A good team away day brings people together without feeling like a compulsory outing. That is the real art: a day when nobody feels they have to take part, and everyone is simply glad to be there. Switzerland makes it easy, with everything from a day of adventure in the mountains to a relaxed feast by the lake within easy reach. Here are our team away day ideas.
Which outing suits you depends largely on the season and the character of your team. Here you will find ideas that genuinely work.
Active team away day ideas
Achieving something together brings people closer. Active days out are especially good when your team has energy to burn and needs a break from the office.
- in summer: rafting, a via ferrata, a bike tour or stand-up paddleboarding
- in winter: snowshoeing, sledging or a day on the slopes, around Davos for example
- all year round: bowling, bouldering or an indoor action course when the weather is uncertain
Food, drink and good company
Some teams connect best around a table. Eating, raising a glass and talking to each other often achieves more than any team building tool.
- a cookery class followed by dinner together
- a wine, cheese or chocolate tasting
- a dining cruise on a Swiss lake
- a food tour through an old town with several stops
Relaxed and sociable
Not every day out has to be action-packed. Sometimes a team just needs time together, in beautiful surroundings and without any pressure to perform.
- a gentle panoramic hike with a stop at a mountain hut
- a day by the lake with drinks, games and sunshine
- a wellness or spa afternoon in the mountains
- a creative experience such as pottery, painting or a workshop together
Half a day or a full day?
The length shapes the character of the day. Half a day works well if you want to keep the effort down, for instance an afternoon activity followed by dinner together. It also works midweek and is easy to tag on to a working day.
A full day gives you more room: time to travel to a beautiful region, a more immersive experience and plenty of time to talk. If your team rarely gets together or is spread across several locations, the full day is almost always worth it.
What a good team away day needs
Whatever the programme, a few things decide whether it is a success or a flop:
- A voluntary spirit: the day should feel like a gift, not an obligation.
- The right fit for your team: take into account different fitness levels, preferences and perhaps different languages too.
- Plenty of free time: the most valuable conversations happen in the breaks, not in the programme.
- One shared moment: a highlight that people talk about afterwards. That is what stays with them.
Designing the right day
Whether it is a day of adventure or a feast for the senses, the best team away day is one where everyone feels at ease and nobody feels it is compulsory. If you would like to put it in good hands from the first idea to the day itself, we would be glad to be your partner. Have a look at our case studies or get in touch, and we will design the day that suits your team.
