At Fox in a Box, we can assure you that we know how to have fun, but it’s always more exciting when leisure means something more. Whether it’s strengthening interpersonal bonds, learning and developing our skills, tricking your boss into taking you somewhere cool, or… all of the above!
WHAT IS TEAM BUILDING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
There’s been plenty of talk about what we understand as free time, from Cicero’s idea of dignified leisure, through Epicurean philosophy, to today’s consumer society and procrastination. We could debate endlessly about it, but one thing’s clear: free time is an essential part of our lives. Plus, nowadays, we lack time and money to devote to man’s greatest invention: hobbies.
What better way to combine leisure, work, and personal growth than team building? This trendy term is crucial for any company’s smooth operation. We don’t get to truly know or appreciate the people around us during the workday; it’s tough to form real connections in a work environment. That’s why we suggest something different: activities that encourage teamwork, good vibes among colleagues, and creativity. Stepping out of your comfort zone always enriches. So, what team building activities can you do without leaving Madrid?
1. ESCAPE ROOM
What is it?
An escape room is an activity where participants find themselves locked in a room they must get out of. To do so, they’ll need to solve tests, riddles, and puzzles. It’s a hugely fun challenge that boosts creativity, lateral thinking, and the process of brainstorming. Plus, places like Fox in a Box offer multiple identical rooms, so all teams can try the same game.
How long does it last?
The activity lasts one hour. Within that time, you’ll need to solve all the mysteries and uncover the secrets behind the game. The hour will fly by, and participants must manage their time wisely if they want to succeed.
How do I trick my boss?
Escape rooms are perfect for team building because the most important thing in these games is communication among participants. Only by communicating and working together will they escape, as there’s no way for one person to win alone. Everyone wins or loses as a team, so teamwork is highly encouraged.
2. WIND TUNNEL
What is it?
In a wind tunnel, like the one at Madrid Fly, you’ll find out what it feels like to fly. It’s a machine that generates a column of air strong enough to make you float. Of course, the experience includes a brief training session, equipment, and the flight itself.
How long does it last?
The full experience lasts about two hours, with the flight itself being roughly 60 seconds. The good news? You’ll get to do two flights: the first to get familiar with the experience and the second one to truly enjoy it, without those initial nerves.
How do I trick my boss?
This activity pushes you out of your comfort zone—and you’ll only have your coworkers close by—which makes it easy to bond and foster team spirit while sharing such an adrenaline-pumping challenge. You’ll get to share that special experience, talk about what you felt, and even encourage each other. You’ll strengthen bonds and open up to your coworkers in ways impossible during the usual workday.
3. THE CREATIVE VOICE
What is it?
The Creative Voice is a workshop led by Belén Coca, a creative director and singer. Thanks to her, you’ll lose your fear of looking silly or being judged by others. In this workshop, you’ll learn to sing and use your voice to unblock yourself, recover the kind of creativity only children have, free yourself, and, of course, sing as a group.
How long does it last?
The experience can be tailored to any duration you want, so feel free to ask about a custom plan.
How do I trick my boss?
This activity will help employees lose their fear of generating new ideas, speaking up, expressing themselves, and gaining confidence in public. It will boost everyone’s creative capacity, and when you do a group voice-liberation activity, it unlocks old, unhelpful behavioral patterns. Plus, you’ll develop unique bonds with your coworkers.
4. PAINTBALL
What is it?
Paintball is an activity where you split into teams and, depending on the game you pick, you’ll either compete or cooperate to reach a common goal: capture the flag, king of the hill, eliminate all opponents, etc. You’ll be equipped with uniforms, masks, and most importantly, compressed air markers that shoot paintballs. Getting hit by one means elimination. Of course, paintball needs plenty of space, but you won’t have to go far—just to Ocius Park in Colmenar Viejo.
How long does it last?
Paintball games usually last between an hour and a half and three hours, depending on the game style you choose.
How do I trick my boss?
These games promote teamwork and collaboration to reach a common objective. You’ll try to save each other and most importantly, help the team achieve its goal, whether capturing a flag, holding a position, or eliminating the opposing team. Teamwork is essential and, besides being great fun, you’ll burn off plenty of adrenaline.
5. EGG DROP
What is it?
If you haven’t managed to convince your boss because all these activities stretch your budget too far, you can try a simple and fun game called “Egg Drop.” This involves designing a device to transport and protect an egg so that when dropped, it doesn’t break. The team that creates the most effective device wins. Although the game traditionally uses an egg, you can also consider other fragile objects that break on impact and may be more viable options.
