out and about for your team-building event, but sometimes you need a short, office-based activity.

If this is the case for you, consider a team lunch. Order some lunch from a local cafe, stock up on some fancy nibbles and get the coffee brewing. This is a more relaxed, informal team-building activity, but one that will get your team chatting.

4. Get active

Are your employees usually inside or sitting at their desks all day? Why not seize the chance to get everyone outside and active? Organise a workplace game of basketball, football, or badminton — there’s nothing like a little friendly competition!

If it’s a hit, you could even set up an ongoing intramural league for your workplace. Your employees will experience a real sense of bonding as they practice and compete together every few weeks.

5. Solve a puzzle

Another low-key team bonding activity is puzzle solving. This could include anything from riddles and brain-teasers to jigsaws and logic puzzles. Have one ready for first thing in the morning, set one up for some midday musings, or call for a special break for your team to work through the puzzle together.

Having fun little puzzles in the communal areas of your workplace will allow employees to meet and chat, even if they work in different departments.

Of course, it’s a good idea to have some delicious prizes at the ready!

6. Play a board game

Just like puzzles, board games allow for creativity and collaboration within your team. If you can spare an afternoon or evening to host a board game session, it could be a great chance for your employees to unwind and relax.

Whether it’s Monopoly, Catan, or Cluedo, your team will enjoy some lighthearted chill time with their colleagues.

Host at your workplace or find a nearby board game cafe where everyone will be able to buy cocktails and nibbles to enjoy alongside the game. And don’t forget to choose some prizes!

7. Take a class

If you’re looking for an event that allows for plenty of conversation starters, think about booking a class. Not only will your team have the opportunity to learn something new, but it will also be easier than ever to chat with new people.

There’s so much to talk about when you’re at a pottery, cooking, or educational class — it’s a fantastic way to break the ice!

If you like the idea of a chocolate-themed class, take a look at our School of Chocolate private tasting packages and Bean to Bar experiences.

8. Chocolate tasting

Along with our School of Chocolate offering, there’s always the option to host a chocolate-tasting event yourself. While it might be a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an array of high-cacao delights, it can also be a great way to engage the team in a new way.

For a relaxing and calming experience, you could try a bit of mindful chocolate eating and really focus in on the different tastes and sensations associated with premium chocolate. Alternatively, you could celebrate by pairing different chocolates with varying types of wine or other alcoholic beverages.

The beauty of hosting your own chocolate tasting is that you can choose the setting. You could use the office or hire out a dedicated event space.

9. Enjoy a corporate chocolate event

At Hotel Chocolat, we also offer our stunning corporate chocolate events. These bespoke sessions can be held at our Cocoa Vaults at Covent Garden in London or online.

If you want all the organising to be handled for you (so you can enjoy the event yourself), let the Hotel Chocolat team create an exquisite chocolate event for your team.

10. Create a scavenger hunt

If you’re looking for an activity that’s active and fun but that you can still do in your workplace, think about hosting a scavenger hunt. Hide clues around the office (along with some chocolate nibbles!) and split people up into teams from other departments.

This will give people a chance to chat with people they’ve never met before and make some new work friends.

11. Host a fun contest

Last but not least, our final team-building idea is to host a friendly contest. Whether you choose an office talent show, a pizza-making contest, or a drawing contest, this activity leaves plenty of room for laughter and silliness.

This would make a perfect Friday afternoon “let your hair down” activity for people to transition into weekend mode.

Of course, our favourite contest idea is to host a chocolate-tasting contest. Nab a selection of our small chocolate packs and see who can guess the most flavours correctly.

Whatever team-building activity you choose, we’re sure your employees will have a wonderful time. Enjoy some downtime getting to know your team!

Corporate gifting from Hotel Chocolat

Not ready to organise a team-building event for your workforce? Why not boost morale with some reliable, sophisticated, and luxurious corporate gifts? Hand them out in person or send to your remote employees and show how much you appreciate the team. Whether you have a small company or hundreds of employees, we can help you find the perfect token to keep workplace happiness high.

Shop by budget, and send to multiple addresses or get your treats delivered to the central office. There’s something for everyone!