Team building measures for companies

Why team building is more than just an incentive

Team building is often equated with casual outings or rewards for employees. But team building activities are more than just a nice get-together for motivation. Studies show that 90% of employers believe that a sense of community in the workplace contributes significantly to the company's success. Shared team experiences facilitate collaboration, improve communication and increase employees' problem-solving skills. This not only strengthens team spirit, but also has a positive effect on work performance and the working atmosphere.

What do you really want to achieve?

Every team building measure should begin with the question: What is our goal? As a team or among the organizers, think about the purpose of the event. Possible goals could be

• Improve communication: For example, when things get stuck between departments or silos need to be broken down. Formats that focus on exchanging ideas and solving tasks together are ideal here.
• Build trust: For newly formed teams or after restructuring, it can be important to create trust and a sense of togetherness. Activities that encourage people to get to know each other are then ideal.
• Overcoming conflicts: If there are tensions or disagreements in the team, a moderated workshop can help to clarify misunderstandings (e.g. communication training or moderated feedback rounds).
• Increase motivation: Sometimes the focus is simply on thanking the team, e.g. after a successful project. A shared experience as a corporate event can express appreciation and boost motivation.

The more concretely you describe the desired result, the better you can check later whether the measure was successful. Set priorities: Is it primarily about fun and cohesion, learning and reflection or problem solving? This clarity of purpose will help with all further planning - from the choice of format to the follow-up.

When a workshop makes sense, when an event makes sense

Team building can take place in very different ways. Basically, there are two broad categories: formal workshops vs. informal events. When does which format suit your needs?

• Workshops & conferences: A workshop (possibly as part of a conference) is suitable if you want to work specifically on topics within teamwork. For example, a moderated team workshop can be useful for developing communication rules, clarifying roles within the team or defining shared values. In a structured setting - such as at workshops & conferences with professional moderation - can also be used to deal with more in-depth conflicts or practise new working methods. The focus here is on learning and reflection. A workshop format is ideal if sustainable changes in team behavior are sought and there is sufficient time for evaluation and transfer.
• Corporate events: A more informal company event makes sense if the focus is on fun and a shared experience. These can be company outings, celebrations or action-packed team events. Such corporate events are ideal for strengthening team spirit, creating a shared sense of achievement and simply getting together away from the daily work routine. They are ideal as a reward after strenuous project phases or for onboarding new teams to quickly establish informal connections. However, make sure you at least have a loose theme or a common thread so that the activity fits in with the company and the team. An informal event can have a big impact if it is authentic and everyone feels comfortable - it creates shared memories that support the sense of togetherness for a long time.

Of course, the two approaches are not mutually exclusive: A multi-day team building can, for example, include a workshop part on the first day and an outdoor event on the second day. The decisive factor is what suits your team and your goals. If, for example, you are aiming for concrete improvements in the work process, at least part of the program should have the character of a workshop. If the main focus is on motivation and fun, the event character may dominate.

How to plan effective team building measures

Once you have decided on a basic goal and a rough format, it's time to start planning. Careful planning ensures that a good idea becomes a successful experience. Below you will find the most important steps for implementing team building measures effectively and practically.

Analyze target group and team structure

The first step is to analyze your team structure. Every team is different - and not every measure is suitable for every group. So think about it first:

• Who is taking part? Is it a small core team, a department or a cross-departmental team with a wide variety of members? The size and composition will influence the choice of activity. For example, it is easier to engage a 5-person team in intensive discussions than a team of 50 people, for whom group games or station-based events may be more appropriate.
• Team dynamics and age structure: A homogeneous team that has been working together for a long time has different needs than a newly formed, diverse team. Younger employees may be more likely to jump at trendy, action-packed formats, while mixed age groups have a wide range of interests. Pay attention to inclusivity: activities should not exclude anyone - neither on the basis of fitness level nor personal preferences. If in doubt, you can gather ideas in advance as a team or ask about interests.
• Location and working model: Do you all work in one place or is your team spread across several locations? For remote or distributed teams, digital team building formats or hybrid events could be useful to get everyone involved. For teams that meet on site, the range is wider (from outdoor to indoor). However, you should also consider whether all team members are on site or whether travel needs to be organized.

By precisely analyzing the target group of the measure, you increase the chance that everyone involved will feel that they are being met. The best ideas are of little use if they fail to meet the interests or needs of the team. So: get to know your team (even better) before you decide on the event!

Determine time, budget and framework conditions

The next step in planning concerns the organizational framework. These set the framework within which you can get creative:

• Time frame: Think about when and for how long the team-building activity should take place. Do you have a whole day available, an afternoon or just a few hours in the evening? Different formats are suitable depending on your time budget. For a half-day workshop, for example, you need at least 4 hours, while a short team game can be completed in just 30 minutes. Also consider the season: outdoor activities work better in the warmer months; conversely, a pre-Christmas indoor event can have a lot of charm in winter.
• Budget: Set a realistic budget right from the start. This includes costs for the location, catering, any external trainers or service providers, materials and travel. Team building doesn't have to be expensive - there are also low-budget ideas such as joint hikes or a picnic in the park. But if you are planning a corporate event with an elaborate setting (catering, show act, etc.), for example, you should keep an eye on the costs. It's worth comparing offers from different event providers. Pro tip: Also ask internally whether the company has a fixed budget per employee for further training or team events.
• General conditions: Clarify the key data. How many people are taking part? Are there any specific requirements (e.g. accessibility of the location, food for catering)? What equipment is required (projector, WLAN, moderation material)? The more precisely these points are determined in advance, the better you can select a suitable event location and activity. Nothing is more annoying than spontaneously realizing that the room is too small, for example, or that important technology is missing. A checklist helps you to think of everything - from weather precautions (plan B in case of rain for outdoor events) to the question of who will document the results.

By defining the time, budget and framework conditions at an early stage, you lay the foundations for a successful team event. With these specifications, you can now go into detail: finalize the format, obtain quotes and take a close look at the popular formats.

Find the right location

The best idea is of little use if the framework conditions are not right. An often underestimated success factor for team building measures is the right location. Whether it's a meeting room, outdoor area or virtual setting - the location must suit the format and the team. Here are some tips on what you should look out for when searching for a location.

Requirements for space, technology, flexibility

First, think about what requirements your team building activity places on the location:

• Room size and layout: Is the location suitable for the size of the group and the activity? For a workshop, you need enough space for a circle of chairs or group tables, possibly several rooms for breakouts. For outdoor sports activities, you will need an outdoor area or a hall. The space should not be too small or oversized - all participants should feel comfortable and be able to interact well.
• Technology & equipment: Check the technical equipment. For indoor locations: Is there a projector, screen, flipcharts, moderation material and good Wi-Fi? For outdoor locations: Are tents, power supply or sanitary facilities required and are they available? Nothing is more annoying than realizing in the middle of a workshop that cables or adapters are missing, for example. It is best to clarify in advance with the location provider what is available and what you need to bring yourself.
• Flexibility & service: A good event location should respond flexibly to your needs. Can you adapt the room (move tables for a game, change seating etc.)? What about catering - does the location provide catering, is there coffee and cold drinks, or do you have to organize something yourself? The booking modalities are also important: Can you cancel or rebook spontaneously if, for example, the coronavirus situation changes or the number of participants fluctuates? Read the small print. Another point is accessibility: the ideal location is one that everyone can reach easily (centrally located or with a shuttle service). Transport may need to be organized for offsite locations in the countryside.

In short: Draw up a list of requirements for the location. Then you can search specifically and compare providers. Many locations offer special packages for workshops & conferences or corporate events This can be helpful because such packages usually combine space, technology and catering.

Event location for meetings, workshops or corporate events

Depending on the format, different types of locations can be considered. Here are a few examples:

• Classic meeting room or seminar room: Conference rooms or seminar rooms are ideal for workshops and seminars with up to approx. 20 people. Make sure there is enough daylight and a pleasant atmosphere - barren, windowless rooms quickly dampen the mood. In larger cities, there are specialized providers who rent out meeting rooms complete with workshop equipment. (If you are in the Rhineland, for example: a central meeting room Düsseldorf with modern technology could be a good option if your team is from NRW). Such rooms are ideal if the team measure is content-related and requires concentrated work.
• Event location for companies: If you are planning a larger company event or an anniversary team day, a real event location for corporate events is worthwhile. This can be an unusual location - such as a loft, an industrial hall, an outdoor camp or even a ship. The focus here is on the experience and ambience. Many event locations offer complete packages with catering, technology and a supporting program. It is important that the location matches the number of participants: 50 people in a large exhibition hall will get lost, while 200 people in a small venue will be overcrowded. Also think about the time of year: in summer perhaps an open-air location or with an outdoor area; in winter something with a cozy interior. Examples: For an international team meeting, a location close to the airport might make sense; for an outdoor team building in Hesse, perhaps a location in the countryside instead of in the middle of Frankfurt.
• Unconventional locations: Sometimes it's the unusual location that makes an event unforgettable. How about team building on a farm or in a climbing park, where you can work during the day and sit together around a campfire in the evening? Or a cultural center where the team can do a graffiti workshop together? Think creatively - but don't forget the logistics (travel, accommodation if necessary, permits). You can also consider virtual locations: For online events, there are platforms that offer virtual rooms with team game options.

Whether it's a meeting room in Düsseldorf, an outdoor camp near Frankfurt or your own company headquarters: adapt the location to your needs, not the other way around. It is better to choose a smaller and more personal size than a too large, inflexible solution. If possible, visit the location beforehand or take a virtual tour to get a feel for it. And if in doubt: ask for advice - many event locations have experience with team events and can tell you whether your idea is right for them.

Implementation and follow-up

Once the planning is complete and the day of the event is approaching, it is time to think about the implementation. This is where it is decided whether the good preparation will actually turn into a successful team building event. Two phases are particularly important: the moderation and process structure during the event and the follow-up afterwards, i.e. reflection and transfer to everyday life.

Moderation and process structure

A team building event - whether a workshop or outdoor activity - needs a common thread. Therefore, define a clear schedule in advance. The following points will help with the implementation:

• Clarify moderation: Who will lead the program? A neutral moderator or facilitator is worth their weight in gold so that all participants can concentrate on the content and activities. For formal workshops, it is advisable to use an external trainer or experienced internal moderator. For playful events, an agency team or experienced colleague can also take over the guidance. The main thing is that there is someone who can keep an overview, guide the group and intervene if necessary (e.g. if things are unclear or if individuals withdraw).
• Structure the schedule: Divide the day (or the hours) into meaningful sections. An icebreaker or warm-up is a good way to get everyone on board. The planned activities or workshop sessions follow in the main part. Make sure to plan breaks - more intensive activities in particular need to be interspersed with rest or informal exchanges over coffee. At the end, a clear conclusion is recommended, be it a final game, a short summary or simply a joint photo and words of thanks. Communicate the rough schedule in advance so that everyone knows what to expect (at least key points such as start, end, breaks).
• Flexibility on site: Plan as well as possible - but be flexible if the schedule needs to be adjusted. Perhaps you realize that an exercise will take longer because a discussion has arisen - then take the time if it serves the goal. Or the weather forces you to change your plans. A good facilitator recognizes the mood of the group and adjusts the pace. It is important to build up positive energy: Small feelings of success during the course (such as tasks solved, team games won) will keep everyone motivated. During outdoor activities, pay attention to safety and, if necessary, stop before someone gets overwhelmed. All in all, the process is a guideline, not a rigid corset.

During the event, the focus is on the team. This also means for the organizers: stay in the background, enjoy and observe what happens. This will allow you to evaluate better later.

Reflection, feedback and transfer

After the big day is before the effect - in other words: team building only unfolds its full effect through reflection and follow-up. This step is often forgotten, but it is crucial to ensure that the insights and positive effects are transferred to everyday working life. How can you do this?

• Joint reflection: At the end of your team event, plan a few minutes to hours (depending on the intensity) for a joint reflection session. Ask the group: How did you experience the activity? What was your highlight? What will you take away from it for your collaboration? In workshops, it is customary to compile the results at the end (e.g. flipchart with learnings or agreements for the team). Even at informal events, you can acknowledge good moments in the closing discussion and try to build a bridge to everyday life ("What can we do to ensure that this team spirit lives on in the office?"). This final round should be kept positive - it's not about analyzing mistakes, but about insights and a conclusion.
• Obtain feedback: Not everyone speaks freely in the plenary session. Anonymized feedback can also help. Consider sending out a short feedback survey after the event. This could include questions such as "Did you enjoy the team event? Did you learn anything new about the team? What can we do better next time?". The feedback helps the organizers to improve future measures and gives everyone the opportunity to honestly express their opinion. Anonymous feedback often provides valuable information, e.g. that someone would have liked more structure or that the duration was perfect.
• Ensure transfer: This is perhaps the most important point: how do you ensure that the positive momentum continues? There are various approaches here. One possibility is to plan follow-up activities - e.g. a short follow-up meeting a few weeks after the event or a retrospective in a team meeting where the question is asked: "What has changed since our team event? Are we still implementing any of it?". If specific measures were developed in the workshop (such as "we now use the first name across departments" or "we have a team lunch every two weeks"), then someone should take responsibility for ensuring that these agreements are followed up. Managers have a role model function here: they can refer to the event again and again in everyday life ("Remember, cooperation X worked well when building the raft, let's do the same here"). Symbolic memories also help - hanging up a group photo in the office, an internal wiki with the results, or small insider jokes from the event that can be incorporated into meetings. Anything that keeps the experience alive is welcome.

To summarize: The follow-up ensures that your investment in team building really pays off. The measure was only successful if the team feels added value in everyday life - better communication, more trust or simply a more positive atmosphere. With reflection and transfer, you can turn a one-off event into sustainable change.

This creates lasting impetus for your team

A successful team-building event can act as a starting signal for a new team dynamic. As you have seen: Clear objectives, careful planning, the right format and a suitable location are crucial to ensure that the event is more than just a short-term incentive. When all these elements work together, you create experiences that will be remembered and have a positive impact on everyday working life. Team spirit is strengthened, communication is improved and, last but not least, employee loyalty increases - your colleagues realize that you are investing in their development and satisfaction.

It is important to keep an eye on sustainability: A team event should not be a one-off, but part of a culture in which collaboration and a sense of togetherness are actively promoted. Plan regular small impulses, give space for feedback rounds and celebrate your joint successes. This creates a common thread that transforms the one-off experience into long-term motivation.

Our locations for your team event in Frankfurt & Düsseldorf

Whether it's a creative workshop, a strategic offsite or a joint after-work session - at Place to be you'll find the perfect location for your team event. Here is a selection of our locations and offers that are ideal for team building activities:

Workshops & Conferences - For concentrated work in an inspiring atmosphere.
Corporate Events - Team building with an experiential character: from summer parties to anniversaries.
Meeting Room Düsseldorf - Ideal for smaller team meetings with a professional setup.
Christmas Party Frankfurt - The perfect end-of-year event for your team.
Party Location Düsseldorf - For relaxed team evenings after a productive workshop.
Frankfurt Location with skyline view - Exclusive surroundings for special team events.
Your Showdown Düsseldorf: Interactive location for energetic team events with a game character - ideal for creative challenges and active team building.

Each of our locations can be flexibly adapted to your requirements - for team events that stick in your mind and strengthen team spirit.