Experiential learning and team building: Employees have their own Downton Abbey experience

Date: 19/01/2012

With the success of Downton Abbey at the Golden Globes and the nation gripped with the interplay between the upper class and servant characters, an Edwardian country house could be the perfect backdrop for corporate team building activities.

Every organisation should think carefully about the kind of team building event they embark upon and whether it suits their staff or clients.

Dressing up in period costume and enjoying the pursuits of a simpler age can appeal to many and is a great way to bring employees out of themselves.

Within this setting the day can be tailored to the specific needs of an organisation in order to achieve the team building aims required.

A whole host of activities can be undertaken at a country house, but with the theme kept in mind, including archery, treasure trails and performing poetry or taking part in interactive theatre.

Team building days away from the workplace provide the perfect opportunity for the dynamic between staff to get an overhaul.

Skills which nobody realised people had can come to the fore and a shared sense of achievement can be invaluable on returning back to the usual workplace.

It is amazing how many skills developed on away days are transferrable and can be used in the office or when talking to clients or customers.

Living the Downton Abbey experience for a day is also a great way to boost employee motivation, as such team building is fun and relaxing, making it even more beneficial.

Photographs of the team taken in period costume will not just act as a fun reminder of the day, but also stand out to those visiting the office or company website.

Taking inspiration from a television show or common interest people in the office share is a great starting place for thinking about team building activities, but making sure everyone is included is vitally important. ADNFCR-2060-ID-801269191-ADNFCR