Be honest, when you think of the UK, what are the first things that come to mind? Beyond kings and queens, there is a chance that you thought about tea, rain, and dry humour. Some century-old clichés that might not put the country at the top of the team retreat destination list. But what if these "clichés" were actually great team-building experiences?
Let's start with the most obvious one. The weather. The island is known for its unpredictable and variable weather and the propensity of its people to talk about it often, almost like a light "ice breaker" for any social interaction.
There is, of course, some truth in it, but it has a lot to do with where in the UK and when you decide to go. Northern Ireland, Wales, Western England, and Western Scotland tend to be the mildest but also the wettest and windiest regions due to proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Eastern England and Eastern Scotland are generally drier and less windy, Northern Scotland and upland areas are cooler and wetter, with larger temperature ranges than southern areas. Southern England is typically the warmest and driest part of the UK, influenced by occasional continental tropical air that brings warmer, drier conditions in the summer.
So what does the British weather teach us? Lessons that are useful in every aspect of life and especially needed in a teamwork setting, such as stoicism, resilience, adaptability, and the importance of always, always having a plan B. But not to worry, that last one is the job of your planning team!
The UK has a strong tradition of charity shops, dating back to the early 19th century, and events supporting numerous causes, which help build strong community ties. Beyond fundraising for a project, these charity projects also serve as community-building initiatives, fostering a spirit of generosity and civic pride, bridging generations and backgrounds, creating meaningful volunteer and social opportunities, and creating a sense of purpose and camaraderie.
These events are celebrated for their inclusivity, creativity, and ability to mobilize social action. Many combine physical activity, socializing, and creative fundraising, often with a distinctly British twist such as fancy dress, tea parties, or collaborations with local businesses.
This British tradition can be transformed into a powerful team-building experience that fosters purpose and collaboration. From spending a day volunteering at one of the many charities to joining a race to fundraise for a cause that is aligned with your company's values, or designing your own community projects to support local needs, you can turn your team-building into an opportunity for positive social impact.
It is a great way to forge connections through feel-good activities that allow for empathy and creativity to shine through.
Despite a decline in the number of sheep recently, the UK remains in the top 10 countries in the world in terms of sheep numbers, with approximately 33 million sheep.
What does this have to do with the team retreat, you ask?
When planning a retreat in the UK, don't get stuck on the big cities, go and explore the gorgeous countrysides that offer so many opportunities for team bonding that stand out from the usual "Karaoke night" (No shade on singing Mariah Carey at the top of your lungs with the accounting team though, it's great fun).
In recent years, sheep herding has become a fun and unique team-building activity during which teams are expected to guide a flock of sheep into a pen.
It is much harder than we think and demands that everyone work on problem-solving, decision-making, and communication. It is the perfect combination of fun, a one-of-a-kind memory-making activity, connection with nature, and team bonding!
Nothing teaches you the importance of rituals and hospitality quite like tea time and pub culture in the UK.
Born in the 1840s as a way for the upper class to bridge the gap between lunch and a late dinner, tea time has since become a symbol of British culture at all levels of society. It emphasizes the importance of pausing and recharging, as well as face-to-face social connections.
Similarly, pub culture is about camaraderie, fun, relaxation, and team spirit, featuring activities such as quizzes, darts, and sports watching.
And while British cuisine might not sound like the most attractive at first, when you think about it, most of their most famous dishes are many people's favorite comfort food: fish and chips, Sunday roasts, full English breakfast, or apple crumble are dishes that put a smile on many people's faces when spotted on a menu. It's comforting, reassuring. Homey. And not to worry about your vegetarian and vegan friends, nowadays most places, even pubs, offer options to cater to every dietary requirement and preference.
Make time in your retreat for face-to-face "tea time" in an informal environment, and why not plan a tailored pub quiz night for your team for some gentle competition and team spirit?
British humor is renowned worldwide for its distinctive style, which combines understatement, self-deprecation, sarcasm, and irony. Let's not forget that the famous mockumentary television sitcom "The Office" originated in the UK.
Pantomime is a British family tradition rooted in 18th-century theater. They re-imagine tales and folk stories, adapting the plots for comic effects. It reverses the gender roles, uses a lot of visual comedy, and includes audience participation. Pantomimes are also often used as a satirical commentary on contemporary life.
So why not use role-play and theater games to build trust and openness through playfulness and collective laughter? After all, laughter is one of the best ways to build relationships and break down barriers; it is also the "shortest distance between two people" (Victor Borge).
The beauty of taking your team away for a retreat is that each culture brings its unique flavors, traditions, meals, and games, which can, in their own way, bring your team together through play, taste, and connections with nature and others.
Next time you reflect on where to go, don't let "clichés" make your team miss out on exploring new opportunities to bond!
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