Why the outdoors is different

Outdoor team building works best in three situations.

If you want people to get to know each other better. People are less guarded when they’re outdoors. That makes getting to know one another more meaningful than a typical get-together in a conference room. New teams, mergers, teams that have been working together for a long time but feel little connection: being outdoors breaks down barriers.

If you want to break through communication deadlocks. A team that keeps having the same discussions in the same conference room sometimes needs a change of scenery. Being outdoors naturally leads to different conversations. The space, the light, the movement—these factors change the way people interact with one another.

If you want to boost your energy and motivation. A day spent in nature has a different effect than a day spent in a conference room. Your team members will go home feeling refreshed, and the impact will last longer than that of an inspiring speaker in a dark room. Organizing an outdoor team-building event is an investment in how your team performs for the rest of the quarter.

The location is a means to an end, not the end itself. A good outdoor program has a rhythm. It starts with energy and movement, so people can warm up and wake up. Then comes a moment of teamwork, something where you depend on each other. After that, there’s time for casual conversation, because that’s where the real connection happens.

Great outdoor team-building activities:

• Orienteering games across a large area
• Construction projects using salvaged materials
• An outdoor cooking workshop on a country estate
• A walking route with tasks that guides the team through a city or landscape

All of these forms get people moving and talking at the same time.

Avoid activities that could just as easily be done indoors, such as a quiz that could have been held in a conference room: that defeats the purpose of being outdoors. Being outdoors should add something to the event, not merely serve as a backdrop for the activity.

An outdoor team-building event can be held at three types of locations.

Nature and country estates are the best choice if you’re looking for peace and quiet and a chance to reconnect with nature. The Veluwe, the Achterhoek, the Zeeland coast, and the North Holland dunes are all excellent locations for outdoor activities. Always make sure you have an indoor space as a backup in case of rain.

Urban outdoor spaces (such as a park, a city harbor, or a neighborhood) are ideal for sports-based or creative team-building activities. Short and sweet. The energy of a city makes people sharper and more alert.

Having your own property or business location is ideal if you don’t want to waste time traveling. Use a garden, parking lot, or adjacent park as a venue. It may not be as unique, but it’s logistically simple and accessible to everyone. An added tax benefit: it’s WKR-friendly.

Always choose a venue that fits your goal. People who need to build trust with one another require a quieter setting than a team that needs energy and drive. Learn more about a successful team-building day →

An outdoor team-building event costs approximately €150 to €300+ per person (excluding VAT) for 250 to 500 guests. For 500 to 1,000 guests, expect to pay approximately €125 to €350+ per person. All prices are exclusive of VAT and include the venue, catering, activities, and production.

The exact budget depends on the type, location, and program. The approximate figures above provide a general range for an average event.

An outdoor team-building event that really works requires a well-designed program. Not just a series of unrelated activities, but a day with a cohesive narrative. One where people are challenged at just the right moment. And where there’s genuine room for informal interaction.

We are an agency that combines concept development with execution. We design the program, provide staff, arrange the venue, and have a backup plan in case of rain. You’ll have a single point of contact, a single quote, and no surprises later on.

We know the venues. We know the formats that work. And we know when a team just needs a break. Because sometimes, giving them some space is the best outdoor team-building activity you can organize.

Schedule a consultation with Live Impact. We’ll ask you three questions: Who are your team members? What are the current challenges? And what do you hope to achieve? Then we’ll design an outdoor team-building program that actually works.

Call us at 085 401 40 14 or send an email to hello@live-impact.nl.

Seriously Fun.