Emerging trends in team building: innovation, empathy and sustainability
Team building is evolving rapidly to reflect a new world of work defined by hybrid environments, increased emphasis on wellbeing, and the growing importance of values like sustainability and empathy
Companies are no longer opting for generic exercises—they are seeking meaningful, tech-driven, and socially responsible experiences that strengthen collaboration and morale. Below, we explore the key emerging trends that are reshaping team building in 2025.
Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR)
One of the most notable shifts in corporate team building is the integration of sustainability and CSR initiatives. Teams are now engaging in activities that not only bring them closer but also contribute positively to their communities and the environment.
From tree planting and beach clean-ups to sustainable construction projects for local schools or shelters, many organisations are choosing team events that reflect their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments. These initiatives allow employees to bond while promoting shared values of responsibility and ethical engagement. Another trend involves formalised corporate volunteering schemes, where employees can collectively contribute to causes aligned with their organisation’s mission. This approach builds team spirit and boosts brand reputation, while offering a profound sense of purpose to employees.
Immersive technology: VR and AI in team building
The application of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising team experiences by creating simulated environments that foster collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.
With VR, teams can be transported into gamified experiences—like navigating a virtual escape room or exploring a distant planet—that require strategic cooperation. These environments remove everyday workplace hierarchies, promoting more equal and open team dynamics. AI is enabling a new level of customisation. Systems can now assess individual profiles and team structures to deliver highly tailored team building experiences, suggesting activities that match personality types, skill levels, and communication styles. This leads to higher engagement and more meaningful outcomes.
Customisation and high-engagement experiences
Teams are becoming more diverse and complex, and companies are responding with hyper-personalised team building programmes that reflect specific goals, challenges, and team dynamics. Rather than booking off-the-shelf packages, many organisations now work with event planners or consultants to co-create team building activities. These are often aligned with company culture, industry context, or current transformation efforts (e.g. digitalisation, cross-departmental collaboration).
Especially in hybrid teams, events increasingly blend in-person components with digital tools to ensure inclusivity and participation across locations. Gamification, live polling, and collaborative apps make remote team members feel equally engaged and valued.
Emotional intelligence and empathy development
There is growing recognition that emotional intelligence (EQ) is key to effective teamwork. More organisations are including EQ training in their team building strategies to improve communication, resilience, and collaboration.
Teams engage in guided activities designed to foster understanding of different perspectives. These may include storytelling, listening circles, or simulations that encourage participants to "step into someone else’s shoes." Rather than standard lectures or coaching, companies are opting for experiential learning. Through theatre-based training, improvisation games, or VR empathy scenarios, employees build stronger interpersonal awareness in a fun, impactful way.
Team building is becoming a strategic tool
In 2025, team building is no longer a nice-to-have activity. It’s a strategic lever for developing culture, enhancing inclusion, and responding to the complex needs of modern teams. From sustainability-focused CSR projects to AI-enhanced personalisation and immersive tech, companies now have powerful tools to create connection and meaning at work. The trend is clear: build teams not just to perform, but to grow together with purpose.