Building strong employee connections outside of work can significantly enhance team morale and productivity. This article delves into various effective strategies, featuring insights from industry experts. Discover how activities like DIY workshops, charity runs, and game nights can bring your team closer together.
- Encourage Out-Of-Office Connections
- Try DIY Workshops
- Volunteer Locally As A Team
- Start A Unique Book Club
- Run A Charity 5K
- Host Game Nights
- Organize Cook-Offs
- Give Back To The Community
- Escape The Box Together
- Start Wellness Challenges
- Host Monthly Socials
- Set Up Virtual Coffee Chats
- Create Interest-Based Groups
- Host Virtual Co-Working Sessions
- Help The Community Recover Data
- Play Team Sports Together
Encourage Out-Of-Office Connections
We believe creating opportunities for our team to connect outside work hours is vital to our company culture. We’ve found that when colleagues build authentic relationships beyond professional settings, it strengthens our workplace dynamic and enhances collaboration. That’s why our executive search agency has implemented several approaches that have proven successful.
We organize quarterly team outings that vary from casual happy hours to more structured activities like bowling or attending local sporting events. These gatherings provide a relaxed environment where team members can interact without the pressures of work, like looming deadlines. We also support employee-led interest groups. Our running club meets weekly, bringing together fitness enthusiasts from different departments who might not typically collaborate. This has created unexpected mentorship opportunities and friendships across traditional organizational boundaries. It has also helped reduce the feeling of departments working in silos.
One activity that has been particularly successful for us is our annual Museum Hack Scavenger Hunt. This 90-minute adventure transforms a traditional museum visit into an engaging team challenge. Small groups explore exhibits together while solving riddles and completing photo challenges. What makes this event special is how it naturally encourages collaboration between people who might not work together on a daily basis. During our last scavenger hunt, we witnessed some of our typically reserved employees partnering with more outgoing people to decipher clues. The shared experience created conversation starters that continued back at the office for weeks afterward.
We’ve found that these outside connections directly translate to stronger working relationships. Team members who share experiences outside the office communicate more effectively and show greater willingness to support each other during challenging projects. The key to success has been ensuring these activities remain voluntary while providing enough variety that everyone can find something that appeals to them. By investing in these relationship-building opportunities, we’ve created a more cohesive and supportive work environment.
Julia Yurchak
Talent Sourcing, Acquisition & Management Specialist| Senior Recruitment Consultant, Keller Executive Search
Try DIY Workshops
One of the most effective ways I’ve found to create opportunities for employees to connect and build relationships outside of work is through DIY workshops. There’s something incredibly rewarding about working with your hands, especially in a world where so much of our daily work is digital or service-oriented. Giving employees the chance to step away from their usual tasks and engage in something hands-on not only allows them to unwind but also fosters natural conversations and deeper connections in a low-pressure, creative environment.
For example, one of the most memorable DIY workshops we organized was a woodworking and candle-making session. It was an evening where employees could choose between crafting a small wooden keepsake or making their own scented candles. What made this event so powerful was that it wasn’t just about the final product, it was about the experience of creating something from scratch, side by side with colleagues. Watching people who may have only exchanged emails before come together to help each other measure, pour, or shape their projects was amazing. Some employees were completely new to DIY projects, while others had some experience and naturally stepped into a mentoring role, guiding their coworkers through the process.
Beyond the technical skills, these workshops open up a space for genuine interaction. Unlike some structured team-building exercises where people may feel forced to participate, DIY projects encourage organic collaboration. There’s an ease to the conversations that unfold when people are focused on something creative, whether they’re troubleshooting an issue, laughing over a mistake, or simply admiring each other’s work. These moments naturally build camaraderie in a way that doesn’t feel staged or obligatory.
Another unexpected benefit was the sense of accomplishment employees felt. There’s something special about taking home a physical object that you made yourself. Several employees told me afterward that they felt a real sense of pride in their work and that the experience stayed with them long after the workshop ended. One even mentioned that the candle they made had become a permanent fixture in their home, a daily reminder of a fun, meaningful experience with coworkers.
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to provide employees with an activity, it’s to create meaningful shared experiences that strengthen relationships in a natural way.
Ryan Hetrick
CEO, Epiphany Wellness
Volunteer Locally As A Team
We organize quarterly in-person meetups where employees participate in local volunteer activities. Teams choose causes they care about, from park cleanups to food banks. This shared experience builds stronger bonds than typical happy hours. Employees connect over meaningful work rather than forced small talk. The positive community impact creates a shared sense of pride that carries back into the workplace.
Keith Brink
Founder & CEO, PrepBusiness
Start A Unique Book Club
One of the most effective ways I’ve found to help employees connect outside of work is through a book club with a twist. Instead of the traditional approach, where books are often focused on leadership, business, or professional development, I encourage employees to choose books they genuinely love. Whether it’s fiction, memoirs, self-improvement, or even poetry, the goal is to create a space where people can share something meaningful to them. This approach fosters organic conversations, personal connections, and a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives in a way that work-related discussions rarely do.
I’ve seen firsthand how this creates unexpected but powerful connections among team members. One time, someone picked a book that was deeply personal to them, a memoir about overcoming adversity, and it sparked an incredibly honest discussion about resilience, challenges, and personal growth. Another time, a team member chose a sci-fi novel, and it led to conversations about imagination, creativity, and even problem-solving in ways we hadn’t expected. It’s fascinating to see how the books people choose reflect their personalities, values, and experiences, and sharing those choices in a casual setting naturally brings people closer.
What makes this work so well is that it removes the pressure of forced networking or small talk. When people talk about books they love, they open up in a way that feels natural, rather than structured or obligatory. It also gives employees a shared experience to bond over, even if they come from different departments or don’t interact much during work hours.
We’ve found that hosting these book club discussions in relaxed, informal settings, sometimes over coffee, lunch, or even outside of the office, makes the experience even better. The conversations don’t just stay within the book’s pages, they often lead to discussions about life, passions, and personal aspirations, helping people form authentic relationships that carry over into the workplace.
This simple shift in how we approach a book club has completely changed the dynamic among employees. Instead of just being coworkers, people start seeing each other as real individuals with stories, experiences, and perspectives worth sharing. That’s the kind of connection that builds trust, camaraderie, and a sense of community, which, at the end of the day, is what makes any workplace stronger.
Garrett Diamantides
CEO, Southeast Detox Georgia
Run A Charity 5K
One of the most effective ways I’ve found to help employees connect and build relationships outside of work is through charity fundraising challenges. There’s something about rallying around a common cause that strengthens bonds in a way that everyday work interactions simply can’t. When people come together to support something bigger than themselves, it fosters teamwork, shared purpose, and a sense of accomplishment that extends far beyond the workplace. I’ve seen firsthand how a well-organized charity event brings people together in ways you wouldn’t expect.
One of the most successful initiatives we ran was a charity 5K run in support of a local addiction recovery center. The entire process, from planning the event to training together to actually running the race, gave employees a shared experience that built trust, accountability, and camaraderie. Some team members who had never spoken much at work became training partners, pushing each other to keep going on early morning runs. Others who weren’t runners got involved by helping organize, promoting the event, or cheering on their coworkers from the sidelines. The energy on race day was electric, and the shared experience of completing something meaningful together left a lasting impact on our work culture.
Beyond the run itself, what truly made it special was the deeper connection to a cause that resonated with many of us personally. The experience sparked real conversations, as some employees opened up about their own struggles or family members who had been affected by addiction. That level of vulnerability and connection isn’t something you can manufacture in an office setting, but when people work toward a common goal with real heart behind it, barriers naturally break down.
Fundraising events like this also introduce an element of accountability, not just to the cause but to each other. Employees take ownership of their roles, whether it’s organizing logistics, setting personal fitness goals, or rallying support from friends and family. That sense of collective achievement is something that sticks, creating a team dynamic that carries back into the workplace long after the event is over. These kinds of activities go beyond team-building, they create a culture of giving, shared responsibility, and deeper connections that continue to strengthen relationships far beyond a single event.
Tzvi Heber
CEO & Counselor, Ascendant New York
Host Game Nights
Game nights have been one of the most effective ways to bring people together in a relaxed, enjoyable environment, fostering connection and camaraderie among employees. There’s something special about stepping away from work responsibilities and engaging in a little friendly competition that allows people to bond in a way that feels natural rather than forced. Classic board games, trivia challenges, and video game tournaments all create an opportunity for employees to interact in a setting that encourages laughter, teamwork, and even a little lighthearted rivalry.
One of the biggest benefits of game nights is that they are low-stakes and easy to set up, making them an accessible and stress-free option for employees at all levels. Unlike formal team-building exercises that can sometimes feel contrived, game nights create an environment where people can truly be themselves. Whether someone is competitive by nature or just there to enjoy the atmosphere, everyone has the chance to engage in a way that feels comfortable.
A personal example that stands out is when we set up a trivia night with questions that covered everything from pop culture to company history. What made it memorable wasn’t just the competition itself, but the spontaneous moments of teamwork, colleagues who had never interacted much before suddenly found themselves strategizing, laughing, and high-fiving over a correct answer. That night, I saw employees open up in ways they hadn’t during work hours, forming new connections simply because they were having fun together.
Another time, we organized a Mario Kart tournament, and even the people who had never played before got into it. The excitement, the playful trash talk, and the shared experience of learning something new together created a sense of unity that carried over into the workplace. The best part about game nights is that they give people a reason to engage outside of work without the pressure of networking or performance, just pure fun and connection.
Joshua Zeises
CEO & CMO, Paramount Wellness Retreat
Organize Cook-Offs
One of the most effective ways we’ve created opportunities for employees to connect and build relationships outside of work is through our annual Cheesecake Bake-Off and Chili Cook-Off. These events weren’t something that leadership mandated, they were identified by our team as activities they genuinely wanted to do, and we embraced their enthusiasm by making them part of our culture. Since opening, these cook-offs have become something our employees look forward to, not just as a friendly competition but as a way to bond outside of their daily roles.
What makes these events so successful is that they create a space where team members can engage in casual conversations, share personal stories, and connect through a shared experience that has nothing to do with work responsibilities. There’s a unique kind of camaraderie that comes from watching someone passionately defend their family’s secret chili recipe or seeing a group of coworkers gather around a cheesecake, debating which one deserves the top prize. These moments of laughter, friendly competition, and storytelling build relationships in a way that doesn’t always happen organically in a professional setting.
One of the things I love most about these cook-offs is how they break down barriers. No matter someone’s role in the organization, when they’re in that moment, whether they’re nervously presenting their dish, judging a bite of cheesecake, or just enjoying the atmosphere, they’re part of something bigger than their job title. The vulnerability of putting yourself out there, whether you’re an experienced cook or just giving it a shot for fun, creates an authentic sense of connection that carries over into the workplace. Employees who may not typically interact during the day find common ground, and that shared experience fosters stronger collaboration and trust long after the event is over.
These traditions remind us that team-building isn’t about forced icebreakers or scripted exercises, it’s about creating real, enjoyable experiences where people can relax, be themselves, and form genuine relationships. By listening to our team’s interests and allowing them to influence how we build culture, we’ve found a way to make connections and engage in something that happens naturally.
Justin McLendon
Lcmhc, Lcas & CEO, New Waters Recovery
Give Back To The Community
Community giving has been an incredible way for our employees to connect and build relationships while making a meaningful impact. Supporting our community is a core value of our company, and we take pride in giving back in ways that truly matter. We donate to a local women’s resource shelter, contribute to community thrift stores that support the homeless, and offer pro bono work to those in need. Additionally, we support a local news radio station through financial contributions, helping to keep important community information accessible. These efforts not only strengthen our bond as a team but also reinforce our commitment to making a difference beyond our daily work.
Our most impactful initiative to date has been offering pro bono work for divorce and custody cases through the Polk County Bar Association. It was inspiring to see our team come together to support individuals in need of legal assistance, providing a vital service to those facing difficult situations. Employees from various departments volunteered their time and expertise, and the experience not only allowed them to make a tangible difference in people’s lives but also helped foster deeper connections among colleagues. Many of our team members have continued to volunteer their time outside of company-sponsored events, strengthening both our sense of community and our commitment to helping others.
Andrew Hope
Attorney & Founder, Hope Law Firm
Escape The Box Together
Building strong workplace relationships doesn’t just happen within office walls—it thrives outside of them. One of the most successful things we’ve done is hosting immersive team experiences that get people out of “work mode” and into “team mode.”
A standout activity for us has been our Escape the Box challenge—a high-energy, problem-solving experience that requires teams to collaborate under pressure. The best part? It mirrors real workplace dynamics but in a fun, low-stakes environment where people let their guard down.
The key to fostering connections is to create shared experiences with purpose—not just drinks at the bar (though those have their place too!). When employees tackle challenges together, laugh, and celebrate small wins outside of work, those bonds naturally carry over into the workplace, making teams stronger and more engaged.
Charles Berry
Co Founder, Zing Events
Start Wellness Challenges
One of the most effective ways I’ve found to help employees connect and build relationships outside of work is through wellness challenges. These challenges not only encourage personal growth but also create a shared sense of accountability and camaraderie, which strengthens team bonds in a natural and meaningful way.
Hosting step challenges, mindfulness sessions, or group workouts provides a structured yet flexible way for employees to engage with one another while prioritizing their health. The beauty of wellness challenges is that they aren’t just about physical fitness, they tap into mental and emotional well-being, which is just as important in creating a balanced, high-performing team. When people work toward a common wellness goal, they naturally support each other, and that builds trust, motivation, and stronger relationships.
I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these challenges can be. One of the most successful initiatives we implemented was a 30-day step challenge, where employees competed in teams to see who could accumulate the most steps in a month. It was simple but incredibly effective. Employees who rarely interacted during the workday suddenly had something in common to talk about. They were checking in on each other’s progress, sharing walking routes, and even scheduling group walks during lunch breaks. What started as a friendly competition turned into a team-wide movement toward better health and deeper connections.
Another initiative that resonated deeply with employees was a weekly mindfulness session, where we brought in a facilitator to lead guided meditation and breathwork exercises. At first, there was some hesitation, people weren’t sure what to expect, but after a few sessions, it became a space where employees could unwind together. Seeing coworkers relax and open up in a non-work setting created a different kind of bond, one rooted in mutual understanding and support.
The key to making wellness challenges successful is to make participation accessible and inclusive. Not everyone is a gym enthusiast, and not everyone is comfortable meditating in a group. The goal isn’t to push people into activities that make them uncomfortable, it’s to offer different pathways for engagement so that everyone feels like they belong.
By integrating wellness into the workplace culture, employees don’t just feel like colleagues, they feel like a community.
Joel Butterly
CEO, Ingeniusprep
Host Monthly Socials
We love hosting monthly socials! Nothing too formal, just fun stuff like wine tastings, cooking classes, or even karaoke nights. It’s all about keeping it light and letting people relax together.
We also organize volunteer days where we team up with local charities. Last year, we donated gowns to a prom drive for teens who couldn’t afford them. It’s a win-win—we give back, and it brings the team closer.
But the real standout is most definitely our annual retreats. We take the whole team away for a weekend—last time, it was a countryside escape with scavenger hunts, team challenges, and plenty of downtime. No work talk, just good vibes and bonding. It’s become this thing everyone looks forward to, and it’s amazing to see how much closer the team gets after just a few days.
Sas Terani
Owner, Terani Couture
Set Up Virtual Coffee Chats
Random virtual coffee chats were set up so that every two weeks, workers are paired with a new person for a 15-minute chat. This helped our online team connect with each other in ways other than work-related conversations. There are no plans or forced icebreakers; just natural talks. Cross-team collaboration went up by 42% over six months because people felt safer reaching out to people outside of their immediate teams. My advice is to make encounters easy and stress-free. When people talk as people, not just coworkers, they form the strongest relationships.
Tornike Asatiani
CEO, Edumentors
Create Interest-Based Groups
I create opportunities for employee connection by fostering shared experiences that encourage authentic engagement. One successful initiative was organizing interest-based networking groups, where employees connect over hobbies like cooking, fitness, or book discussions. This approach builds relationships naturally, strengthening team dynamics without forced interactions. By supporting organic connections outside of work, employees develop trust and camaraderie, leading to better collaboration and morale. Strong workplace relationships enhance engagement, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.
Brenton Thomas
Founder, Twibi
Host Virtual Co-Working Sessions
We prioritize building genuine connections among our team members beyond the typical work environment. Since our work is largely digital, creating intentional opportunities for collaboration and relationship-building is key to maintaining a strong, engaged team.
One successful activity we’ve implemented is virtual coworking sessions with a twist—rather than standard Zoom check-ins, we incorporate casual brainstorming, industry trend discussions, and even wellness breaks to encourage organic conversation. These sessions allow our team to share ideas, swap insights, and bond over shared challenges in a relaxed setting. For example, we might start with a 10-minute mindset or productivity exercise, followed by an open discussion about upcoming projects or creative inspirations.
We’ve found that this balance of professional growth and casual connection strengthens collaboration and boosts morale, making our remote team feel more like a community. Whether through industry book clubs, virtual networking lunches, or even quarterly in-person meetups, the goal is always to create authentic spaces for connection that align with our company culture and values.
Kristin Marquet
Founder & Creative Director, Marquet Media
Help The Community Recover Data
I turned the basement of our office building into a hardware repair lab where our workers help people in the community get their data back from broken devices. Our marketing director and lead engineer worked together last winter to get back family pictures that couldn’t be replaced from a laptop that had been damaged by water. This led to a change in how we run our photo recovery algorithms, which made recovery rates 31% better. When you personally help people who have lost important data, you form stronger bonds than at planned team events.
In satisfaction surveys, our workers often say that these recovery sessions were important for them. The technical problems of fixing physical devices keep our teams in touch with how our software products are used in the real world.
Alan Chen
President & CEO, DataNumen, Inc.
Play Team Sports Together
One of the best ways I create opportunities for my team to connect and build relationships outside of work is by fostering a culture of teamwork and shared experiences. We believe that strong personal bonds translate into better collaboration and efficiency on the job.
One activity that has been particularly successful for us is our team sports nights, especially basketball games. I’ve always resonated with the quote, “Tough times don’t last. Tough teams do.” Just like in business, success on the court isn’t about individual talent—it’s about passing the ball, communicating, and working together towards a common goal. When my team plays basketball together, it’s more than just a game. It teaches us trust, accountability, and resilience in a fun and relaxed environment.
Beyond sports, we also organize team outings, from casual dinners to leadership retreats, where we focus on personal development and vision-building. These experiences help break down barriers and allow employees to see each other beyond their job roles.
For any business leader, my advice is simple—create opportunities where your team can connect naturally. Whether through sports, social gatherings, or team-building exercises, these moments strengthen relationships, improve morale, and ultimately lead to a more cohesive and motivated workforce. A team that trusts each other off the clock will always perform better when it counts.
Trenton Wisecup
Founder and Owner, Arrow Roofing Services, LLC
