Inexpensive team building activities?

[Ns1]

Popov was about $6.99 a handle onsale when I was in college, $9.99 was the "I need a handle right now so gouge me" price.

Anyone that can pop off the plastic safety with their teeth is a-ok in my book.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Hey guys. I was wondering if you knew any fun activities for a team that won't totally break the bank. We did bowling in the past and it was great. We're 12 people at a small technology company, so the budget isn't huge. Any creative ideas?

K1 Speed

Group sex.

What if they're all dudes?

 

[Ruptga]

What if they're all dudes?

easy.

 

[Charmonium]

Go on a Munzee (geocaching QR codes) hunt

Along those lines, you can do a scavenger hunt. If there's a mall nearby, you can scout it out to find things in stores to put on the list. Randomly assign people to small teams or just 2 big teams. Taking a photo and texting it let's you cross each item off of the list.

Here's a how to - http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Scavenger-Hunt

 

[Imp]

Wilderness survival or some sort of hike... If they don't make it, maybe you're better off.

 

[slugg]

How about asking the team members for ideas?

If they're like most tech workers, they'll say "Nothing."

You nailed it.

Teambuilding or just social activities?

Either, really.

We thought of escape rooms; but they don't work with 12 people. Laser tag is a good possibility, even electric go karts. The only issue is that they were already done in the not too distant past.

 

[Uppsala9496]

Along those lines, you can do a scavenger hunt. If there's a mall nearby, you can scout it out to find things in stores to put on the list. Randomly assign people to small teams or just 2 big teams. Taking a photo and texting it let's you cross each item off of the list.

Here's a how to - http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Scavenger-Hunt

A scavenger hunt is always fun. Instead of taking a picture to check something off the list, make them get the item. You can have a huge list with different point values for harder to obtain items. Maybe give each team $xx so that some things can be purchased.
It also promotes social skills - negotiate with a bar tender to get a pint glass with a certain logo on it. Obtain a bobby pin; a used train pass with today's date on it, etc.

Have everyone start and end at a bar. Can't go wrong with a pint or two.
Also works best where there is public transportation.

 

[sao123]

Keep Talking and Nobody explodes (steam game) seems to be a good team building exercise, and it costs like $10.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Just remember, most people are introverts. So working as a "team" or in "groups" is not enjoyable to most and quite opposite of fun.

Our entire work and school structure needs to be adjusted to accommodate that IMO.

 

[ctbaars]

Introverts? No one is allowed to leave their cubicle. Get big beach balls. Make two teams compete to get them to one of two goals.

 

[FeuerFrei]

Volleyball - One place I worked for did that. Unfortunately we were there for six-weeks of training, so ultimately the "team" dispersed to various cities throughout the U.S. Guess it was more of a camaraderie-building exercise.

Or you could stop referring to your workmates as a "team" in a sad bid to elicit that last full measure of devotion to the work. So many managers hope to invoke "team spirit" so that employees go above and beyond. Or they use the term "family" even though it's not like that.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Seems to me that almost any sport or physical activity is only going to work within a very narrow demographic. That short fat chick isn't likely going to be any good at volleyball. That 58 year old guy who's had a heart attack and a triple bypass isn't going to be a great asset on your paintball team.

 

[Ns1]

Seems to me that almost any sport or physical activity is only going to work within a very narrow demographic. That short fat chick isn't likely going to be any good at volleyball. That 58 year old guy who's had a heart attack and a triple bypass isn't going to be a great asset on your paintball team.

you need something easier....like cornhole, or shuffleboard.

 

[slugg]

Keep Talking and Nobody explodes (steam game) seems to be a good team building exercise, and it costs like $10.

This is a good one!

 

[ultimatebob]

Give everyone a Bonus Check and a 3 day weekend.

Yes, this. Most tech workers hate group outings with their coworkers, especially if they are after hours during our free time.

 

[sdifox]

Hey guys. I was wondering if you knew any fun activities for a team that won't totally break the bank. We did bowling in the past and it was great. We're 12 people at a small technology company, so the budget isn't huge. Any creative ideas?

Go volunteer for habitat for humanity. Buy a bunch of tools and donate them at the end of the build.