06-11-2025 03:49:02
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4 tips for a successful team day

Team day, wellbeing day, staff away day, TYHY, TYKY… A day with many names – but one shared purpose. A group that normally works together is brought outside the workplace for a few hours, a full day, or more and invited to do something completely different – together. These days, it’s often about team building: getting to know each other on a deeper level to build trust and mutual respect.

At Ikaalinen Spa & Resort, we’ve been organising team days long before the term even existed – here are our seasoned tips for how to strengthen your team and lift everyone’s spirits!

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#1 A Full Day in the Great Outdoors

Fresh air and a dose of movement can work wonders. For most people, being outside also means stepping into a different role – and different clothes – than in everyday work life. One of the most effective ways to boost team spirit is to gently shake things up: let colleagues see each other in a new light.

Experience has shown that even a small step outside the comfort zone can have a big impact on team morale.

Activities that are suitable for all and fairly relaxed include:

Guided canoeing
Fatbiking
Archery

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#2 Pure Enjoyment

A key purpose of a team or wellbeing day is to thank and engage your employees – and to strengthen your employer brand in the process. A dinner out is always a safe choice, of course – but what if you took it up a notch?

A truly indulgent day could include experiences like:

Viininmaistelu
Day Spa treatments
A private gig or stand-up show

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#3 Just a Sauna Evening?

Absolutely! A team day doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. But it’s always worth adding something a little special to the evening. We recommend our traditional smoke sauna – its cosy fireplace room can comfortably host 20–25 people for an atmospheric dinner.

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4# Set a Goal – and Ask for Feedback

Whatever you call your team day, it should have a purpose. And in the 2020s, that purpose can be something a little more meaningful than just everyone reaching the same blood alcohol level. A popular approach is to begin the day over breakfast in a meeting room – taking time to review shared practices or talk about team values. It’s also the perfect moment to go over the day’s schedule and set the tone.

After the day, don’t forget to ask for feedback. It’ll give you valuable insight for planning the next one!

DOES IT HAVE TO BE FUN WITHOUT ALCOHOL?

Can it be? Yes. Should it be? Also yes. But must it be? Not necessarily.

Let’s be honest – traditionally, many team days have ended with the whole team being at least somewhat tipsy. And for many, that’s still something they expect from the evening.

Fortunately, alcohol is no longer an essential part of spending time together. In fact, it’s a good idea to include moments of bonding during the day that don’t involve drinking at all.

That said, be prepared: alcohol is still often expected at dinner and afterwards. And of course, it’s now standard to offer non-alcoholic options as well – which is easier than ever with excellent alcohol-free beers, cocktails, and wines available.

DON’T FORGET THE TAX DEDUCTION!

The costs of a team day are tax-deductible for the company when the event is organised by the employer and intended for the entire staff. However, it is acceptable to limit participation by department or location.

If external individuals are included as participants, their share of the costs is not tax-deductible.

PROFESSIONALS AT YOUR SERVICE!

Ikaalinen Spa & Resort offers top-quality services, versatile facilities, and endless possibilities – making it the ideal place for your next team day, wellbeing day, or staff away day. And we haven’t even mentioned the best part: we’re a spa, with a variety of pools and saunas waiting for you!

We’ve also got one more ace up our sleeve – our leisure manager and sales team are highly experienced in organising corporate events of all kinds. They’re here to help you design and deliver a day that perfectly fits your team.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch:

Sales team: myynti@ikaalinenspa.fi or by phone  0600 12340 (0.71 €/min + local/mobile network charge)

Leisure Manager Joni Suominen joni.suominen@ikaalinenspa.fi