10 Best Practices for Incorporating a Give Back Teambuilding Component into Your Annual Events

10 Best Practices for Incorporating a Give Back Teambuilding Component into Your Annual Events

It’s that time of year when event professionals are working to plan all the details of annual kick-off meetings and events. These team gatherings are important to set the tone and energy for the upcoming year. They offer a unique opportunity to bring teams together, align on objectives, and foster a strong sense of unity, purpose and motivation. 

Incorporating a give back teambuilding component into your agenda can also make a lasting impact on your entire team–fostering a sense of pride and connection to your organization while showcasing your commitment to corporate social responsibility. 

With over 19 years in the business, we’ve gathered our top 10 best practices to ensure your give back teambuilding activity is a success.

1. Align with Company Values and Causes

Match the give back beneficiary with a cause that resonates with your company’s philanthropic values. This alignment will ensure the activity feels authentic and reinforces your organizational culture.

Example: If you’re an innovative tech company relying on engineering talent, consider a give back promoting STEM education for kids.

2. Engage Employees in the Planning Process

Involve your employees in selecting and planning the give back activity. This not only ensures that the chosen activity will be meaningful to the team but also fosters a sense of empowerment and enthusiasm.

Example: Conduct a quick survey or host a brainstorming session where employees can propose and vote on the best way for your team to give back at the event.

3. Partner with Local Nonprofits

Select a local nonprofit to ensure your efforts are impactful to the local community. If your team is traveling to a different location, making an impact on the city you’re traveling to adds meaning to your trip and leaves something behind after you’ve left.

Example: Research local nonprofits to work with or support such as a local Boys & Girls Club, hospital or school. Get input from them on what they need and/or donations they would welcome vs making assumptions on what they need most. 

4. Set Clear Objectives and Expectations

Define the objectives of the give back activity and communicate them clearly to your team. Ensure everyone understands the purpose, their roles, expected outcomes and alignment with your company’s CSR goals.

Example: Promote the activity in advance of your event via email, your internal intranet, meeting app or any other event promotion. To introduce the event, repeat these messages and provide detailed instructions on how the activity will be carried out.

5. Incorporate Teambuilding Elements

Design the give back activity to include teambuilding elements that promote collaboration, communication, problem-solving, trust and fun. These activities reinforce the importance of teamwork while also achieving your give back goals.

Example: Organize collaborative, and possibly even competitive, challenges for teams to participate in. For example, teams can compete in a trivia quiz game where they earn points to acquire items needed to fulfill the donations.

6. Short on Time? Think Outside the Agenda.

Sometimes your meeting agenda is packed and setting aside time for a give back teambuilding session is difficult. Get creative with ideas that can fill in around the event. 

Example: Create a “drop-in” give back area next to your event registration or help desk where participants can stop by in between sessions or on a lunch break to pack donations for a local organization (e.g. hygiene kits for the unhoused or STEM kits for a local school). 

7. Allow Beneficiary to Raise Awareness

Incorporate time in the program for a representative from the beneficiary organization to speak to the participants about the impact of their donation. This can be either in person or via video message. 

Example: Have the beneficiary close out your event, sharing first-hand how the donation will impact their organization. And, if time allows and they are on-site, create an opportunity for team members to interact with the representative one on one.

8. Celebrate and Recognize Contributions

Acknowledge and celebrate your team’s efforts and contributions. This recognition will reinforce the activity’s positive impact and encourage ongoing engagement in give back initiatives.

Example: Highlight the activity in your company newsletter, social media, and during company meetings, and recognize standout contributions with awards or shout-outs.

9. Document and Share the Impact

Document the activity through photos, videos, and stories, and share the impact with your wider organization and community. This not only showcases your company’s commitment to CSR but also inspires others to get involved.

Example: Create a video or photo recap of the event and share it on your company’s intranet, social media channels, and external website.

10. Follow Up and Sustain the Momentum

Encourage ongoing engagement by providing opportunities for employees to continue supporting the cause. This could include regular volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, or additional teambuilding activities focused on giving back.

Example: Establish a volunteer committee that organizes quarterly give back activities and keeps the momentum going throughout the year.

Incorporating a giveback teambuilding component into your annual events is a powerful way to foster a strong sense of purpose and unity within your team. By following these best practices, you can ensure that the activity is meaningful, impactful, and enhances your overall event experience. Not only will your team feel more connected and motivated, but they will also take pride in contributing to a greater cause, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.