In this article, Jules Joyce, President of Outback Team Building and Training, shares her thoughts on the trends we can expect to see in team building in the year ahead.
The professional landscape continues to evolve, influenced by the rise of hybrid work, supercharged technological innovations, and shifting cultural expectations. These changes have sparked new challenges and opportunities for organizations looking to foster stronger teams and develop their workforce.
To explore what’s ahead, we spoke with Jules Joyce, President at Outback Team Building and Training. Here’s what she shared about the trends shaping team building in 2025.
5 Team Building Trends We Can Expect to See in 2025
Team building in 2025 is set to take on new dimensions as organizations adapt to ongoing workplace shifts.
From facilitating a return to the office to leveraging advanced technologies, team building will serve as a cornerstone for creating connected, high-performing teams.
Outback President Jules Joyce weighs in with her predictions.
Team Building and Training Trend #1: Team Building Supports the Return-to-Office Movement
As organizations call employees back to the office, team building has become a key strategy for fostering collaboration and rebuilding company culture. Joyce emphasizes that many leaders are using team building to help justify the return.
“Leaders are framing in-office days as opportunities to rebuild collaboration and reconnect teams,” she says. “Team building activities create those organic conversations, brainstorming and collaboration opportunities, and on-the-fly problem-solving moments that are harder to replicate virtually.”
She adds, “In-person activities that mix fun with purpose can help reignite that sense of connection and camaraderie.”
Team Building and Training Trend #2: Last-Minute Team Building Activities Increase and In-Person Team Building Continues to Regain Momentum
As the return-to-office movement gains steam, in-person events are making a strong comeback, but hybrid team building remains a crucial option for companies with partly or fully distributed teams.
“We’re seeing a strong return to fully in-person events,” says Joyce. “However, hybrid activities still play an important role for teams that are spread out.”
She elaborates, “Hybrid events allow teams to experience the energy of in-person interactions while ensuring remote members feel included. This flexibility enables organizations to adapt to diverse team setups without compromising on engagement or effectiveness.”
Additionally, Joyce notes a rise in last-minute bookings for in-person team building activities.
“Organizations are planning these events closer to the date,” she says. “This speaks to the need for flexibility and spontaneity in how teams are coming together.”
Team Building and Training Trend #3: Smaller Group Sizes Are Becoming the Norm for Team Building Activities
In past years, many organizations opted for “all-in” events with every member of their team participating. However, there has been a shift toward organizing team building activities with more focused group sizes, perhaps to accommodate varying work environments and distributed teams, including remote versus in-office employees.
“We’ve seen a shift in group size dynamics, and I believe this trend will continue,” explains Joyce. “My sense is that this adjustment may stem from organizations wanting more personalized, inclusive activities catered to different subsets of employees. For example, departments might be hosting separate events to cater to specific needs, even as larger events remain popular.”
She continues, “While we’re still seeing large-scale events, team-focused activities provide a way to address unique dynamics and maximize impact.”
Team Building and Training Trend #4: Increased Engagement Becomes a Necessity in Team Building Activities
Modern teams expect more than just a fun event—they want team building activities that keep them engaged and connected throughout.
“There’s a strong push for more engaging and interactive experiences,” says Joyce. “We’re seeing a demand from our customers for team building activity hosts to stay connected with participants throughout the event to maintain energy and involvement.”
She adds, “Our entertainment-based activities with active hosts have become increasingly popular. These formats ensure consistent engagement and create a memorable experience for participants.”
Team Building and Training Trend #5: Innovation and New Technology Become Prominent in Team Building
Technology is reshaping how teams connect, and innovations like augmented reality (AR) may begin to carve out a foothold in the team building world.
“With many employees returning to the office and others remaining remote, we can anticipate a rise in new technology adoption in team building activities,” says Joyce. “For example, technology like augmented reality may be able to enhance the traditional virtual and hybrid team building experience by creating a unique, immersive experience that makes these activities feel more lifelike and engaging.
Unlike traditional formats, AR bridges the gap between in-person and remote interactions, creating an environment where hybrid teams can collaborate seamlessly.
Have you seen these trends impacting your industry? If so, what steps are you taking to address them? Let us know in the comments section.
Learn more about what’s new in 2025.
If you’ve got questions about how you can use team building and training and development programs to equip your team and your organization for success in 2025, reach out to an Employee Engagement Consultant.
Learn More About How Team Building Can Boost Employee Engagement
We’re here to discuss your team’s needs and help you find the perfect solution for your workgroup.
