Escape rooms are not just about fun and games — they can be a useful tool to for team building, problem-solving, and improving communication among your colleagues. Not only that, but they are a great fun activity to do for a work event such as a Christmas party or a fun away day. At Trapped In Fiction, we have games which can fit up to 14 people at once, and can run back to back sessions to get all of your team in to enjoy our experiences.
So if you’re looking for a unique and engaging way to boost your team’s collaboration, booking an escape room experience could be just what you need. This guide will walk you through the process of choosing the right escape room for your corporate team building event, while offering expert advice on what to consider when planning your next corporate outing.
Why Choose an Escape Room for a work event?
Escape rooms provide an environment that challenges groups to think critically, communicate effectively, and work together to solve puzzles under pressure. As you work through the puzzles, your team will be able to improve a range of skills, such as:
Fun: The most important thing for a work event is that everyone enjoys themselves, and escape rooms are great at providing an environment where everyone can have a good time, and let their hair down.
Communication: Quick and clear communication is the key to solving puzzles. You will need to share ideas, and listen to each other to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Problem-Solving: Escape rooms have a range of challenging puzzles which need creative thinking, and so will test your team’s ability to come up with solutions under time constraints.
Time Management: Most escape rooms are timed, usually 60 mins to solve all the puzzles, making it necessary to stay organised and prioritise tasks to maximise efficiency.
Escape rooms also offer a break from the typical office environment, encouraging employees to work together in a fun, relaxed setting. It’s no wonder they’ve become one of the most popular corporate team-building activities.
Step 1: Choose the Right Escape Room Theme
When booking an escape room for your team, choosing the right theme is important consideration. You want a theme that encourages collaboration, promotes creativity, and isn’t too intimidating for employees who may be new to escape rooms. Consider whether your team would thrive in an environment with a more playful, light-hearted atmosphere or if they would prefer something more challenging.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a theme:
Difficulty Level: If your team has a mix of experienced and first-time players, choose a room that’s not too difficult to avoid frustration. Some escape rooms offer difficulty levels for various experience levels, and Trapped In Fiction offers this option. – Storyline: The theme and storyline should be engaging but not too complex. A compelling narrative helps immerse the team and keeps them focused.
Team Size: Some escape rooms accommodate large groups while others are designed for smaller teams. Be sure to check the capacity before making your booking. At Trapped In Fiction we have of the largest capacities in the area, as we have a room which can take up to 8 people at once. Most escape rooms tend to have a limit of 6.
Step 2: Considering the Location
Location is key when booking an escape room. Ideally, it should be easily accessible for all your employees. Choose a venue that’s close to your office or a central location to make it convenient for everyone to attend. For example, Trapped in Fiction in Basingstoke offer team building experiences in a convenient location close the all the bars and restaurants in the town centre, perfect for local businesses.
You’ll also want to check parking availability or transportation options, as this will make it easier for your team to arrive. Many escape room venues outside of town centres offer dedicated parking, while those in town centres tend to be located near paid for car parks.
Step 3: Look for Corporate-Friendly Packages
Many escape rooms offer special corporate packages tailored to team-building groups. These may not be immediately clear from the website and contacting the escape rooms directly may unlock hidden offers. There may be discounted rates, event coordinators, and customizable experiences. For example, we at Trapped in Fiction offer bespoke timings to get all your group in one after another, and reduced prices on request for large groups.
When looking for a corporate-friendly package, here are a few things to consider:
Group Discounts: Many escape rooms offer discounts for large groups or corporate bookings. Be sure to inquire about group rates.
Team-Building Add-ons: Look for options like facilitators or icebreaker activities to enhance the experience. Some venues offer debriefing sessions, where a facilitator helps the team discuss communication styles, leadership, and problem-solving strategies that came up during the game.
Step 4: Check Reviews and Testimonials
Before committing to an escape room for your corporate event, it’s a good idea to check out online reviews and testimonials. Websites like Google Reviews or TripAdvisor can provide valuable information from past corporate teams to help you make your decision.
At Trapped in Fiction, for example, we are known for our immersive and unique experiences, with reviews highlighting our creative puzzle design and engaging themes.
Step 5: Plan Ahead and Book Early
Escape rooms can get busy, especially during peak times like weekends or holidays. To ensure your preferred date and time, it’s best to book in advance. Most escape rooms have online booking systems, making it easy to get your preferred spot. If you have extra needs its a good idea to contact the venue directly to discuss these and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.
Step 6: Focus on Team Debrief and Takeaways
The fun doesn’t end when the last puzzle is solved. One of the most valuable parts of a corporate escape room experience is talking about it afterwards. We would suggest going for a drink or dinner afterwards to chat about the game, and we are happy to talk to you after your session too. Talking about your experience helps reinforce the team-building lessons learned and is a fun way to share how you completed tasks.
Step 7: Follow Up With a Fun Celebration
After the excitement of the escape room, why not go to a local bar or restaurant to continue the fun. We are happy to recommend local places if needed. Its a great opportunity to bond further and celebrate your team’s success (if you manage to escape in time!).
Final Thoughts
Booking an escape room for your next corporate team-building event is a great way to engage your team, improve communication, and boost morale. By choosing the right theme, looking for corporate-friendly packages, and reading reviews from past customers, you’ll ensure that your event is a success.
Remember, Trapped in Fiction offers immersive, narrative-driven experiences perfect for team building events. With unique rooms and a choice of difficulty options, it’s a great choice for teams looking to improve communication, problem-solving, and teamwork in a fun and challenging environment.
Contact Us to start planning your next team-building experience today!
