It’s official; good things come in little packages! Team building in small groups is just as much fun as with a big group. Whether you're part of a start up, a small department or just a close-knit team, bonding with your colleagues over a team building activity can be really fun and incredibly beneficial. So, let’s explore why small group team building is awesome and which activities are best to help your team feel like a cohesive unit in no time.
Why is Team Building Good with Small Groups?
When you're working with a small team, every person counts. You get to know each other better, understand each other's strengths and quirks, and build a sense of trust and unity. Here are the benefits of team building or small groups:
Personal Connections:
In a small group, you have the opportunity to build deeper relationships. You’re not just another face in a big crowd; you’re a key player whose contributions are noticed and valued. Team building activities help you all to get to know each other better in a space where everyone’s voice can be heard.
Improved Communication:
Smaller teams often have more direct and clear communication channels. Team building activities help to build upon these skills, making sure everyone’s on the same page and misunderstandings are minimised.
Flexibility and Creativity:
With fewer people, it’s easier to adapt. Team building activities can encourage out-of-the-box thinking and innovative solutions because, let’s face it, when you know each other well, you feel more comfortable throwing out those wild ideas and asking questions.
Boosted Morale:
Happy teams are productive teams. Fun and engaging team building activities break the routine for your small team, reduce stress and inject a bit of much needed fun into the workplace.
Problem Solving Skills:
Small groups often face unique challenges. Team building activities help improve these situations, helping team members to develop and refine their problem solving skills.
Reduced Conflict:
Smaller teams mean conflicts can be spotted and addressed early. Team building activities can teach conflict resolution skills and provide a platform for addressing issues in a constructive and positive manner.
Job Satisfaction:
When team members feel connected and valued, their job satisfaction soars. Happy employees are more productive and less likely to leave, which is a win-win for everyone.
Tailored Development:
With a smaller group, it’s easier to tailor activities to address specific needs and company goals, helping your team to learn, grow and bond.
The Best Team Building Activities for Small Groups
There are plenty of options when it comes to small group team building activities. Here’s the rundown of some of the most popular team building activities for six people or less.
It’s no surprise that escape rooms are one of the most popular activities for small group team building. With group sizes as small as two people, this activity sees you racing against the clock, solving puzzles and cracking codes in order to break free. These rooms are fantastic for team building because everyone needs to collaborate, communicate and think creatively under pressure. Plus, you get to see your teammates' problem-solving skills in action, all while having fun.
Get your team working together during a fun-packed treasure or scavenger hunt. You’ll all be dashing around, piecing together clues and discovering hidden treasure in a city of your choice, whether you’re looking for London team building ideas or something somewhere else in the UK or Europe. Scavenger hunts are fantastic for team building because they encourage collaboration, communication and good problem-solving skills. Plus, they get everyone moving and laughing together.
This boozy bonding session sees your whole team become cocktail connoisseurs. Cocktail masterclasses are a blast because they blend fun, creativity and a splash of friendly competition. You’ll learn new skills, unleash your inner bartender and concoct delicious drinks together, drinking everything you make. You’ll be led by a professional mixologist who’ll also lead a range of fun games. Who wouldn’t love a team building activity where the end result is a round of tasty cocktails?
If you’re looking for something adrenaline pumping for a small team, paintballing is a great option. It’ll get your group to strategise together and plan their attack as they’re split into teams to do battle. They’ll need to think quickly and trust each other if they want to win. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to blow off steam and bond. There’s nothing like diving behind obstacles and planning sneak attacks to turn colleagues into comrades.
Transport your team to an alternate world with an immersive experience. Spend time behind bars with Alcotraz, a US-style prison experience where you’ll wear orange jumpsuits in a world brought to life by talented actors playing the warden and guards. Just make sure you don’t get caught smuggling in your booze! Alternatively, you could try a murder mystery experience where you’ll all work together to try and solve a crime before the killer strikes again.
Afternoon tea offers the perfect mix of relaxation and team bonding. You’ll all tuck into some delicious food in a laid-back atmosphere where everyone can unwind, chat and connect on a personal level. It’s a refreshing break from the usual hustle and bustle, giving everyone the chance to relax. And if you’re enjoying team building in Brighton, London, Edinburgh or Glasgow, you can even combine your meal with a sightseeing tour on an afternoon tea bus!
Get ready to ride over rugged terrain, splash through muddy puddles and conquer off-road obstacles with your workmates. You’ll navigate the challenging course together, being pushed out of your comfort zones in the most fun way possible. The shared adrenaline rush, coupled with the exhilarating outdoor experience, strengthens bonds and boosts morale. So, gear up, rev those engines and let the quad biking adventure begin!
Go karting sees your team racing around the track, satisfying their need for speed and battling for the top spot. It’s pure fun and perfect for team building because it encourages friendly competition, sharpens strategic thinking and helps everyone to blow off some steam. As you cheer each other on and celebrate those super speedy laps, bonds strengthen and team morale is boosted.
Sometimes, team building isn’t about learning something or testing skills; it’s just about treating your team to something fun to help them let their hair down and reward their hard work. Bottomless brunch does just that; treating your team to an indulgent day drinking session where they’ll enjoy free-flowing cocktails, prosecco, beer or soft drinks, alongside a brunch dish from the set menu. Some brunches even include entertainment to help you make more memories with your colleagues.
This classic outdoor activity combines skill, excitement and friendly competition. You’ll receive expert instruction to help you master the art of marksmanship, sharing tips and celebrating each other’s successes. Plus, the adrenaline rush and camaraderie fostered on the shooting range create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a sharpshooter or a first-timer, clay pigeon shooting promises an exhilarating experience that’ll have your team feeling closer than ever. Ready, aim, fire up those team-building vibes!
Blow off some steam as you take on quirky obstacles, laughing at wild shots and celebrating those unexpected hole-in-ones. It’s a fun and light-hearted way to bring everyone together for team building. This activity combines friendly competition with a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging communication and collaboration as you cheer each other on and compete against each other. The playful setting breaks down barriers and helps you to strengthen bonds in your small team.
If you fancy treating your team to a tipple, it’s time to board the prosecco bike! These fun bikes are available in a range of cities for team building in Bristol, Brighton, London, Newcastle, Edinburgh and more. You’ll pedal the bike around your chosen city’s sights as you sip on as many glasses of prosecco as you like. You can bring your own booze and soft drinks or the bike company can provide them. Alternatively, you can try a beer bike where you’ll get unlimited beer instead of prosecco.
It’s time to bowl! This team building activity for small teams is something everyone can get stuck into and enjoy. All you have to do is roll the ball down the lane and try to knock down as many pins as possible. It encourages teamwork, boosts morale and lets everyone shine, whether they’re scoring strikes or laughing over gutter balls. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to hit the lanes.
Don your aprons and get ready to chop, stir and create something delicious together. Team cooking classes are super fun because they mix hands-on learning with tasty rewards. A professional chef will guide you through recipes, teaching you cooking techniques and helping you to make delicious dishes with a range of cuisines available. You’ll all bond as you cook side by side, ending the workshop by tucking into the food you made.
A meal out is always a great option for team building with a small group. Gather around a table and chow down on tasty grub as you chat and unwind together. With an enormous range of cuisines on offer in major UK and European cities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Just make sure to book somewhere where dietary requirements are catered for such as any vegetarians and vegans in your group. Bon appétit!
How to Plan Team Building for a Small Team
Planning a team building activity is a unique task. Here’s what you need to consider for it to be a fun and productive experience.
Know Your Team’s Interests
What does your team enjoy? Are they adrenaline junkies or do they prefer laid-back activities? Some might love the thrill of paintball, while others might prefer a calm cooking class. Get a feel for what excites them. You could do this with a quick survey or casual chat. Make sure all voices are heard.
Set Clear Objectives
Why are you doing a team building activity? Is it to boost morale, improve communication, or just have fun? Having clear goals helps you to choose the right activity and make sure that it aligns with what you want to achieve. Plus, it gives everyone a sense of purpose and anticipation.
Consider Everyone’s Abilities
Keep everyone’s abilities in mind when choosing a team building experience for a small group to ensure inclusivity. If you have team members with physical limitations, opt for activities that everyone can enjoy and participate in comfortably. The aim is to build a happy team, not to leave anyone out.
Budget Wisely
We all know how important it is to stick to a budget. Know how much you can spend and plan accordingly. There are fantastic team building options for every budget, from extravagant outings like a weekend retreat to simple yet effective activities like a local scavenger hunt. Just remember, it’s the experience that counts, not how much it costs.
Plan for Logistics
Consider the logistics including times, location and duration of the activity. Choose a convenient location and time that works for everyone. This is easier when you’re working with a small group. Make sure that what you arrange fits in with your team’s schedule without causing any stress. If it’s an offsite event, think about transportation and food.
Mix Fun and Purpose
The best team building activities strike a balance between fun and purpose. You want your group to have a great time but you also want to achieve those team building goals. Activities that blend fun with elements of teamwork, problem solving, communication skills and bonding are best.
Get Feedback and Reflect
After the team event, gather feedback. What did your team enjoy the most? What could be improved? Reflect on these insights to make future events even better. Continuous improvement is key to keeping your team engaged and excited about these small team days out.
Book Team Building Activities for Small Groups Today
Whether you're racing go karts, shaking up cocktails, solving puzzles in an escape room or simply enjoying a meal out, these team building experiences for small groups are bound to bring your team closer which leads to a more productive and happy workplace. They’re also a great way to thank your team for all their hard work and show your appreciation.
Browse our full team building listings and find the perfect activity for your group. We've got options for every taste, group size and budget. Your next great team building day is just a click away!
