Breaking out of the 4 walls of the office or stepping away from a screen to have a collective experience with colleagues can be empowering, formative and exhilarating. What better way to stimulate conversation and connection than sharing in something new.

Putting a face to a colleague’s name, and having real life, in-person conversations with someone you may have only spoken to on the phone or had emails with can build trust and a more personal relationship.

We are seeing more and more businesses skip the awkward ice breakers and level up their team bonding to refreshing challenges that genuinely excite their teams. We see first-hand the hugely positive, long lasting and far-reaching impact it can have in businesses and teams. 

Coupled with our 30 years of outdoor experience, The Adventure Element has worked alongside charities, school groups, and corporate teams to harness the power of adventure. Adventures come with some hard to beat benefits, not to mention tick off multiple corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives too! 

The Benefits of Corporate Adventure Challenges

Creating Connections

Whether your employees work under the same roof, across multiple sites, or remotely, team cohesion is essential.

However, a YouGov UK (1) study found that 40% of Britons ‘dread’ team-building days, often describing them as ‘cringeworthy’ or ‘embarrassing.’ With typical activities like scavenger hunts, tower building, and blindfolded drawing, it’s no wonder engagement is low. How much positive impact can these activities truly be having? If the pandemic has reminded us of anything, it’s the power of being outside. THIS is your cue to take team building outdoors for an experience that breaks the mould.

Our adventure challenges are designed to be attainable and beneficial, fostering an environment where employees can support each other, encourage one another, and build supportive networks.

In an outdoor setting, the playing field is naturally levelled, unexpected leaders emerge, and—often—they’re not the usual managers. These shared experiences foster new connections across the workplace, allowing teams to mix freely in a neutral, inspiring environment. They really can have a lasting impact in improving workplace culture.

Networking

A corporate adventure challenge can be a fantastic way build relationships and potentially collaborate with key groups. As well as your own staff you may want to invite existing or potential clients or partners. Getting outside the office walls can really aide natural conversations in a far more relaxed environment and through shared experiences you are more likely to build stronger business relationships. Who doesn’t love a chat while cycling or hiking! And you may even go one step further and invite along industry leaders, local businesses or representatives from trade associations to really engage with stakeholders relevant to your business.

Our multi-discipline adventure challenges operate in teams of two, four or six – you could choose to add a competitive element between companies, or use it as a chance to mix teams with employees and clients.

"We are so proud of everyone who took part — whether they were leading the pack or cheering from the side-lines, this was a real team effort. And most importantly, it was all for a cause that touches so many lives." Lambert Smith Hampton

Raise money for charity

If you have a charity partner, taking on an adventure challenge is a great way to engage your staff (and wider network) to raise funds for a meaningful cause. While companies are often able to pledge financial donations, by involving all employees in fundraising activities, you can create a real sense of shared purpose and motivation among your team. And what better to way for employees to ask for sponsorship than for taking part in an activity which involves effort and commitment!

It's also worth mentioning that these sorts of fundraising challenges can generate positive media coverage which not only showcases the company’s commitment to social responsibility, but it can also drastically help to raise the profile of your chosen charity creating much needed awareness for their cause.

The what, the where and the when?

You may have a tiny inkling of an idea but need some help bringing it to life. This is where our breadth of experience and expertise in the outdoors comes in. We know what is possible and what works given your preferred timings, group ability and numbers and we will create a bespoke event that is right for you. The Adventure Element team are keen adventurers themselves and have no trouble dreaming up epic challenges in all corners of the country, knowing how to roll out slick logistics and maximising your dedicated day. 

Multi-Discipline Adventure Challenges

A combination of cycling, hiking, and kayaking for a high-energy challenge. Perfect for fundraising and our most popular corporate option, this is a classic with a proven track record.

Water-based activities (Kayaking, canoeing, raft building)

This can encourage collaboration in an unpredictable environment and offer a totally different experience that your team members may not have even considered. We can all appreciate the exciting potential of thinking outside the box!

Navigation & wilderness challenges

Perfect practice to hone decision-making under pressure while adding a string to your bow. The wilderness creates a space for individuals to let their hair down, connect with nature and create memories with their fellow teammates.

Most of our corporate events tend to take place midweek. Though this may take some planning from a work perspective, we find it leads to stronger attendance as it avoids conflicts with employees’ personal commitments. Hosting events during the workweek also demonstrates your commitment to employee well-being, showing that you value their time and don’t expect them to give up personal hours for work-related activities.

From a practical point of view, mid-week events can also make booking easier and more cost effective as they avoid peak weekend demand where availability can be limited.  

Now Is The Time To Take The Leap

It’s never too early to start talking to us about a corporate adventure challenge. While we can get things up and running quickly, your team may need time to prepare with training and fundraising. Plus, spending time together preparing for the challenge ahead is a key part of the team building element and will make event day itself all the more rewarding.

Are you beginning to genuinely look forward to your next team bonding day? Let’s not waste any time. Contact us today to discuss your corporate challenge event and let’s make memories that truly help your team connect. It will be the talk of the office!

(1)YouGov Uk Study 2022.