Team building activities in Oakland, CA

• First, set your budget and date. You can adjust the details later.
• Poll your team on what they enjoy doing.
• Don't stress! We've already curated fun activities that most people enjoy. If you run monthly and quarterly events, you are bound to host something for everyone.

• Make your team event truly inclusive.
• Small budget? You can plan a great team-building activity even if your budget is $0.
• Spend a few minutes thinking about small details, like name tags, cutlery, and sunscreen.

To pick the right activity, you need to understand two things about your team: what interests them and what makes them uncomfortable.

• If you lead a small team, ask them directly. If you lead a large team, send out a survey.
• Then, browse all activities on Spaciously and pick the ones that seem right.
• Finally, ask your team to vote and book the event that the majority picked. The event isn't going to be everyone's first choice. That's okay! Next time, give priority to the people who voted against the first event.

• Team building activities improve communication, trust, and emotional intelligence.
• Team building across organizations breaks down workplace and fosters a sense of unity—especially in the hybrid world.
• New and unique group activities can reveal hidden talents within your team and encourage a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.

• Pick activities that help your team develop the skills they need in the workplace. For example, rowing is great for developing communication skills.
• At the beginning of the activity, name the skill that you team needs and why. Then, briefly talk about how the activity will help develop that skill.
• At the end, pause for reflection. What did your team learn? Take photos. You can later use them to remind the team to practice the skill they learned.

Here is our guide on hosting team-building events that include everyone. In a nutshell:

• Pick a low-pressure activity (less talking, more listening and doing)
• Stay close to home (your office or your neighborhood)
• Include everyone, including yourself

There are three things that will make your team event memorable (in a good way):

• Unique and engaging activity (browse Spaciously for hundreds of ideas)
• Opportunities for genuine interactions between team members
• A touch of surprise (like customized gifts and shout-outs)

Our rule of thumb to having fun in a professional setting:

• Understand people's preferences and boundaries
• Communicate behavior norms before the event
• Have a designated facilitator (make sure people on your team take turns being facilitators at different events)

One team event is not going to solve your team's problems. However, a thoughtfully-picked activity will give your team space to focus on skills, the lack of which led to a conflict in the first place. For example:

• A tie-dye workshop can teach your team be more open to experimentation.
• A Kintsugi workshop can help with vulnerability and acceptance of failure.
• A coffee tasting class can show your team the difference that quality can make.

• Our top tip: attend the event and observe the dynamics between your team members. You'll spot opportunities for growth!
• Collect feedback at the end of the event.
• If you set a skill development goal, track whether your team starts practicing these skills after the event.