When and how should you plan an end-of-year team building event ?

The end of the year is a strategic time to strengthen cohesion, motivate teams, and end the year on a positive note within companies. But between Christmas celebrations, end-of-year targets, and the winter break, it’s important to know when and how to plan an effective end-of-year team building event. In this article, Teams Connect guides you through the key steps to successfully organizing a corporate activity, the formats to favor, and the mistakes to avoid, while offering concrete ideas tailored to your teams and objectives.

Why organize a team building event at the end of the year ?

A team building event at the end of the year boosts team motivation before the winter break. In December, accumulated fatigue, peaks in activity, and low morale can impact team performance. This is the perfect time to offer a moment of collective relaxation. An original team building event to motivate employees in December acts as an energy and recognition booster.

Planning a team-building event at the end of the year also helps to strengthen cohesion before a new year full of projects. This type of corporate activity helps to strengthen bonds between employees, celebrate successes, and create a positive team spirit to take on new challenges.

When is the best time to plan an end-of-year team building event ?

Between early September and mid-November. After that, schedules are packed, service providers are fully booked, and budgets are closed.

We strongly recommend setting a date early, especially if you’re planning a company Christmas party or an outdoor activity.

Tips for organizing a team-building event at the end of the year

To best prepare for organizing a corporate event at the end of the year, several factors must be taken into account: objectives, targets, budgets, etc. Teams Connect helps you plan your end-of-year team-building event with complete peace of mind.

Organizing your team building event effectively : a checklist to keep in mind

For smooth and efficient organization, here are the key steps to follow for a successful team building event :

Clearly define your objectives (motivation, team building, appreciation, etc.)
Identify the profile of participants (internal only, with employees’ families, etc.)
Choose a format that suits your constraints (time, budget, weather, etc.)
Contact service providers quickly (in September for events in November/December)
Have a plan B if you are organizing an outdoor team-building event (e.g., in the mountains)
Budget for all costs (logistics, transportation, entertainment, etc.)
Communicate internally in advance to get teams on board

Focus on defining the objectives and target audience for your end-of-year team building event

In order to choose the ideal activity for your company and your employees, it is essential to identify your HR objectives and the profile of the participants. This will help you select a relevant and engaging format.

Here are some questions to ask yourself :

Would you like to bring your employees together around a group activity or simply offer them a chance to relax at the end of the year ?
Are your employees looking for a festive, immersive, or enriching experience on a human level ?
Are you planning to include families or children in the team building ? Would you like to organize a Christmas party ?
Would you like to convey values (CSR, performance, innovation) through the activity ?
Is your company more interested in recreational, sporting, artistic, or collaborative activities ?

The answers to these questions will help guide your choice toward a relevant and rewarding format.

Corporate team building ideas to end the year on a high note

Teams Connect offers a selection of corporate activities suitable for companies of all sizes, for a variety of end-of-year objectives, such as :

Film dubbing : each team reinvents the dubbing of a cult film with their own voices and humor. Laughter and creativity guaranteed, perfect for team building.
The Hour of Power : a solidarity experience where every action performed by the teams has a concrete impact (donations of lamps to children in need).
Assault on Mont Blanc : an immersive adventure where teams virtually climb Mont Blanc through a series of physical and mental challenges.
Magic & Mentalism : a private show or immersive workshop with spectacular effects to end the year by amazing the teams.

To help you make your choice more easily, here is a summary table of Teams activities

Connect :

Activity	Format	Relaxation	Performance	Children welcome
Film dubbing	Creative	✅	✅	❌
Hour of Power	Solidarity	✅	✅	❌
Mont Blanc	Outdoor	❌	✅	❌
Magic & Mentalism	Festive	✅	❌	✅

Discover all our end-of-year team building activities !

For team building in December, you can also choose to celebrate Christmas with colleagues or invite their families to gather around a Christmas tree, for example.