Outback Team Building & Training Blog
Actionable tips, expert advice, downloadable guides, exclusive interviews, and more on team building, training, coaching – and everything related to employee engagement
AI in Professional Development: Why Robots Can’t Augment Deeply Human work
AI excels at information and efficiency, but professional development is emotional work that requires human connection, trust, and presence. Here's why the work that actually transforms teams can't be automated and what leaders risk by trying.
The Hybrid Culture Blueprint: How Distributed Teams Build Connections That Last
Discover how distributed teams build lasting connections with the Hybrid Culture Blueprint—practical strategies for trust, alignment, and engagement.
ONLINE GUIDE: Why Employee Recognition Matters in 2026 (And How to Actually Do It Authentically)
Employee recognition isn't optional anymore. With 51% of employees actively looking for or open to new jobs, recognition has become one of the most cost-effective tools for retention, engagement, and performance. Here's what actually works.
The Top 7 Trends in Team Building and Professional Development for 2026
What are the biggest team building trends and professional development trends in 2026? Our team of experts shares their insights.
230 Would You Rather Questions for work [2026 edition]
If there’s a way of getting to know your colleagues that’s more fun than would-you-rather questions, we haven’t found it yet. So, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of questions you can use to break the ice with your team.
53 Virtual Team Building Activity Ideas to Engage Remote Employees in 2026
Whether your team works fully remotely or in a hybrid capacity, these 54 virtual team building activity ideas will improve morale and help your colleagues bond, even if they don't see each other in person every day.
How Our Customers Made an Impact in Their Community Through Charitable Team Building
Our customers have come together with their teams to create stronger bonds and give back to communities throughout North America.
Are We Mistaking Communication for Connection? Why Today’s Workplaces Are Talking More Than Ever and Understanding Less
Lyndon Friesen sees leaders trapped in meetings all day with zero time to coach their people. We've mistaken communication volume for connection, and it's quietly destroying workplace culture, development, and trust.
18 Awesome Onboarding Activities for New Team Members
Whether your team works together in person, in a hybrid environment, or fully remotely, onboarding activities are crucial in getting new team members engrained with your organization and ensuring they truly feel like part of the team from the outset.
Hybrid Onboarding Checklist: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Employees Up for Success
The professional world is embracing hybrid work but it’s also making the process of welcoming new staff more complex, meaning a thorough remote onboarding checklist is a must for HR pros across all industries.
How to Help Your Team Start the New Year with Clarity and Connection
Help your team launch the new year with clarity, focus, and stronger connection. Discover practical strategies to align goals, rebuild momentum, and create a positive, collaborative start to the year.
A New Hire Checklist for Successful Employee Onboarding
Effective employee onboarding can positively impact your business in a number of ways, including higher levels of retention and engagement. Find out how you can put together a new hire checklist for best success.
From Meetings to Meaningful Moments: How to Reimagine Corporate Gatherings
Discover fresh ideas for reimagining corporate gatherings with creative formats, engaging activities, and modern strategies that inspire teams, strengthen culture, and elevate every company event.
Why Your Hybrid Team Feels Disconnected, and 6 Ways to Fix It Fast
Discover why your hybrid team feels disconnected and learn ways to rebuild engagement, collaboration, and team culture fast. Includes six super practical tips.
How to Throw a Virtual Holiday Party That’s Not Awkward (or Boring)
Bring your team together with a fun, engaging virtual holiday party. Discover creative ideas, interactive games, and tips to foster joy and connection.
8 Essential Topics to Cover in Your Kick-Off Meeting Agenda
Want to create a kick-off agenda that kicks butt? Here are eight things that every meeting should include to make sure it’s impactful and effective for your attendees.
An Event Planner’s Guide to Epic Company Kick-Off Meetings
Don’t stress over planning your team’s kick-off! With this online guide, you’ll find resources to help you organize a memorable, exciting, and impactful meeting.
Avoid These 6 Mistakes to Have an Unforgettable Kick-Off Meeting
Want to host an impactful and successful company kick-off meeting? Then start by avoiding these six common pitfalls and oversights.
8 of the Biggest Reasons Kick-Off Meetings Fail in 2025
Discover why kick-off meetings fail and how to make yours impactful with clear goals, focused agendas, and actionable follow-through for lasting success.
How to Stick the Landing After Your Kick-Off Meeting is Over
A kick-off meeting is really only the first step for your team. Here are 12 things you need to do after it's over to make sure employees follow through and deliver results.
Micro-Engagements: The Future of Daily Employee Connection
Discover how micro-engagements are transforming workplace culture. Learn practical strategies to boost daily employee connection, motivation, and productivity through small but powerful moments of engagement.
Team Building Provider Let You Down Last-Minute? Here’s How to Save Your Event
If you've been planning a team building activity and your provider can't hold up their end of the bargain, what should you do? In this article, we'll walk you through the steps you can follow to save your event, no panic necessary.
Is Conflict Stalling Progress? Problem-Solving Team Building That Turns Tension Into Trust
Is workplace conflict slowing your team down? Discover problem-solving team building strategies that transform tension into trust, boost collaboration, and drive real progress.
7 Strategies to Design Hybrid Team Activities That Engage In-Person and Remote Staff Equally
Learn why hybrid team building activities are so important, and how to build strategies to engage your hybrid workforce to foster connection.
44 Fun Fast Team Building Activities (Under 30 Mins)
Who says high-impact team building can't be done quickly? In this article, we explore 44 incredibly fun, ultra-fast team building activities you can do in under half an hour.