How can you motivate employees with a well-organized company outing?

A well-organized company outing motivates employees by taking them completely out of their daily routine, creating space for genuine connection, and giving them the sense that the organization is investing in them. The combination of a surprising setting, an energizing activity, and good food has been proven to work better than a standard happy hour or a meeting with a catering table. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about organizing a company outing that truly leaves a lasting impression.

What makes a company outing truly motivating for employees?

A company outing is truly motivating when employees feel that it was organized with them in mind, not just to check a box on the HR calendar. That means: a venue that surprises, a program tailored to the group, and an atmosphere where everyone feels at ease. Recognition, fun, and appreciation are the three keys.

Employees don’t remember a team-building event because of the PowerPoint presentation that was shown during the day, but because of the moment someone stood on a kitesurfing board for the first time, or the lunch that was far too delicious to eat in a hurry. Experiences that take people outside their comfort zone but still feel safe create memories that strengthen the bond between colleagues.

Motivation after a team-building outing also stems from a sense of equality. When the director and a junior employee try something new together, hierarchical barriers temporarily disappear. This has a direct impact on how people interact with one another in the workplace the following week.

How do you choose the right program for a company outing?

You should choose the right program for a company outing based on three factors: the composition of the group, the purpose of the day, and the time available. A group of twenty young colleagues needs a different program than a management team of fifty people with varying fitness levels. Always start with the purpose; the details will fall into place naturally.

Ask yourself these questions beforehand:

Are we primarily looking for connection, relaxation, or a substantive kick-off?
Is the group physically active, or is not everyone interested in a fitness program?
How much time is available, including travel time?
Does the outing need to be approved internally by the finance department or management?

A common mistake is choosing a program that only works for part of the group. Those who aren’t interested in the activity will mentally tune out, which has a counterproductive effect on motivation. A good venue therefore always offers several options side by side, so that everyone can find a role that suits them.

What is the difference between team building and a regular company outing?

Team building is designed to improve collaboration, communication, or mutual trust within a team, using a specific activity as a tool. A typical company outing is primarily aimed at relaxation, recognition, and enjoyment, without an explicit learning objective. Both are valuable, but confusing the two often leads to disappointing results.

In team building, the activity serves a goal related to group dynamics. Think of a power kiting session where colleagues literally have to rely on one another, or a beach games program where teams must work together strategically. The debrief afterward is just as important as the activity itself.

A company outing without a team-building component isn’t necessarily less valuable. Sometimes a team just needs a day without a set agenda, with good food and the chance to catch up. That downtime and those informal connections also have a positive effect on teamwork, just in a more indirect way. The choice depends on what the group needs most at that moment.

How much budget do you need for a good company outing?

For a good company outing in 2026, you can expect to spend an average of between fifty and one hundred fifty euros per person, depending on the duration, the activities, and the catering requirements. It’s difficult to combine both an activity and a full meal for less than fifty euros per person. Above 150 euros per person, you’ll quickly find yourself in the realm of multi-day outings or exclusive packages.

A practical way to justify the budget internally is to provide a clear package per person. This makes the proposal transparent and easy to forward for approval. Make sure the package includes everything: venue costs, activities, catering, and, if necessary, a coordinator. Hidden costs that surface later are the quickest way to lose internal support for future outings.

Also consider transportation. A venue that’s easily accessible by public transportation or has ample parking not only saves money but also reduces hassle on the day of the event.

Which location works best for a company outing?

The best venue for a company outing combines an inspiring setting with practical amenities. A setting that offers a break from the daily office routine—such as the coast, a forest, or an industrial building—immediately puts people in a different frame of mind. At the same time, the venue must be professional enough to be taken seriously within the company.

A company outing at the beach scores high on both counts. The open space, the sound of the sea, and the fresh air provide an immediate sense of relaxation that an indoor venue can never match. At the same time, a beach location like BLOW Beach House at the Zandmotor offers modern AV facilities, high-quality catering from our own kitchen, and active programs such as kitesurfing and beach games, for groups ranging from fifteen to seven hundred fifty people.

When choosing a location, also keep the following in mind:

Is there a designated coordinator who serves as the point of contact?
Can the venue handle changing weather conditions?
Is catering handled in-house or outsourced?
Does the atmosphere fit the company's culture?

How can you ensure that a company outing continues to have an impact even after it’s over?

A company outing has a lasting impact when you consciously link the day’s experiences to the workplace. That doesn’t mean a mandatory debriefing the following week, but rather a small, deliberate follow-up: a shared photo, a brief recap during a team meeting, or an informal reference to a moment from the day. These small touchpoints keep the memory alive.

The following also applies: repetition reinforces the effect. A single annual outing has less impact than two or three smaller events spread out over the year. The investment doesn’t always have to be significant, as long as the intention is consistent. Employees who see that appreciation is a structural part of the company culture are more loyal and motivated than those who are surprised just once a year.

Finally, ask the group for some brief feedback afterward. Not as a mandatory form, but as a sincere question. What was your favorite part? What would you do differently next time? That input will help make the next outing even better and shows employees that their opinions matter, even outside of work-related matters. Would you like to discuss the options for your group? Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should you plan a company outing?

To ensure a successful company outing, it’s a good idea to start planning at least six to eight weeks in advance, especially if you have a popular venue or a specific date in mind. During peak season (May through September), beach venues and other popular destinations fill up quickly. If you start planning earlier, you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to the program, the budget, and any custom options.

What do you do if some of the group doesn't want to participate in the activity?

Always choose a venue or program that allows for multiple levels of participation, so that no one feels pressured. A good venue always offers quieter alternatives alongside the main activity, such as a lounge area, a walk, or an informal chat over a drink. Also, make it clear in advance that participation is optional and can be tailored to each person’s own pace and preferences: this lowers the barrier to entry and improves the overall atmosphere.

How do you organize a company outing that works for a diverse group with different ages and fitness levels?

When working with a mixed group, focus on activities where the level of challenge can be adjusted, so that both a fit person in their 20s and a less athletic person in their 50s can play a meaningful role. Beach games, cooking workshops, or creative team assignments are well-suited for this. Discuss the options for people with physical limitations with the venue or provider in advance, so you don’t unintentionally exclude anyone.

What are some common mistakes people make when planning a company outing?

The most common mistake is planning a schedule that’s too packed, leaving no room for spontaneous conversations and relaxation—even though those are often the most valuable moments. Other pitfalls include: booking too late and having to settle for a less-than-ideal venue, failing to adequately account for dietary preferences or allergies, and making the outing a one-time event without follow-up or repeat opportunities. A good organizer plans the structure tightly but deliberately keeps the atmosphere relaxed.

Should you ask your employees in advance what they want, or is a surprise better?

A quick survey beforehand—for example, a short poll with two or three options—increases engagement and reduces the risk of the activity not aligning with the group’s preferences. This is different from letting the group design the entire outing, as that would eliminate the element of surprise. The happy medium: gauge the general preference (active vs. relaxing, indoors vs. outdoors) and keep the specific details a surprise.

How do you get a company outing approved internally by the finance department or management?

Don’t present the team-building event as an expense, but as an investment in employee retention, motivation, and team cohesion, and back that up with concrete figures such as the costs of employee turnover or absenteeism due to illness. Provide a transparent quote per person that includes all costs, so there are no hidden surprises. If possible, link the outing to a specific business objective, such as a kick-off after a reorganization or a celebration of a successful quarter, to underscore its business relevance.

How many times a year should you organize a company outing?

Two to three events spread out over the course of the year have been shown to have a greater impact on employee satisfaction than a single large annual event. These don’t all have to be large-scale outings: smaller activities in between, such as a group lunch at a unique location or a short workshop, also make a difference. Consistency in showing appreciation has more impact than occasional grand gestures.

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