More than half of French workers would like to enjoy more team-building opportunities outside the traditional workplace. And this is no coincidence: almost all of them recognise that a seminar or a day dedicated to team building improves productivity, creates bonds and allows them to calmly discuss fundamental issues that are often impossible to address in the office. These figures perfectly illustrate the importance of such events, even if, at first glance, a team-building project may seem secondary in a company’s overall budget.
But then, how much should you actually budget for a team-building outing? What expenses should you anticipate? Which options should you prioritise based on your budget? In this article, we break down all the factors you need to consider in order to build a realistic budget that is tailored to your objectives.
What factors influence your team building budget?
Organising a team-building outing is a bit like planning a company trip: several key factors can affect the final cost. The objective, location, activities chosen, duration and number of participants are all factors that will influence your budget.
The seminar venue
Location is one of the most significant factors affecting costs. There are considerable differences between prices in central Paris, on the French Riviera or in the mountains, and those in rural France, where services are often more affordable.
Beyond the general location, the type of venue also has a major impact:
- An outdoor space in a public park generally costs very little.
- A private estate, castle or abbey capable of accommodating several hundred guests can represent a much more substantial investment.
- Unusual venues (renovated barns, craft workshops, barges, rooftops) have a wide range of prices depending on their standard and exclusivity.
Don’t forget to factor in transport costs, which are often underestimated. Moving an entire team 200 km away from your offices can represent a significant portion of the overall budget, especially if you opt for private coaches or trains.
The duration of your outing
Duration is a determining factor that can literally multiply your budget.
- Half-day: a simple and economical solution to maintain cohesion without breaking the bank.
- Full day: generally requires a larger budget as it often includes a meal, snacks, and even two activities.
- Multi-day stay: as soon as accommodation comes into play, the bill can easily quadruple. Food and lodging are among the most expensive items.
That said, don’t be fooled: a simple day in a natural and peaceful setting can have as much impact on team building as an expensive trip abroad. What matters most is the quality of the interactions and the meaning you give to the event.
The number of participants
The number of employees naturally influences each expense item: activities, meals, transport, venue hire, etc. All these costs are multiplied by the number of participants.
However, you don’t have to take the whole company with you. Some teams need team building more than others:
- a newly formed team,
- a tense department that needs to calm its communication,
- a group that has achieved ambitious goals, to be congratulated.
Selecting a targeted audience allows you to optimise your budget while delivering a memorable experience.
A budget of less than €50 per person
With less than €50 per participant, it is essential to be strategic. First and foremost, clarify your objectives:
- Would you prefer to focus on the activity?
- The meal?
- The setting?
- Or the business meeting?
This reflection will enable you to determine where you can agree to make concessions.
Tips for optimising this budget:
- Compare providers: do not limit yourself to the first page of Google results; many small businesses offer excellent activities at very reasonable prices.
- Aim for the low season: January, May, June, September and December are months of high demand. Outside these periods, service providers are more flexible and sometimes open to discounts.
- Adjust your ambitions: there’s no point aiming for a full day of Olympic-style games with high-end cocktails for €20. If you want to focus on the activity, keep the meal simple. A convivial but modest lunch will be just as appreciated.
A small budget does not prevent a great moment of cohesion: it is the intention that counts as much as the organisation.
An average budget of between €50 and €150 per person
This is the most common price range in France. With this budget, you can organise a comprehensive, high-quality event.
Examples of possible services:
- Escape game
- Mixology or cooking classes
- The Olympics revisited
- Orienteering rally or treasure hunt
- Creative workshop (ceramics, cooking, painting, crafts)
You can also combine your activity with lunch, cocktails or a meeting in an unusual venue.
If your budget allows, why not give a small personalised gift?
- flocked cap or water bottle,
- local bottle,
- eco-friendly notebooks or goodies.
These gestures create lasting memories and strengthen the corporate culture.
A ‘big budget’ above €150 per person
Here, you want to make a lasting impression. The possibilities are endless:
- evening in an exceptional location,
- Michelin-starred chef giving a demonstration or hosting a private dinner,
- high-end entertainment,
- unusual team building activities (virtual reality, expert workshops, venue hire),
- conference hosted by an inspiring personality.
You could also consider a comprehensive seminar lasting several days, without leaving the UK. There’s no need to travel halfway around the world: our country is full of estates, eco-lodges, charming hotels and natural settings that are perfect for total immersion.
Free tips
Because good team building does not necessarily require a huge budget, here are some simple but effective tips:
✦ 1. Use your imagination
Organise workshops at home.
Group games, simple sporting challenges, pétanque or Molkky tournaments, or giant quizzes: accessible and very sociable activities.
✦ 2. No budget for meals?
Opt for a collaborative picnic.
Everyone brings a dish or a speciality: conviviality guaranteed and minimal cost.
✦ 3. Capture the moment
Take photographs of your event.
The images can then be shared, included in an internal newsletter or displayed in the break room. This prolongs the positive effect of team building.
✦ 4. Manage the organisation internally if possible
Hiring an event agency ensures perfect organisation but has a significant impact on the budget.
If you have the time and resources, organising the event internally can significantly reduce costs.
