Gen Z has officially entered the chat – and they’re shaking up the workplace in all the right ways.
Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation is purpose-driven, tech-savvy, and eager to connect. But here’s the catch: the same old icebreakers and awkward trust falls? Yeah, they’re not cutting it anymore. If you want to really engage your Gen Z team, you’ll need to meet them where they are. That means fresh ideas, flexible vibes, and activities that actually mean something.
So how do you do it? Let’s talk…
Understanding the Gen Z Workforce
Before you roll out your next team building day, it helps to understand what makes Gen Z tick.
What Motivates Gen Z at Work?
- • Purpose Over Paycheck – 70% of Gen Z want to work for companies that align with their values. They’re all about making a difference, not just making money. According to a 2024 UK workforce report by Legal and General, 70% of Gen Z employees prefer to work for businesses that demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility.
- • Digital First – They’ve grown up on smartphones and social feeds. Tech is second nature, and they expect it to be baked into the way they work, and play. A 2023 study by Statista found that 85% of Gen Z employees in the UK feel more engaged when technology is a major player in their work processes.
- •Real Connections – They value collaboration and crave meaningful relationships with their coworkers (even if they’re working remotely). Research from 2024 by shows that 60% of Gen Z workers prefer collaborative workspaces over isolated environments
- • Growth & Development – From day one, they want to learn, grow, and level up. A UK workplace survey found that 76% of Gen Z employees prioritize career development opportunities when choosing an employer.
- • Work-Life Balance & Flexibility – Flexibility and mental well-being are top priorities. Hybrid setups? Yes, please. A study by Microsoft Research found that 49% of Gen Z employees would consider leaving a job if flexible working options weren’t available.
Bottom line: Gen Z is motivated by experiences that blend purpose, flexibility, social connection, and tech. Your team building activities should reflect that. By designing team building experiences that cater to these needs, companies can increase engagement, improve collaboration, and retain top Gen Z talent. After all, Gen Z is the future of our workforce so we want to keep hold of the best talent wherever we can!
The Evolution of Team Building for Gen Z
Traditional activities aren’t bad, they just don’t always resonate with Gen Z. This generation wants more than just a free lunch and a round of trivia. They’re looking for shared experiences that feel authentic, energising, and meaningful.
Here’s what Gen Z-friendly team building should include:
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• Collaboration > Competition
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• Seamless tech integration
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• Social or environmental impact
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• Opportunities to learn or grow
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• Hybrid-friendly formats
Whilst it’s clear that you’re going to be hard pressed to find something which ticks all the boxes, it’s still a good place to start. Let’s look at specific activities that hit the mark.
5 Team Building Activities That Gen Z Will Actually Enjoy
Not all team building activities will appeal to Gen Z employees. Forced icebreakers or overly formal corporate events? Not their thing. Instead, focus on experiences that are interactive, tech-driven, and socially impactful.
1. Gamified Challenges
Why it works: Think live leaderboards, buzzer rounds, and head-to-head face-offs. Gen Z grew up gaming, so it’s no surprise they love a bit of playful competition.
Try This: Office Games brings a full-blown TV game show to your team. With fast-paced rounds inspired by Countdown, Family Fortunes and Taskmaster, it’s high-energy, hilarious, and totally immersive.
Pro Tip: Add in bonus rounds with prizes or use digital scoring apps for an extra wow factor
2. Socially Conscious Team Building
Why it works: Gen Z cares about the bigger picture. Activities that give back to the community? Instant win.
Try This: With a corporate social responsibility style twist, you could incorporate a team activity that supports local charities or sustainability goals. How about Charity Build A Bike?
Pro Tip: Ask Gen Z employees which causes they care about most, then build your team day around that.
3. Tech-Integrated Team Building
Why it works: Traditional trust falls? Not their thing. But interactive, digital-led challenges? Absolutely. Using apps, digital quizzes, or interactive experiences makes team building more engaging and get’s Gen Z’s attention.
Try This: Virtual reality elements, interactive quizzes, and media-based tasks can keep them engaged while encouraging teamwork. How about The Big Quiz?
Pro Tip: Use platforms like gamified treasure hunts or interactive quiz software to bring a fresh twist to team bonding. Screen casting gameplay lets the whole team collaborate in real time.
4. Creative, Hands-On Team Experiences
Why it works: Gen Z wants to create, not just consume. Give them space to make something awesome together.
Try This: In the Four Quarters Team Challenge, teams rotate through zones like collaborative painting, Lego sculpture building, and even music video making (yes, really).
Pro Tip: Showcase their finished work. Post it internally, on social, or have a mini gallery walk at the end of the day.
5. Flexible and Casual Team Bonding Activities
Why it works: Sometimes, it’s the low-pressure hangouts that make the biggest impact. Gen Z appreciates the option to just be themselves without forced fun.
Try This: Outdoor social events, informal networking games, or hybrid team building experiences that allow both remote and in-office participation.
Pro Tip: Create pop-up social areas in the office with interactive games and relaxed seating for spontaneous team bonding.
Bonus Tips To Make Your Team Building Efforts Click With Gen Z
Beyond choosing the right activities, here are some best practices to ensure your team-building strategy truly connects with Gen Z employees:
- • Make it Voluntary: Avoid mandatory team building sessions. Let employees opt-in to activities that interest them.
- • Keep It Snappy: Long, drawn-out events? No thanks. Focus on fast-paced, dynamic experiences.
- • Blend Online & Offline Experiences: Consider hybrid team building that integrates both virtual and in-person elements.
- • Link to Learning: Show them how participating in activities can help develop real workplace skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
- • Social Media Friendly: Encourage employees to share team building moments on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to create a positive workplace culture online.
- • Ask Their Opinion: Seriously, just ask what they want. You might be surprised at the creative ideas they come up with.
Why Engaging Gen Z Employees Is Important
Gen Z brings new energy, ideas, and digital fluency to the workplace. But to truly engage them, your team building needs to feel less like a box-ticking exercise and more like a shared experience they want to be part of.
When done right, team building helps Gen Z:
- • Feel more connected
- • Stay motivated
- • Learn valuable skills
- • Feel like their work matters
Gen Z really is the future of our workplace. In other words? It’s worth every penny.
Looking for modern, Gen Z-friendly team building events? We offer cutting-edge experiences tailored to today’s workforce. Get in touch to plan your next unforgettable team building event!