Let’s shake on it—metaphorically at least—that the powers of artificial intelligence (AI) seem limitless. It looks like AI is omnipotent and can accomplish practically anything. It can help you generate any content (write a poem or create a pic), plan your workdays, remind you about your meetings, or even beat your whole team at chess during a lunch break (it has already beaten chess grandmasters).
But can AI decode the silence so heavy and thick you could butter toast with it (one of the subtle signs of a workplace conflict)? Or, can it sincerely laugh at your joke, give you a genuine high-five or hug, and support a psychologically safe environment in your company?
Despite the entire craze over this innovative technology and the fact that 78% of global leaders are already using it for at least one business function, there are many things AI can’t do for real team building. Social bonding is still a human superpower—and it will remain such for years (and, most likely, centuries) ahead.
Let’s examine the aspects that are completely unhandleable for AI in team building. We’ve additionally compiled a list of human team-building activities without AI.
So, let’s get the ball rolling (no AI’s assistance is needed, thanks!).
Table of Contents
- 5 Main Things AI Can’t Do for Effective Team Building
- AI Can’t Truly Empathize.
- AI Can’t Properly Get Humor.
- AI Can’t Think Outside Its Algorithmic Box.
- AI Can’t Lead the Team with Heart.
5 Main Things AI Can’t Do for Effective Team Building
AI Can’t Feel the Vibe.
Yes, AI systems are trained to detect languages and word patterns, while the most advanced ones can also analyze the voice tone.
But how about the unspoken elements: moods, body movements, cultural behaviors, etc.?
These are way beyond AI’s limit. Then, there are the so-called “intuitive observations” of a positive/negative vibe only humans perceive.
Positivity:
- Excitement
- Gratitude
- State of flow and synchronized collaboration
- Psychological safety
- Trust
- Openness
Negativity:
- Stress
- Tension
- Hostility
- Distrust
- Loneliness
- Disengagement
Why human team building matters here →
Only people can “read” each other’s expressions and grasp each other’s feelings even without words. That’s when you can adjust or redirect the conversation or situation vector for successful team building.
Positive Vibes
Let’s say you’ve caught a spontaneous vibe of high emotional energy, but your company’s celebration is coming to an end. The whole team feels slight disappointment and a sense of unfulfillment. Why not add one more corporate event activity to ride the excitement wave longer to make it even more memorable?
Negative Vibes
Now, picture this. You feel that your team members are at odds, constantly casting angry looks or passive-aggressive comments at each other. Once you’ve spotted these signals, you can help them resolve a conflict before it escalates and gets out of hand.
AI Can’t Truly Empathize.
AI is artificial, not emotional intelligence. It doesn’t have that empathy trait immanent to humans. Although studies show that AI models recognize emotional cues and simulate cognitive empathy with compassionate phrases, they cannot actually understand and share the person’s feelings.
In care-focused environments, such as those supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme, emotional intelligence is essential. For example, NDIS providers Sydney rely on teams that are trained to read emotional cues, respond with compassion, and create safe spaces for vulnerable individuals—something AI simply can’t replicate with algorithms.
Why human team building matters here →
As we know, empathy is not necessarily about words. It’s also about understanding and responsive, kind-hearted behavior. It involves supportive body language like eye contact, nods, mirroring expressions, and others.
For example:
For the sake of argument, here’s an imaginary setup. One of your employees had an accident at work and got injured. Would AI be able to empathize and support them?
It’s your team that can arrange a Zoom call to boost their spirits (or pick another appropriate idea for virtual team building) or visit your colleague in the hospital with a bunch of flowers (again, if appropriate) and warm wishes for recovery.
AI Can’t Properly Get Humor.
Imagine telling an AI chatbot the following wordplay: “My laptop gets hot at work even though I always leave its Windows open.” You’ll most likely receive a serious recommendation to troubleshoot it.
Why human team building matters here →
Humans grow relationship ties through emotions, and humor is one of the hands-down-greatest “connectors.” In fact, researchers prove that laughter is a social glue, and people who laugh together like each other more.
So, when you laugh over an office prank, a hilarious “Would you rather?” question, or any other funny team-building activity that leaves the whole team in stitches, this strengthens friendly bonds over a shared positive experience.
For example:
See how this sales team gave their manager a good gift (and a laugh!) on Christmas by wearing custom T-shirts and hoodies with her face printed on them.
AI Can’t Think Outside Its Algorithmic Box.
It’s another thing AI cannot do (yet) when it comes to human team-building activities.
Here, you may argue that generative AI tools like ChatGPT can easily create typical tasks that require critical thinking and problem-solving in teams, such as brain teasers or role-playing prompts. But all of those will always be based on the same algorithms and patterns. Not a hint at creativity.
Why human team building matters here →
On the contrary, your workers can switch their “creativity modes” and let imagination fly freely.
Think of creative team-building ideas like these:
- Brainstorming session
- Talent extravaganza
- Improvisation show
- Building challenge (e.g., Cardboard Boat Building or Bridge Builders)
- Haiku battle
- Invent-a-new-holiday challenge
- Storytelling circle
Also, give more room for employee-led projects to promote their originality and inventiveness.
AI Can’t Lead the Team with Heart.
Leadership with AI is solely “transactional”: input and output.
Let us explain.
Suppose you’ve created your voice AI clone (voice-cloning technology is booming these days). You may use it during onboarding or corporate training to answer your employees’ questions or coach them on the job. AI can perfectly reproduce your speech. But again, can it imitate your empathy? Can it be the leader who really understands and cares? Can it mentor your team, not just pronounce automatic replies?
Why human team building matters here →
Team building via human, authentic leadership is heartfelt and caring.
As a leader, you can do the following to build a stronger team without AI’s help:
- Feel your team’s vibe
- Promote corporate values
- Empathize and express compassion
- Grow employee loyalty
- Help your workers become leaders
Even the most advanced manufacturing companies filled with cutting-edge robotics and automation still need leadership with heart over hardware. Real team building begins with empathy, not efficiency.
For example:
Ideas Collide launched the Lead IC, an internal leadership program, to empower their team members and foster their growth into compassionate and dedicated leaders.
Top 5 Fantastic Team-Building Activities with No Need for AI
1. Outdoor Adventure
Who needs AI in the digital world when adventures are calling in the real one (and in the fresh air!)?
Save this list of adventuresome team-building ideas outdoors:
- “Unexplored Trail” Hike
- City Chase or Scavenger Hunt
- Survival Quest in the Wild
- Overnight Camping Trip
- Outdoor Sports (Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, etc.)
For example:
Microsoft’s team from Switzerland went on an “adrenaline-filled canyoning and hiking adventure”. It brought them even closer as a team. Not to mention that they cherished nature and made some inside jokes (laughter is the best socializer, remember?).
2. Bring-Someone/Something-To-Work Days
Of course, your team can easily dive into an AI-built-and-curated universe (let’s assume the Metaverse) with virtual avatars. There’s no denying that it’s an excellent team-building idea for Gen Z, expecting more innovation from the modern workplace.
But what would your staffers (of all ages) say about bringing real guests or things to work instead and connecting more authentically with each other?
Here are several suggestions:
- Bring-your-parents-to-work Day
- Bring-your-kids-to-work Day
- Bring-your-pets-to-work Day
- Bring-your-favorite-books-to-work Day
- Bring-your-childhood-toys-to-work Day, etc.
For example:
Throughout 2024, Northern Trust organized several getting-to-know-you activities like those, including Bring Your Child to Work Day and Bring Your Parents to Work Day.
3. DIY Workshop or Skill Training
“It was so much fun when we made our own pizzas and laughed a lot together!” Or: “I truly enjoyed our candle-making workshop!”
Just like that, let your team members experience shared joy and remember those moments for days (and years) by preparing workshops on:
- Crafting
- Cooking
- Public speaking
- Creative writing
- DIY office decorating
- Photography (or design) 101
- Wellness and resiliency skill-building
These types of activities not only build camaraderie but also help strengthen problem-solving skills through hands-on learning and creative thinking.
For example:
On Yoga Day, Alpha-Numero engaged in yoga teacher training to “celebrate the unity of mind, body, and soul” as a team.
Additionally, consider other skill-boosting programs, such as Practical Time Management or Conflict Resolution Training, tailored to your needs by Outback.
4. Volunteering
No AI-powered team building can substitute the feel-good atmosphere with a sense of camaraderie when you do acts of kindness and plant seeds (sometimes literally!) of change in the community shoulder to shoulder.
Importantly, you can engage in volunteer initiatives from anywhere, whether from your office/home chairs or off-site locations.
Philanthropic Days In
Depending on your business niche, you may develop or join a charitable team-building program in your industry without leaving your workplace.
Here’s how it works.
Suppose you operate in the healthcare sector. In this case, you may schedule a day or two to offer free online doctor appointments to serve people in need. If you’re in finance, you may give a financial literacy course for free. And so on.
For example:
In cooperation with Transform Schools, IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) arranged a three-day volunteering session for learners. Their pilots answered students’ questions about the aviation industry.
Philanthropic Days Out
As an alternative, you may kickstart your employee volunteerism journey outside the office with the following activities:
- Charity Bike Buildathon
- Groceries Delivery for Seniors
- Wheelchairs for Charity
- Helping at a Volunteer Hub/Shelter
- Military Support Mission
- School Supply Scramble
For example:
Companies like Accenture and many others have already arranged several of those successfully with Outback.
5. Corporate Escape Rooms
And finally—the cherry on top of the human team-building activities without AI: a corporate escape room.
The goal of this activity isn’t just to get out. You also learn to communicate with each other, understand your team’s dynamics, and solve problems under stress and time pressure, even while checking every corner for the clue twice “just in case.”
At Outback, you may choose from the following escape room themes:
For example:
Outback brought the Jewel Heist experience right to the hotel, where 100 Philips employees worked together as one cohesive team to find the stolen jewels before time ran out.
The best part?
Your team can “enter” any of those escape rooms remotely, too! Would you dare step on the e-porch of the mysterious manor with the spine-chilling whispers and hair-raising secrets hidden inside?
Organize Team Building Without AI but With Outback
So, here’s the bottom line: AI can never replicate (or replace) a human-to-human connection. That’s why the best team-building results are only possible when you unplug from advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and connect for real. And that’s what you can do with Outback, whether you prefer professional training or team bonding.
Request a quote and let your next event be filled with less AI automation but more conversation. And remember: just “a smile is the shortest distance between two people,”—Victor Borge.
Author Bio
Catherine Schwartz is an author who specializes in employee well-being and engagement.
