With summer knocking at our door, it’s time to start planning some fun in the sun for your employees! While motivating your employees all year long is important, the arrival of good weather is extra incentive to stop hibernating in the office. Summer outings are also a good way to show your employees you care and to thank them for their hard work—and to give them the motivation to keep up that hard work!
In the City
If you work in or near a city, take advantage of it! Set up a city scavenger hunt with cool prizes, or sign up for a corporate group package for a Duck Boat tour. End the day with a catered BBQ in the park. If you have the ability to, take your team whale watching for the afternoon—whether or not you spot a flipper or fin, it’ll give your employees time to mingle outside of a work environment.
At the Game
Another option that’s sure to promote team bonding is an outdoor sporting event. Attend a local college game or root on your city’s home team at a professional event. You can sell discounted tickets to your employees or hand them out as a reward for good work. Consider buying a private box for the event and giving your employees some free drink or food tickets!
On the Field
Everyone loves a field day—it’s the chance to breathe some fresh air, kick butt in a tug-of-war battle, and rally together in a competitive spirit. Form teams a week in advance and hype the event up by encouraging your workers to make team t-shirts and bandanas. Supply them with the materials and let them have at it with markers, glitter and glue— whatever it takes to create some kickass team shirts. Ask your employees for their input when planning the challenges—most everyone has a favorite field day game from their youth! Also, asking for their opinions shows that you’re really doing this day just for their benefit.
Work it Out
If you have an especially ambitious group, sign up to do a half-marathon or 3K walk/run! This will really facilitate team bonding, not just on the day of the run, but the weeks leading up to it, as some employees may want to train together. Not only can a marathon be a bonding experience, it will also keep everyone in shape for the summer.
Volunteer!
Unite your team while helping the environment! Invite the entire company to take the day off and get down and dirty planting some trees or cleaning up a nearby community park. Or, volunteer at a local animal shelter by offering to clean or take the dogs for walks—remember, the animals need love and care all year long.
Motivating your team is important. Even if each month doesn’t involve a field day or baseball outing, do something nice for your employees. Something as simple as a spontaneous pizza party or mixing margaritas after 4 o’clock can really boost morale. If you have the space, invest in a ping pong table or mini golf set—our office usually kicks back on Friday afternoons and gets competitive with our ping pong matches.
This list should give you some good ideas for fun summer outings that will both entertain and motivate your employees. The options are endless, so start planning now! Don’t forget the sun block!
Photo source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/2012/04/18/gIQASn2pRT_photo.html