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In a recent Industry Insights article, we shared stats from Gallup’s State of the Global Workforce 2025 report. The key takeaway? Employee engagement is low and slipping further. But while the trend is global, the actions you take at a team level can make a real difference.
Here are some practical tips team leaders can implement to improve engagement right now.
People want to know their work means something. Make time to show how individual tasks link to wider goals. This doesn’t need to be formal. A quick mention in a team meeting or one-to-one can help people see the value in what they do.
Most people are more engaged when they use their strengths at work. Pay attention to what each individual team member does well. Delegate accordingly. A bit of flexibility can go a long way in helping people feel trusted and capable.
Ongoing check-ins build trust and show you care. They don’t need to be long or formal. A few minutes to ask how things are going can open up important conversations. Listen more than you speak. And avoid turning every catch-up into a to-do list review.
Give people opportunities to learn and grow. This might mean offering training, pairing them with a colleague or letting them try something new. Development doesn’t always mean promotion - it can be as simple as learning a skill or taking on a new challenge.
How you show up matters. Engagement is shaped by day-to-day behaviour, not one-off gestures. Be available. Follow up. Celebrate progress. Ask what people need and act on it.
If you want your team to be switched on, you need to be too. Show interest in people. Be open about challenges. Be the kind of leader you’d want to follow.
Looking for new ideas to establish a stronger, more engaged team? Take a look at our team building experiences or get in touch for a chat.
Understanding individual team members is one of the best ways to improve how the overall team works. ‘Colour Code Analysis’ is a tool that can helps teams do just that.
According to the ‘Colour Insights Discovery’ model, each person’s personality preferences and behaviours can be linked to one of four colours. Once you know your own colour, the model suggests this can help you to start to see why you work the way you do and then how those in your team work.
Red types are confident and competitive. They’re results-driven, direct and enjoy taking charge. In a team, they push things forward and keep goals in sight. But, they may need to slow down and listen more to others’ input.
Yellow personalities are sociable and enthusiastic. They bring energy, positivity and creativity. They’re great at building relationships and keeping morale high. In teams, they may need support with staying on track and focusing on detail.
Green represents calm, caring and dependable traits. These individuals are loyal, supportive and good listeners. They value harmony and tend to avoid conflict. In teams, they may need encouragement to speak up or challenge ideas.
Blue types are precise and analytical. They like structure, logic and well-thought-out plans. They bring rigour and clarity to team decisions. However, they may need to be mindful of being overly critical or cautious.
It all starts with awareness. Once you know your own colour and those of your team, you realise that not everyone sees things the way you do. That one team member who always asks for the detail isn’t being difficult. They’re just wired differently. That team member who jumps into action without a full plan? Same story.
Once you understand someone’s colour, you can make small changes in how you work with them. Maybe you give more structure to someone who likes detail. Or hold back a bit when someone prefers space to think. When communication improves, so does collaboration.
Once you have a better understanding of your team, it’s easier to determine how they work best together. Our experiences are designed to cater to a variety of personality types and learning styles.
Want to see your team working together in full colour? Get in touch and let us help you.
Strong teamwork is key to getting results in any organisation. When people communicate well, support each other and find solutions together, everyone benefits. Here are five practical ways to help your team work better together.
Working alone too often can make people feel isolated. With hybrid or remote working now more common, it’s even more important to create chances for your staff to connect.
Look for opportunities to bring people together. This might mean more regular group meetings or setting aside time for informal catch-ups. These moments help people feel included and valued, which can lead to better focus and productivity.
In the office, think about where people sit. Changing desk locations every so often can help your employees build new relationships and encourage fresh ideas.
Micromanaging your team isn’t just frustrating for your team, it also wastes your time. When people are constantly waiting for instructions, they’re less likely to work together effectively.
Instead, match tasks to each person’s strengths and give them space to take the lead. When individuals feel trusted, they’re more likely to take initiative and support their colleagues, which builds a stronger workplace culture.
Disagreements happen in every workplace. If they’re not dealt with quickly, they can lower morale and slow down progress.
Most conflicts come from misunderstandings or differences in opinion. As a leader, your role is to listen, stay neutral and help your team find a way forward. Having a clear process in place for resolving issues can make a big difference and help you get back on track sooner.
People work better when they feel motivated and supported. Giving your team chances to develop their skills helps them reach personal goals while also improving how they work together.
This might mean offering training, mentoring or simply checking in regularly to understand their career ambitions.
If your staff feels disconnected, a team building day can be a great way to reset. Whether your goal is to boost communication, creativity or spot potential future leaders, a shared experience can help break down barriers and build trust.
Looking to bring your team closer? Get in touch to see how our bespoke team building experiences can support your business.
The conversation around AI in the workplace has moved beyond automation and efficiency. It's now about how humans and machines can work side by side. According to new research conducted by Censuswide for L&D consultants, Hemsley Fraser, 71% of UK business leaders see AI as valuable to their organisation. At the same time, 67% agree that ‘human skills’ like critical thinking, collaboration and innovation are essential for success in an AI-driven world.
Despite an awareness about the importance of these skills, many UK businesses are struggling to upskill their people in these areas. The survey shows that constant workplace disruption is taking its toll. More than a third of employees say they feel tired, isolated and less effective due to frequent reorganisations and digital transformation. Fatigue like this can make people less open to learning and resistant to new ways of working.
The research also reveals clear differences in how people prefer to learn. Older employees are more likely to trust specialist learning providers, while younger staff are turning to the online offerings of established tech companies for learning inspiration. There are also gender differences - more women look to their peers for ideas, while men are more likely to go online. These insights show that varied learning options are key to engaging everyone.
However, there’s encouraging news too. Businesses are beginning to adopt more creative and blended learning strategies. In fact, 28% of those surveyed say that combining online learning with in-person experiences delivers the best results. These approaches allow teams to learn in flexible ways, while still benefiting from the face-to-face connection that builds trust and motivation.
As AI continues to reshape the way we work and raise questions about job security, the value of human connection in the workplace is only growing. Team experiences that support the very human skills of collaboration, creativity and leadership are needed more than ever in the age of AI.
Contact us today to discover how our team experiences can boost your team’s skills for an AI-driven future.
With warmer days on the horizon and forecasts promising a sunnier summer across the UK there’s never been a better time to take your team outdoors. Wherever in the country you’re based, spending time outside together can provide a real lift for everyone’s wellbeing.
Longer days and brighter weather offer a natural boost. Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin levels, which can improve mood and focus. Simply swapping screens for fresh air can help to ease tension and clear the mind. It’s not just a welcome break from the day-to-day, it’s also a chance to recharge and reconnect.
Being outdoors creates the right conditions for better conversation and collaboration. People tend to relax more easily and interactions often feel more natural than in formal office environments.
There are options to suit all activity levels when it comes to outdoor team experiences. For those who enjoy getting active, experiences like Summit Challenge or our GPS Interactive Treasure Hunts offer a great way to move and have fun together.
For teams who prefer a slower pace, Target Zone activities such as archery, axe throwing and chip-shot golf offer a more laid-back experience, without losing the competitive element!
Whether you are looking for something high-energy or relaxed, there are plenty of options that allow your team to step away from routine and enjoy some time together outdoors.
We all know British weather can be unpredictable. That is why it helps to work with a team that plans for every possibility. At Team Challenge Company, we always build in contingency plans. If the forecast changes, we can adapt with indoor alternatives or weatherproof setups to keep your event running smoothly.
Whether your goal is to celebrate, reconnect or simply give your team a break, time outside can make a real difference. Even a few hours away from desks and screens can leave people feeling more refreshed, focused and valued.
To explore the types of activities available and how we can help you plan an enjoyable and stress-free experience, contact us today. We are here to help you make the most of the sunny season!
Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2025 report paints a clear picture - employee engagement is in trouble. Just 21% of workers globally are actively engaged in their jobs. The situation in the UK is even more concerning, with only 10% of employees describing themselves as engaged.
For any business leader, this isn’t just a people issue – it’s a performance issue. According to Gallup, lost productivity cost the world economy $438 billion in 2024 alone. Low engagement affects team morale, customer satisfaction and ultimately, results. Leaders looking to build stronger teams need practical ways to reengage their people. That’s where team building can make a real difference.
When teams aren’t connecting or communicating well, frustration builds and progress slows. Structured team building gives people the space to collaborate, develop trust and understand each other’s strengths. It helps create the conditions for better teamwork, not just during the activity, but back in the workplace too.
Hybrid setups, remote teams and fast-changing priorities mean many employees feel disconnected or overlooked. Gallup’s research suggests that loneliness is becoming an increasing concern, with 22% of global respondents stating that they felt a strong sense of loneliness in the workplace. Regular team building helps bring people back together, align goals and reinforce a shared purpose.
Team building experiences are also a valuable way to support wellbeing. When people feel like they belong, and know they’re working towards something together, they’re more likely to stay motivated.
These latest stats from Gallup suggest that the engagement crisis will not fix itself - it requires action. For business leaders, with so many employees feeling disconnected, now is the time to invest in how your people connect and collaborate.
If your team feels stuck, disengaged or just not quite aligned, let Team Challenge Company help you to do something about it. Contact our team today to learn more about our bespoke team building programmes.
Great leadership isn’t just about managing people - it’s about understanding your team, guiding them and making smart, confident decisions. But recent research from Gartner suggests that organisations are facing a leadership gap as a result of poor development.
Gartner research reveals that 75% of HR leaders say their managers are overwhelmed by the growing scope of their roles and 71% don’t believe they are successfully developing their midlevel managers.
This shows a clear gap in leadership development and highlights the need for new, practical ways to spot and shape potential within teams.
Traditional leadership training often falls short because it’s too focused on theory and lacks real-life application. Gartner recommends a new approach: giving leaders opportunities for repeated interaction through both structured learning and social experiences. This helps build lasting relationships and support networks, which are vital for leadership growth.
Our team building experiences create exactly this type of environment. Teams work together, reflect on their actions and build trust, all while tackling fun and thought-provoking challenges. It’s an engaging way to build leadership from the inside out.
Team building is not just about having a good day out - it’s about building confidence, recognising potential and shaping the future of your organisation. According to Gartner’s research, leaders who take part in learning activities that involve working closely with their peers are 18% more likely to succeed at an executive level.
Our in-person and virtual team building experiences are designed to give colleagues real-world challenges to help senior managers spot leadership talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.
By stepping outside the usual work environment, staff reveal hidden skills, take initiative and show how they perform under pressure. It’s a great way to uncover natural leaders while also encouraging teamwork, creativity and morale.
Let Team Challenge Company help you find and develop the leaders your business needs. Contact our team today to learn more about our bespoke team building programmes.
Motivation isn’t the same for everyone. What drives one person might not matter to another. To bring out the best in your team, it’s important to understand what truly inspires each individual - beyond surface level rewards.
External factors that often come to mind, like pay rises, bonuses and public recognition, certainly have value. They can spark short-term improvement and help people feel their efforts are seen. But real, lasting motivation comes from within.
So called ‘intrinsic motivators’ such as personal growth, a sense of purpose, autonomy and connection play a powerful role in how people show up at work. Too often, these are overlooked or misunderstood and many employees feel that their unique drivers aren’t recognised by their organisation.
That’s a missed opportunity.
Consider two employees with the same job, similar experience and even similar lifestyles. On the surface, you might assume they’re motivated by the same things. But one might be driven by career progression and financial gain, while the other is inspired by meaningful work and flexibility. If both are treated the same, one or both may disengage over time.
Understanding individual motivators helps create an environment where people can thrive. And it doesn’t require major overhauls, just a more human approach.
Start by encouraging conversations about what matters most to your people. Allow for flexibility in how success is recognised and supported. Empower managers to adapt their leadership style, development plans, or feedback based on what really makes each team member tick.
Team building experiences are an effective way to uncover and support individual motivation in action.
When you design team building with intention, you help people feel seen, valued and motivated - not just as employees, but as individuals.
Motivated people do better work. They collaborate more, stay longer and drive better outcomes for your business. By focusing on what matters to each person and creating the space for meaningful connection you build a stronger, more engaged team.
Get in touch to discuss how our tailored team building experiences can help unlock your team’s full potential.
At Team Challenge Company, we’ve worked with all sizes of organisations across the UK and beyond to deliver memorable and effective team building events. All our clients want to host the ‘perfect event’, but what that looks like can vary greatly from one team to another.
Here’s how we approach creating an experience that truly works for your team.
The starting point is understanding your team - not just their roles or responsibilities, but their personalities and working styles.
A successful team building event needs to include everyone, from the quiet problem-solvers to the more outgoing team members. The aim is to create a shared experience where everyone feels involved and leaves with something positive - whether that’s improved confidence, better communication or simply a renewed sense of motivation.
The timing of an event is often one of the trickiest aspects to get right. While holding an event during working hours may feel like a break in routine, expecting full attendance outside office hours is generally unrealistic.
Setting aside a morning, afternoon or even a full day for team building can bring lasting benefits to your business. Mondays are often seen as the toughest time of the week - the weekend is behind us and a full five days of work lie ahead. But if your aim is to boost energy and motivation, a late-morning or early-afternoon event on a Monday could be just what your team needs.
While Mondays can feel like a bit of a slog, Fridays are usually met with far more enthusiasm. As the weekend approaches, people are in higher spirits and looking forward to a break. It’s no secret that Friday afternoons aren’t always the most productive - might this be the ideal time for an engaging team event?
Every team building experience should have a clear purpose. Are you looking to strengthen collaboration? Encourage creative thinking? Identify future leaders?
Once you know what you want to achieve, it’s easier to choose the right activity. For example, if teamwork is your focus, a task-based challenge that requires collective problem-solving, like Red Alert is ideal. To highlight leadership potential, we offer activities that bring out strategic thinking and decision-making under pressure, such as Beat the Box or The Infinite Loop
We also run interactive activities that mirror real-world challenges in a fun and engaging way, helping teams to explore different dynamics without the usual workplace pressures. Our Blockbuster: Live experience is a great example of this.
Whether your goal is to boost morale, encourage better communication or simply reward the team with an engaging activity, we always start with what you want to get out of the event. From creative experiences to high-energy challenges, our events are designed to engage, inspire and deliver lasting impact.
Whatever your team needs, we’re here to help you get it right. From the initial idea through to delivery on the day, we’ll work closely with you to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Get in touch with our team to start planning the perfect team building experience.
Stress is a common challenge in the workplace that can affect both individuals and teams. As a team leader, it’s important to recognise when your team is feeling stressed. Taking action early can help ease the pressure.
Stress can show up in various ways, both physically and emotionally and it’s important for leaders to stay alert to these signs.
Physically, you might notice team members feeling fatigued or experiencing headaches. Emotionally, stress can show through irritability, difficulty concentrating or a noticeable decline in motivation or enthusiasm.
Within the workplace, behavioural changes like missing deadlines, withdrawing from team discussions, or showing less engagement can also signal that someone is struggling with stress.
Being aware of these early indicators and addressing them promptly can prevent stress from escalating, helping your team maintain a healthier, more supportive work environment.
As a team leader, you have the ability to shape your work environment and influence how stress is managed within your team. Here are some key steps to help:
Creating an open, supportive culture where team members feel comfortable discussing stress is essential. Encourage regular check-ins and provide a safe space to talk about challenges or ask for help. When employees feel supported, they’re more likely to manage stress in healthy ways.
A heavy workload is one of the biggest contributors to stress. Regularly assess your team’s workload to ensure that it’s manageable. Help prioritise tasks and break larger projects into smaller, more achievable steps. This will make work feel more manageable and reduce the pressure on your team.
A positive and supportive team culture helps reduce stress. Recognise achievements, celebrate team successes and encourage collaboration. When people feel appreciated and valued, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed by the pressures of work.
Make it a priority to encourage your team to take breaks throughout the day and to use their annual leave. This can help prevent burnout and improve overall productivity. Even short breaks can refresh the mind and reduce feelings of stress, allowing team members to return to their work with renewed focus.
Taking time away from work is essential for maintaining mental wellbeing. Team building activities provide an excellent opportunity to recharge. Whether it’s a team outing, a problem-solving challenge, or a fun group activity, these experiences help employees connect with each other and take a break from work-related stress.
Team building activities also strengthen communication and collaboration within the team, which can reduce stress by making daily tasks more manageable. By engaging in these activities, team members can bond, unwind and return to work feeling more refreshed and ready to face challenges together.
If you’re looking for an activity to bring your team together, we’ve got it! Contact us today for more information.
