What Are the Best Team Building Activities for Companies?

5 September 2025

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Team building isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a strategic investment in your company’s culture, productivity, and long-term success. As organizations in the Netherlands and worldwide adapt to hybrid work, evolving employee expectations, and a renewed focus on well-being, the question arises: What are the best team building activities for companies? At UP Events, we’ve spent over 15 years perfecting the art of connection, creativity, and fun. Here’s what you need to know to create unforgettable, effective team experiences.

Why Team Building Matters More Than Ever

Recent research shows that companies investing in team building see higher collaboration, improved communication, and increased morale — all directly linked to better productivity and retention. According to Gallup and Forbes, engaged teams are 21% more profitable and experience 59% less turnover. In the Netherlands, team building is considered essential for fostering a culture of direct communication, collaboration, and employee well-being.

But it’s not just about numbers. As one expert put it:

“The most memorable business deals happen during moments of entertainment. Team building is not just about fun — it’s about creating shared experiences that drive real business outcomes.”

The Evolution of Team Building: Trends and Insights

The landscape of team building has transformed dramatically. Here’s what’s trending in 2025:

  • Gamification: Activities inspired by popular culture — think digital scavenger hunts, VR team challenges, or even Squid Game-style competitions — are boosting motivation and participation, especially for hybrid or remote teams.
  • Outdoor and Wellness-Oriented Events: From sailing and cycling to obstacle courses and wellness retreats, outdoor activities support employee health and stress relief, a top priority post-pandemic.
  • Cultural and Local Experiences: In the Netherlands, team building often blends bonding with unique Dutch heritage — castle retreats, canal cruises, and city games are perennial favorites.
  • Sustainability: Eco-retreats and green activities are on the rise, reflecting a broader corporate commitment to environmental responsibility.

What Are the Best Team Building Activities for Companies?

At UP Events, we believe the best team building activities for companies are those that are engaging, inclusive, and aligned with your business goals. Here are some of the most effective and innovative options:

1. Expedition Robinson Team Challenge

Inspired by survival shows, this challenge tests resilience, creativity, and trust. Teams face off in a series of physical and mental tasks — perfect for building camaraderie and pushing boundaries. It’s a favorite for both small groups and large-scale corporate events.

Learn more: Expedition Robinson Team Challenge

2. VR Team Challenge

Virtual reality brings a whole new dimension to team building. These immersive experiences foster collaboration and are ideal for hybrid or distributed teams. Whether you’re solving puzzles or embarking on a virtual adventure, VR breaks down barriers and sparks creativity.

Discover our VR Team Challenge.

3. Outdoor City Games

Explore Amsterdam or Weesp with interactive city games that blend technology, teamwork, and local culture. These activities are scalable for groups from 15 to 5,000 and are a fantastic way to discover the city while building strong connections.

Check out our Outdoor City Games and Weesp activities.

4. Cocktail Workshops & Social Events

Sometimes, the best connections happen over a drink. Our cocktail workshops and BBQ parties with live entertainment offer a relaxed, informal setting for teams to bond, celebrate, and unwind.

Explore our workshops and corporate events.

5. Innovation Challenges

Challenge your team to solve real business problems or innovate new solutions. These customizable experiences promote creative thinking, align with company values, and deliver tangible business benefits.

6. Eco-Retreats and Wellness Activities

Support employee well-being with activities focused on sustainability and health. From yoga in the park to nature-based challenges, these experiences reflect a growing demand for responsible, wellness-oriented team building.

Customization: The Secret Ingredient

No two teams are the same. That’s why we offer fully tailored events, from activity selection to catering, decorations, and entertainment. Whether you’re planning a product launch, a company anniversary, or a school outing, our experienced event managers ensure every detail aligns with your goals and values.

See our full range of activities and event packages.

Professional Facilitation and Measurement

A professional touch makes all the difference, especially for large or diverse groups. Our facilitators handle logistics, keep energy high, and ensure everyone is included. We also recommend tracking outcomes — such as engagement, retention, and productivity — to demonstrate ROI and refine future events.

Government Guidelines and Best Practices

While there are no specific Dutch government mandates for team building, Dutch labor law and HR best practices emphasize employee well-being, inclusivity, and safe working conditions. Activities should be accessible, non-discriminatory, and, where possible, support both physical and mental health. Post-pandemic, there’s a strong recommendation for outdoor and wellness-oriented activities.

For more on Dutch HR best practices, visit the Government of the Netherlands.

Unique Insights for HR Managers

  • Hybrid and remote-friendly formats are essential for inclusivity in today’s workforce.
  • Customization is key: Align activities with your company’s goals, values, and the specific needs of your team.
  • Professional facilitation ensures smooth logistics and maximizes impact.
  • Measurement: Track outcomes to demonstrate value and improve future events.

Why Choose UP Events?

  • Large-scale capacity: We host groups from 15 to 5,000 participants.
  • Complete event packages: Activities, catering, and entertainment — all in one place.
  • Experience and reputation: Over 15 years in the business, with a 4.8 Google review score from 2,600+ customers.
  • Customization: Every event is tailored to your needs.
  • Venues: Two unique locations — Amsterdam West and Weesp — offering both indoor and outdoor facilities.

Ready to plan your next unforgettable team event? Contact us for a personalized quote.

FAQ: What Are the Best Team Building Activities for Companies?

Q: What makes a team building activity effective? A: The best activities foster engagement, inclusivity, and align with your business goals. They should be fun, memorable, and create opportunities for genuine connection.

Q: Are outdoor activities better for team building? A: Outdoor activities are excellent for well-being and stress relief, especially post-pandemic. They also encourage teamwork in a relaxed, open environment.

Q: How can we include remote or hybrid teams? A: VR challenges, digital scavenger hunts, and hybrid workshops are perfect for distributed teams, ensuring everyone can participate.

Q: Can activities be customized for our company’s goals? A: Absolutely! We specialize in tailoring every aspect of your event, from activities to catering and entertainment.

Q: Is there a minimum or maximum group size? A: We cater to groups from 15 up to 5,000 participants, making us ideal for both intimate gatherings and large-scale corporate events.

Q: How do we measure the success of a team building event? A: Track engagement, feedback, retention, and productivity to assess impact and refine future events.

Explore More

For further reading on team building trends and best practices, visit:

  • Forbes: The Importance of Team Building
  • Gallup: Employee Engagement
  • Harvard Business Review: Team Building That Actually Works
  • Government of the Netherlands: Employment

Create connections, spark creativity, and build a stronger team with UP Events — Amsterdam’s leading event organizer for unforgettable team building experiences.