Rejuvenate Your Team with Outdoor Activities
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, spring and summer offer the perfect opportunity to take team-building outdoors. Breaking away from office routines fosters creativity, strengthens relationships, and boosts morale. Being outside provides a refreshing setting where teams can connect, gain new perspectives, and return to work energized.
In Canada, Mental Health Week (May 6–12, 2025) highlights the importance of workplace well-being. Organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) since 1951, it encourages conversations about mental health. Incorporating outdoor team-building activities during this time aligns with its mission and supports employees' mental and emotional health.
Why Outdoor Team Building Works
Time in nature has proven benefits for mental well-being. Studies show it reduces stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue while boosting focus, creativity, and resilience (Barton & Pretty, 2010). Outdoor activities can also lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase serotonin, improving mood and productivity (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989).
For teams facing high workloads or burnout, stepping outside offers a much-needed reset, helping employees return to work feeling recharged and motivated.
3 Key Benefits of Outdoor Team Building Activities
1. Enhances Problem-Solving and Creativity- Nature encourages cognitive flexibility, helping teams think outside the box and develop innovative solutions (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008).
2.Boosts Energy and Reduces Stress- Spending time outdoors lowers stress, elevates mood, and restores mental clarity (McMahan & Estes, 2015), leading to happier, more focused employees.
3.Strengthens Team Bonds- Casual outdoor settings—like walks or picnics—foster trust and communication, leading to stronger collaboration back in the office.
Outdoor Team Building Activities to Try
Nature Walks & Picnics
A simple stroll or lunch outdoors reduces stress and encourages meaningful connections (McMahan & Estes, 2015).
Eventology Challenges
For structured, high-energy activities, Eventology offers:
- Flatout Formula 1 – Teams collaborate under pressure to build a full-scale F1 model, testing communication and teamwork.
- Squad Game – A fast-paced challenge that pushes teams to problem-solve and adapt quickly.
Play-Based Team Building
Adding play to team-building sparks creativity and connection.
- Frisbee, soccer, or relay races for friendly competition.
- Outdoor scavenger hunts to encourage teamwork and strategy.(The Amazing Race)
- Obstacle courses for a mix of physical and mental challenges.
Spring and summer’s energy make it the perfect time to incorporate fun and movement into team bonding.
Conclusion: Stronger Teams, Stronger Business
Outdoor team-building isn’t just about fun—it’s a smart business strategy. Research shows that:
- Engaged teams work more efficiently, solving problems faster and thinking more creatively.
- Stronger workplace relationships lead to better customer service and higher client satisfaction.
- A positive team culture reduces employee turnover, saving costs on hiring and onboarding.
When employees feel valued and connected, they perform better, innovate more, and deliver exceptional service—all of which directly impact the bottom line. Investing in outdoor team-building leads to higher productivity, better business, and happier clients.
This season, step outside, recharge your team, and set your business up for success.
"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." — John Muir
Incorporate the Outdoors >>>
References:
Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? Environmental Science & Technology, 44(10), 3987–3995. https://doi.org/10.1021/es903183r
Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207–1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). (2025). Mental Health Week. Retrieved from https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week
Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1989-98477-000
McMahan, E. A., & Estes, D. (2015). The effect of contact with natural environments on positive and negative affect: A meta-analysis of experimental studies. Psychological Science, 26(6), 1–7. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17439760.2014.994224?utm_source
