Unless you’re completely out of touch, it won’t be news to you that most people dread attending corporate events and usually only do so because said events are mandatory or because they fear being penalized somehow or missing networking and advancement opportunities by not attending. It can be very challenging to think up corporate event ideas that actually make people want to show up. But it’s only difficult because most people are going about it the wrong way. Instead of fixating on check boxes and metrics, try focusing on uniting everyone in attendance in a common goal that doesn’t have anything to do with their typical responsibilities at work. To help you get some ideas, we’ll be going over some nature-inspired corporate event ideas here in this article. It’s not surprising that some of the best ways to cultivate team spirit and a sense of common purpose involve reconnecting with nature and working together to do something that makes those involved feel more like part of something bigger than themselves.
Note: We usually operate as a wedding venue, but, being located amidst the natural beauty of upstate New York as we are, we are also able to accommodate any of the corporate event ideas on this list.
1. Build a Nature Pond
You’d be shocked by how much something as small and simple as a nature pond can positively affect the local ecosystem. Over the seasons and years after you build it, a nature pond can attract more and more wildlife while also beautifying the area. From frogs to dragonflies and various types of birds, there are a wide variety of species that will be drawn by a new source of fresh water. And to make it even better, that new source of fresh water can also encourage the growth of beneficial and aesthetically pleasing plant species like water lilies, lotus flowers, cattails, umbrella plants, and so on. And that’s to say nothing of all the good microorganisms that will thrive in the new mini-ecosystem.
As it relates to teamwork and earning a spot on this list of corporate event ideas, the beauty of organizing a nature pond build is that it is a job that can’t effectively be done by only one person. It is not a very big job to be sure, but it is just big and complex enough to necessitate the cooperation of at least a small group of people. A hole needs to be measured and dug, the liner and rocks must be applied to the inside of that hole, all the materials and earth need to be moved to and from the work site, the water needs to be added, and it is also recommended to add native plant species. In short, building a nature pond requires the completion of several separate but related tasks, each of which needs to be delegated and managed by at least 2 people. In other words, it is a slightly more physical version of the same sort of challenge you want your employees and coworkers to be able to navigate in cooperation with each other in the workplace.
2. Plant Some Native Trees
In keeping with the theme of the last idea on this list, getting everyone together to plant some native trees and reforest your local area is another great way to foster a sense of camaraderie and team spirit while beautifying the place where you all live. Like the nature pond idea, this is also a project that is just large and complex enough to require the cooperation of multiple people (preferably split into small groups) without being so large or complex that it can’t be completed in a day or over a weekend. Also, like the nature pond, this project will result in a visible addition to the local biosphere, and everyone involved will be able to see the results of their collective efforts as the grove of trees they planted matures and grows through the seasons.
According to just about anyone who studies the subject, having more trees and green space around you improves psychological wellbeing and even contributes to a longer lifespan. Who doesn’t want more of that? And if you realy want to make a difference every day, imagine how much better will everyone’s life be at your company if they have abundant greenery around them both in and out of the building instead of a windowless cubicle with no window nearby in a building that has nothing around it but a huge parking lot and maybe a sandwich shop or generic caffeine dispensary the street? But whether it’s around the company building or in another nearby location, having more trees is never a bad thing. Well, that’s not technically true, but we assume you’re going to be planting new trees in a spot that doesn’t already have trees. And of course, planting a new grove of native trees can also create even more space for you to do the next corporate event idea on this list…
3. Attract Native Birds to the Area
Who doesn’t like birds? They look pretty, they eat annoying insects, and they make nice sounds. Don’t you wish there were more colorful and helpful birds chirping and landing on branches outside your window while you work? Well, you can do something to make that happen. As it turns out, birds generally tend to just hang out in any place that’s welcoming to them. And that’s where you come in.
To make your local area more inviting to birds, learn first which bird species are native to your area because different species will prefer different types of dwellings, nesting materials, and food sources. Certain species may or may not be friendly with each other, which is also good to know. Then, once you’ve got an idea of which birds you want to attract to the area, you can mark out a spot and start putting up some birdhouses, bird baths, bird feeders, and any other bird things that birds will see and think, “That’s where I want to be.”
Note: Remember to also come back periodically to clean and repair the birdhouses, lay out additional nesting material, and refill the bird feeders.
Conclusion
This list has been brief, and we could have added more things like volunteering at animal shelters, organizing a company picnic, or hosting a scavenger hunt in a local or national park. However, we didn’t want to make this article too long, and we’re sure you’ve already got more ideas than these floating around in your head by now anyway. But having great corporate event ideas isn’t enough. You’ve got to actually choose one of them and execute on it. So gather everyone together and get out there! 🌳🌲🌻
