In today’s fast-paced corporate world, communication is the glue that holds everything together. Strong communication drives productivity, builds trust, reduces misunderstandings and strengthens workplace culture.
Yet, despite its importance, many businesses struggle to find fun ways to build communication skills at work that don’t feel forced or artificial. Mini golf is a light-hearted game that might be the secret weapon your workplace has been searching for.
Mini golf isn’t just about sinking the ball into the hole with the fewest strokes. It’s about creativity, strategy, patience, and most importantly, connection. That’s why it has become one of the most effective team building activities for organisations that want to foster better communication while keeping things fun.
The Connection Between Play and Communication
Before diving into mini golf specifically, let’s talk about why play is so important for adults in the workplace. When we engage in playful activities, our brains release endorphins, helping reduce stress and encouraging openness. Barriers that might exist in a formal work setting, like hierarchy, shyness, or departmental silos tend to fade away.
Mini golf is the perfect balance of play and strategy. It requires communication, whether it’s teammates sharing tips, offering encouragement, or joking about the tricky windmill obstacle. These small moments of connection translate into stronger communication skills that carry over into day-to-day workplace interactions.
Mini Golf as a Team Building Activity
Traditional corporate training often focuses on lectures, slideshows or role-playing exercises. While these have their place, they don’t always create lasting changes. Employees may retain information, but they often miss the emotional and relational bonding that happens during fun corporate team activities.
Mini golf, on the other hand, is active, social and easy to learn. Everyone can participate regardless of age, fitness level or sporting ability. No one feels left out, and because it’s low-pressure, employees can relax and be themselves. This is why mini golf is emerging as one of the most creative and enjoyable team building activities available.
Fun Ways to Build Communication Skills at Work
So how exactly does mini golf help improve communication? Here are some examples:
Encourages Conversation
Mini golf courses are filled with pauses between shots, leaving plenty of room for casual conversation. These moments help employees learn more about one another beyond their job titles.
Promotes Active Listening
When teammates share strategies on how to tackle a hole, others must listen and adapt. This practice of listening in a fun setting reinforces active listening skills that are essential in the workplace.
Strengthens Non-Verbal Communication
Communication isn’t just about words. Cheering, high-fives or shared laughter at a tricky obstacle all build positive non-verbal connections between colleagues.
Fosters Collaboration
Whether it’s solving how to get around a challenging curve or competing in team-based scoring formats, mini golf encourages collaboration, problem-solving and supportive communication.
These skills directly transfer back into the workplace, making mini golf one of the most enjoyable and fun ways to build communication skills at work.
Breaking Down Workplace Barriers
In many workplaces, communication challenges come from barriers: department silos, leadership hierarchies, or generational differences. A game of mini golf levels the playing field. The CEO could be just as likely to miss a tricky putt as a new intern. That sense of equality fosters respect and helps employees feel more comfortable communicating with each other in the office.
This unique dynamic makes mini golf team building especially effective at breaking down invisible barriers and helping employees build genuine, relaxed relationships.
Why Mini Golf Improves Workplace Relationships
At its core, mini golf is social. It’s about more than sinking the ball – it’s about laughing at the obstacles, sharing in small victories and sometimes celebrating epic failures. These shared experiences create memories that strengthen bonds among colleagues.
When people return to the office after a game, they carry that positive energy with them. A shared laugh about “that impossible loop-de-loop hole” becomes a story retold over coffee breaks. Over time, these experiences improve workplace relationships and build a culture where employees feel comfortable reaching out, asking questions, or offering help.
Mini Golf vs. Other Fun Corporate Team Activities
Plenty of fun corporate team activities exist: escape rooms, cooking classes, trivia nights and outdoor adventures. While these are all great options, mini golf has some unique advantages:
- Accessibility: Anyone can play, no special skills required.
- Low Pressure: There’s no physical strain or competitive intensity that might intimidate people.
- Indoor and Outdoor Options: From quirky indoor mini golf bars like What The Putt with a uniquely themed course and arcade games, to scenic outdoor courses, you can choose a venue that suits your company culture.
- Flexible Group Sizes: Whether you have a small team of 5 or a large group of 50, mini golf works.
These qualities make mini golf stand out as a versatile, inclusive, and highly effective team building activity.
Practical Tips for Planning a Mini Golf Team Building Event
If you’re convinced mini golf is your workplace’s secret weapon, here are a few tips for making your event a success:
Choose the Right Venue
Indoor mini golf venues are perfect for after-work sessions, while outdoor courses work well for daytime retreats. What The Putt provides an exciting mini golf course with a well-stocked bar and delicious food, making the event more social.
Add a Team Twist
Instead of just playing individually, create team formats where communication and collaboration are essential. For example, try alternating shots or assigning different “roles” for each hole.
Encourage Interaction
Mix up departments or teams so employees get to know people they don’t usually work with.
Celebrate Together
End with a small prize ceremony or casual drinks to highlight the fun achievements of the day.
The Lasting Impact of Mini Golf on Workplace Communication
The real magic of mini golf is its ripple effect. A single afternoon of laughter, problem-solving and teamwork doesn’t end when the game is over. It leads to:
- Increased trust between employees.
- Better problem-solving as teams learn to communicate openly.
- More approachable leadership.
- Stronger bonds that improve workplace relationships.
When people feel comfortable communicating at work, productivity rises, misunderstandings decrease and morale soars. Mini golf may seem like just a game, but its ability to open lines of communication is powerful.
If your workplace is searching for fresh, engaging, and effective team building activities, mini golf is a winning choice. It breaks down barriers, encourages collaboration, and provides countless fun ways to build communication skills at work. More importantly, it creates lasting memories that strengthen bonds and improve workplace relationships long after the last putt has been made.
So, the next time you’re brainstorming fun corporate team activities, contact What The Putt about their experience hosting team building activities. They might just be your organisation’s secret weapon for better communication.
