Just because it is cold outside does not mean that the employee development needs to be put on hold. Companies can add fall/winter indoor/onsite team building sessions to the calendar without fear of frostbite. Staff will have a blast engaging in a variety of adventures and forge new relationships in the process. There is nothing better than some activity to get rid of the cold weather blues.

Fall/winter indoor/onsite team building can take many forms and the only limitation is the planner’s imagination. Scavenger hunts are always popular, especially with teams that do not like a lot of physical activity. Teams of small to large size receive clues that lead them to certain checkpoints where they must complete a task in order to move on to the next point. Working together, teams use critical thinking and communication skills to reach the finish line.

Groups that love the physical stuff will enjoy a mini Olympics complete with bob sledding, speed skating, curling, hockey, ski racing, and a biathlon. Though they may not be able to make it to the real thing, they will have a great time competing against other teams in the bid to win a medal. Some traditional summer activities such as volleyball and track and field can even be brought indoors and added to the competition.

It is important to stay healthy in mind and body, so health and team building activities should be incorporated into the fall/winter indoor/onsite team building. Groups learn about nutrition and practice some mind and body relaxation techniques like yoga, shiatsu, and meditation. They bond during meals and also engage in activities designed to foster trust and strengthen relationships.

If getting out of the office is a priority, offsite team building activities can take place at convention locations, a public park, or at the site of an experiential event company. Xpeerience Group is one such company that has a massive facility at Polson Pier in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This location can best be described as a 200,000 square foot "playground" because it features everything from beach volleyball courts to a human foosball game.

The 50,000 indoor event area at this location is perfect for fall/winter indoor/onsite team building incorporated into a company trade show. Many employers choose to fly employees to a facility like this for some holiday team building fun. This is a great alternative to the traditional office holiday party and employees will get a lot more out of it than a full belly and a hangover.

As the leaves turn brown and fall to the ground, companies should begin planning their fall/winter indoor/onsite team building sessions. There are many possibilities in terms of activities and the location options are just as numerous. Wherever it is held and whatever adventures are included, employees will benefit greatly from the experience. Not only will they engage in some mental and physical activity, they will do the bonding that is intended and that is something they will carry back to the workplace to improve relationships and enhance productivity.