Ahead of the days of early fall when the temperatures get cooler and we start to crave all things pumpkin, we wanted to provide some ideas for team building activities that we will be bringing to our own office throughout the colder months this year. It can be challenging to maintain energy levels and morale in the workplace when the days get shorter and colder. The coming of fall and winter often means fewer outdoor activities and less natural sunlight, which can affect mood and productivity. However, colder months also offer a unique opportunity to bring teams closer together through creative and engaging team-building activities.
So today we’ll explore various team-building activities designed specifically for the colder months so that you can get ahead by planning for the coming year. From indoor games to cozy virtual events, these activities will help boost team spirit, foster collaboration, and create a more cohesive and motivated workforce.
1. Indoor Scavenger Hunts
An indoor scavenger hunt is a great way to get your team moving and interacting, even when the weather outside is less than inviting. Divide the group into teams and create a list of items to find or challenges to complete around the office. You can make the hunt themed, such as "Winter Wonderland" where teams search for winter-themed items like scarves, mittens, or snowflake decorations.
You could also incorporate puzzles or riddles related to your business or industry for an extra challenge. Scavenger hunts are not only fun but also encourage creative thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
2. Cooking Classes and Competitions
Nothing brings people together quite like food. Organize a cooking class or a friendly cooking competition where teams create dishes within a specific theme--like comfort foods, holiday treats, or international cuisine. You can hire a professional chef to guide the class or host a "Chopped"-style challenge where teams are given mystery ingredients and a limited time to create a dish.
For remote teams, you can offer virtual cooking classes where everyone follows along from their own kitchen. To make it more interactive, send a list of ingredients in advance or provide meal kits to each participant. Cooking together fosters teamwork, creativity, and healthy competition, plus everyone gets to enjoy a delicious meal at the end!
3. Escape Room Experiences
Escape rooms are fantastic for team-building because they require collaboration, communication, and quick thinking. Many companies now offer mobile or virtual escape room experiences that can be set up indoors or conducted online. Teams must work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and “escape” within a set time.
For a twist, consider designing your own office-themed escape room where the challenges are related to your company’s values, history, or products. This personalized approach can enhance team bonding and deepen employees’ connection to your organization's culture.
4. Board Game Tournaments
Board games are a classic way to bring people together, and they can be an excellent team-building activity during the colder months. Host a board game tournament during lunch breaks or set aside a dedicated afternoon for a game day. Select a mix of strategic games (like Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride) and light-hearted options (like Pictionary or Apples to Apples) to cater to different preferences.
Games that require team play or encourage strategic thinking can help develop problem-solving skills and foster camaraderie among employees. Make the tournament more exciting by offering small prizes for the winning teams.
5. Wellness and Mindfulness Workshops
Winter can be tough on mental and physical health, which is why wellness workshops are a great addition to your team-building lineup. Consider organizing sessions on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, meditation, or nutrition. You can invite wellness coaches, yoga instructors, or meditation experts to lead these workshops.
Virtual workshops are also an option for remote teams. Encouraging employees to take care of their mental and physical health during the colder months helps boost morale and productivity and shows that the company values their well-being.
6. Volunteering as a Team
Giving back to the community can be a rewarding team-building experience. Organize a volunteer day where your team can participate in a local charity event, such as serving meals at a homeless shelter, organizing a winter clothing drive, or working with a local nonprofit.
For remote or hybrid teams, consider virtual volunteering opportunities like mentoring students online, writing letters to seniors in care homes, or participating in fundraising activities. Volunteering together builds a sense of purpose and unity, and it’s a wonderful way to spread positivity during the winter months.
7. Winter Olympics Office Edition
Host a Winter Olympics-themed event right in your office. Create fun and simple games like “office chair curling,” “paper snowball toss,” or “desk-sled racing.” Divide your employees into teams, and have them compete in various events to earn points. To keep the spirit high, encourage everyone to come dressed in their favourite winter sports attire.
This playful competition fosters team spirit, energizes employees, and encourages light-hearted fun. Plus, it’s a great way to break up the monotony of the winter months and add some excitement to the workplace.
8. Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences
Virtual reality experiences are increasingly popular as team-building activities. Set up VR stations in the office where employees can experience virtual escape rooms, go on virtual tours, or participate in interactive VR games that require teamwork.
For remote teams, consider online platforms that offer virtual reality-style experiences, like virtual scavenger hunts or collaborative virtual spaces. VR experiences provide an innovative way to engage teams, encourage collaboration, and create memorable moments, even when you're stuck indoors.
9. Cozy Craft Workshops
Winter is the perfect time for cozy indoor activities, and a craft workshop can be a great way to relax, have fun, and unleash creativity. Consider hosting a workshop for knitting, painting, holiday decorations, or DIY crafts. You can hire a local artist to lead the workshop or encourage team members with special talents to share their skills.
Craft workshops can be conducted in person or virtually, with materials sent to each participant in advance. This activity is particularly beneficial for fostering creativity, patience, and focus among your team members.
10. Hot Chocolate and Storytelling Sessions
Bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the office by hosting a hot chocolate and storytelling session. Set up a hot chocolate station with various toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks, and invite everyone to share a story.
The stories could be work-related, like memorable moments from the past year, or more personal, such as favourite holiday memories. This activity helps build empathy, improve communication skills, and create deeper connections among team members in a relaxed and informal setting. At Pantree we have a range of options for your hot chocolate station!
11. Virtual Trivia Nights
For remote teams or those working in hybrid environments, virtual trivia nights are a fantastic way to keep the fun alive during the colder months. Choose a variety of categories--from general knowledge to niche topics like pop culture, sports, or company-specific trivia.
You can host the trivia session via video conferencing platforms and use quiz apps or tools to make it interactive. Encourage teams to dress up in themed costumes or create their own team names to add a layer of fun. Trivia nights foster healthy competition and teamwork while keeping the team connected, no matter where they are.
12. Book Clubs and Film Screenings
Create a cozy winter tradition by starting an office book club or organizing film screenings. Choose a book or film that aligns with your team’s interests or company values, and set aside time for discussions. Book clubs can encourage intellectual stimulation, foster dialogue, and provide a shared experience outside the typical work environment.
For a fun twist, consider hosting themed movie nights where employees vote on which films to watch, complete with popcorn, hot chocolate, and cozy blankets.
13. Ice Skating or Curling Outings
If your team is up for a little adventure, consider organizing an ice-skating or curling outing. Ice skating is a fun and active way to enjoy the colder weather, while curling offers a unique and social experience that many may not have tried before.
These activities promote teamwork, physical activity, and a chance to enjoy the winter season together. For added convenience, look for indoor rinks or curling clubs in your area that offer group rates or private sessions.
Keep the Spirit Alive All Winter Long
While the colder months may bring challenges, they also offer a wonderful opportunity to engage in creative and meaningful team-building activities. By choosing the right activities--whether indoor, outdoor, virtual, or in-person--you can boost team morale, foster a sense of community, and maintain productivity throughout the winter season.
Remember, the key to successful team building is to select activities that resonate with your team’s interests and needs. Whether it’s a cozy hot chocolate session, an adrenaline-pumping escape room, or a mindful wellness workshop, there are countless ways to bring your team together and make the most of the colder months.
For all of your office pantry needs to help facilitate games, activities, and snacks for fuel, we have you covered!
Until next time,
The Pantree Team
