Corporate team building doesn’t have to feel like another day at the office. Done right, it’s a chance for colleagues to drop the formalities, work together in new ways, and enjoy connecting.
Add board games into the mix, and a standard team-building session instantly becomes an engaging, interactive experience. People loosen up, conversations flow, and real connections form, all while everyone’s having fun. With that in mind, here are our top tips for hosting a UK corporate team building event powered by the best board games.
Define goals of your event
Knowing what you want to accomplish from your UK corporate team building day is essential before picking out which board games will shape the event. Are you trying to foster a sense of camaraderie among team members, enhance communication, or just provide an enjoyable way to unwind following the successful end of a long project?
Try to choose games that match your goals. If teamwork is the focus, cooperative games like Pandemic or Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective are perfect, they’re packed with mystery, spark curiosity, sharpen problem-solving skills, and get your team thinking big. If the aim is more relaxed fun, party games like Codenames work brilliantly, letting people dip in and out, chat, and socialise, without feeling tied to the table. If you want to get people’s brainpower going and bring out their strategic side, then go for strategic games such as Scythe. Our blog on the best strategy board games provides more useful suggestions.
Create the perfect setup
The layout and atmosphere of your space can make a huge difference to how well the event pans out. Try to think beyond just tables and chairs; if there are sofa hangouts, be sure to make use of these. Having open zones where small groups can dive into their favourite games comfortably will allow for relaxed play and encourage free-flowing conversations.
Leave plenty of room for people to move, swap tables, and mingle so the energy keeps flowing throughout the day. It's always a good idea to have snacks and drinks within easy reach so that people can refuel as and when they need to. To dial things up further, consider adding company-themed scoreboards or branded stationery. These little touches can make all the difference in creating a memorable experience.
Pick games everyone can get to grips with
Not every board game is a crowd-pleaser. The last thing you want is half the room bogged down in complicated rules. For any corporate team building event in the UK, go for games that are quick to learn, inclusive, and keep lots of people involved. Think:
- Cooperative games such as Codenames, Mysterium Park and Hanubi
- Party games such as Just One, Dobble and Pass the Bomb
- Role,playing games such as Arkham Horror, if you want to spice things up a bit!
If you need more help on which games to choose for your event, our demonstrations team can help you understand which board games will create a fun and engaging experience for your employees.
Keep the day structured, but relatively loose
A little structure keeps things running smoothly, but too much structure can kill the vibe. Instead of a rigid schedule, think of it in rounds - let groups play for 30-45 minutes, then rotate to a new table. This will keep the momentum going, while ensuring colleagues mix with different teammates. If your event runs on a little longer, build in a couple of breaks for food and casual chats. Sometimes the best connections happen off the board, so this will ensure no one misses out on those moments.
Add a dash of competition
A little competition harms nobody and can go a long way in transforming a good event into a great one. You could incentivise teams by putting some prizes up for grabs; think gift cards, company merchandise, or even a tongue-in-cheek trophy that makes the rounds each year. Or switch things up and celebrate team victories, rewarding the group that worked together most seamlessly. The key is to keep it fun and lighthearted, so the focus stays on laughs, rather than bragging rights.
Add some mystery
There’s a reason that murder mysteries are a staple at corporate events - everyone loves a chance to solve a puzzle and play detective. Bring that same thrill to your game's day, with murder mystery board games where teamwork, deduction, and a few clever twists keep everyone on their toes. It’s the perfect way to add suspense, strategy, and a little friendly competition. As an example, Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective is a perfect choice for a corporate team-building game, as it encourages communication, problem-solving, curiosity, and big-picture thinking. Players step into the shoes of the Baker Street Irregulars, working together to crack 10 intriguing cases set in Victorian London.
Document the event
Make sure the day’s highlights don’t go unnoticed. Snap a few candid photos of teammates bonding over the board games. Short video clips are great too, whether for the intranet or a quick share on socials. Not only does it preserve the memories, but it also reinforces a workplace culture built on collaboration, showcasing just some of the fun activities your company gets up to behind closed doors.
If you need help finding any of the games mentioned above in a store near you, then check out our helpful game store locator.
