Corporate team-building activities are a great way for staff members to break the ice, improve communication, and forge stronger connections in a relaxed and informal setting.
Whether it’s outdoor adventures like scavenger hunts or indoor challenges such as escape rooms, there are a variety of opportunities to bring employees together and encourage them to collaborate and solve problems in fun and novel ways. In this article, we will explore the concept of wine tours as a unique and enjoyable activity for strengthening bonds and building cohesive teams outside of an office environment.
Relaxed Setting
A far cry from the busy office environment where phones are ringing and deadlines are looming, the serene and idyllic setting provided by a wine tour can be the perfect backdrop for corporate team-building.
The pressures of work can make it difficult for team members to get to know one another and build meaningful connections while at work. The location for a wine tour is typically a picturesque setting with rolling hills and lush vineyards, making it ideal for switching off and unwinding, allowing team members to interact with each other in a relaxed and stress-free manner, helping to build rapport and inspire trust.
Inspires Creativity
Wine tours can help employees mentally recharge and spark creativity by providing a break from their day-to-day routine. Instead of being indoors with their team members, employees are now transported into a tranquil and natural setting where their feet can touch the soil and their eyes can take in panoramic views of charming landscapes and stunning sunsets.
Being in nature has been proven to be conducive to promoting creativity in people. One study performed with Danish professionals found that nature has the ability to evoke a creative way of thinking by making people more curious, able to receive new ideas and flexible in their way of thinking.
The study went on to find that natural environments which offer the perceived sensory dimensions of ‘nature’, ‘space’, and ‘serene’ seem to be of particular importance for creative professionals. Employers that provide teams with access to these types of natural environments can support them in their creative processes.
Encourages Communication
Wine tours are a great way to encourage communication between employees, helping them to work more effectively in teams. As they learn about different grapes, bouquets, aromas and pairings, employees are encouraged to share their opinions and express their views on different wines and flavor profiles, which can help to facilitate conversations with colleagues they may have never spoken to before, creating new opportunities for networking and connecting with employees in different departments.
This type of discussion can also help individuals practice their active listening skills while valuing the differing viewpoints of their team members. Without any pressure to deliver or get the “right” answer, employees can feel more comfortable beginning conversations that are more personal or non-work-based. This can further help to create bonds and build trust between colleagues, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and collaborative team dynamic.