In turn, the traditional activities enjoyed by employees have shifted from being a fun and occasional get-together at work to being a strategic well-considered array of shared ideas and well-budgeted events, that are carefully orchestrated per week, monthly, and annually to boost business and integrate a more distributed workforce.

Having workers based in locations at home or abroad means relationship-building activities that unite employees, respect individual needs, and maintain an organization’s productivity are essential. For instance, although remote and hybrid workers may benefit from having a flexible role they can and do often feel disconnected. In fact, according to a 2023 Hybrid Report, 52% of remote-working respondents prioritized fostering great relationships with their colleagues while a staggering 66% expressed a lack of strong connections with their co-workers.

Therefore, regular team building initiatives create shared experiences and strengthen interpersonal ties, ultimately contributing to reduced turnover rates and increased job satisfaction. They are also an effective way for new employees to meet and learn from fellow employees. Likewise, there is further opportunity for off-site staff to attend on site, in-person meetings or shared meals. If those same employees, who work away or outside an organization, win a team competition or succeed at a challenge, their achievements can similarly be celebrated with the wider organization. This might be anything from coming first as a group in an event or recognizing an individual’s sports prowess, such as participating in a virtual game of golf.

However, creating an enjoyable and successful hybrid environment for groups and individuals requires some thought and planning. Organizing teamwork also depends on factoring in clearly articulated goals that embrace both personal and collective business objectives, ensuring every team member understands their role in achieving the broader organizational mission.

Choosing events for your hybrid employees

As organizations become more adaptable to employee needs the choice of outdoor team building activities available has expanded to meet their requirements. Activities should be designed to accommodate employees of all ages and backgrounds, while focusing on meaningful experiences that align with organizational goals. Shared activities can go a long way to promote cultural exchange, creativity, and shared experiences, while accommodating personal preferences, religious beliefs, and restrictions.

Generally speaking, it's possible to combine excellent activities for in-person or long-distance workers, from team-based sports like padel tennis, basketball, and volleyball to crafting sessions that may be appropriate for a time of year or company. Either way, the aim is to organize team building days that promote strategic thinking and friendly competition while providing opportunities for healthy conversations and relationship building.

For example, escape rooms might work well for fostering collaborative problem-solving and have been redesigned so remote workers can take part. There are other team building activities for hybrid staff, from virtual quizzes to fitness trends or challenges that encourage fun rivalry and boosts wellbeing.

Benefitting from a happier workplace 

Successful team building is a delicate balance between engagement and demonstrating respect for individual preferences. Strong team bonds naturally foster improved collaboration which directly translates into enhanced productivity and better project outcomes. With this in mind, organizations might want to consider:

• Arranging team sport and activities to suit people of varying abilities, skills, and education
• Providing alternatives for those unable to join scheduled events
• Creating opportunities for both synchronous and asynchronous engagement
• Ensuring activities respect diverse cultural backgrounds and personal boundaries

Additionally, the ongoing interaction between different departments creates an environment that sparks innovation, as diverse perspectives come together. When employees feel genuinely connected to their colleagues, they're significantly more likely to remain with the organization for the long-term, leading to reduced turnover rates.

Enhancing workers’ wellbeing and holistic health 

It’s paramount to foster a healthy company culture that prioritizes involving everyone, understands people’s differences, and consistently remains supportive to all. Whether hybrid, office-based, or remote workers, everyone should feel comfortable and more willing to work together.By taking a holistic approach with events that consider the physical, mental and emotional health of employees, organizations can promote both mental and physical wellbeing. Wellness initiatives play a key role too – from virtual yoga classes to meditation sessions and healthy snack programs – all contributing to employees' physical and mental wellbeing. Taking a proactive approach to such initiatives can encourage healthy lifestyle choices and reduce health care claims and associated costs in the longer-term.

A supportive workplace environment is key, with organizations needing to prioritize open communication through regular check-ins and team meetings where employees feel safe sharing their experiences and concerns. This culture of openness should be backed by comprehensive mental health benefits and resources, including accessible counseling and therapy services, with clear information about how to utilize these supports.

Rather than treating work and personal life as separate areas that need to be balanced, companies should embrace work-life integration, finding ways to help employees blend their professional and personal responsibilities seamlessly. This holistic approach to workplace health not only supports employees but also creates a more engaged and resilient workforce.

As 2025 unfolds, organizations that manage remote and hybrid workforces can benefit from putting an action-packed calendar of varied team building events and activities in place. As long as there is a broad range of engaging options that are open to all workers, you’ll foster a healthier workforce. In turn, regular events can support employee wellbeing while driving forward business success.

With thoughtful planning, diverse activities, and an ongoing stream of events throughout the year, you’ll likely see rich results with enhanced productivity, improved employee retention, and reduced health care costs.