As workplace pressure continues to rise, the concept of employee benefits is being reexamined in a more profound and meaningful way. In the past, benefits were largely associated with salary, compensation packages, or leisure-oriented company trips. Today, however, modern organizations are shifting toward a more holistic approach – caring for employees’ physical and mental well-being as an integral part of their long-term sustainability strategy.

Driven by this need, the model that combines team building with health-focused outings, or wellness outings, has gradually taken shape and is increasingly embraced by businesses. This is not a short-lived trend, but rather an inevitable shift in human resource management thinking, where people are placed at the center of long-term organizational strategies. When thoughtfully designed, such programs do more than create memorable moments; they leave behind a lasting sense of positive energy and renewal after the journey – an outcome that every sustainable organization ultimately strives for.

When Team Building Is No Longer Just “a Game”

For many years, team building has commonly been understood as a series of high-energy, physically demanding activities designed to foster competition and energize the collective atmosphere. This approach once proved effective in quickly boosting morale and encouraging a spirit of positive competition. However, real-world implementation across many organizations has shown that such models increasingly reveal clear limitations.

Not all employees are suited to a “play hard” mentality – especially in today’s workforce, which is becoming more diverse in terms of age, physical condition, and individual needs. For some participants, these programs leave them feeling exhausted rather than restored, and may even create invisible pressure when they are required to take part in activities that do not align with their personal comfort or capacity. More importantly, the sense of bonding created is often short-lived and difficult to translate into sustained collaboration in day-to-day work.

For these reasons, “next-generation” team building needs to be redefined. Rather than focusing solely on entertainment or physical challenges, modern team building should aim for deeper outcomes: helping employees restore their energy, build more meaningful connections, and return to work with a positive, balanced, and resilient mindset.

Wellness Outings – A Solution to the Corporate Well-being Challenge

Wellness outings have emerged as a relevant and effective response to the growing health challenges within today’s corporate environment. This form of outing is designed around the balance of body, mind, and spirit, where team-based activities are thoughtfully integrated with nature and proactive well-being practices.

When incorporated into team building in a meaningful way, wellness outings deliver value far beyond that of a conventional company trip. A well-paced program, tranquil natural settings, and restorative activities allow employees to truly “rest”, both physically and mentally. Team cohesion is no longer driven by winning or competition, but rather cultivated through listening, sharing, and mutual understanding. At the same time, investing in wellness outings clearly reflects a company’s human-centered culture – demonstrating genuine care for its people, not merely a focus on performance outcomes.

What Should Companies Do to Implement Wellness Outings Effectively?

• Define clear objectives from the outset

A wellness outing should be guided by dual objectives: team development – such as strengthening connection, collaboration, trust, and internal communication – and employee well-being, including stress reduction, energy restoration, mental rejuvenation, and the promotion of healthier lifestyles. Clearly defining these goals from the outset helps prevent the program from becoming superficial and ensures that all activities are aligned with a shared strategic direction

• Design activities with a “well-being friendly” mindset

Team building within a wellness outing is no longer about physically demanding challenges, but rather a shared experiential journey that accommodates different physical conditions. Moderate, collaborative, and creative activities should be thoughtfully balanced with restorative sessions such as yoga, stretching, short meditation practices, mindful walking, forest bathing, or hot spring therapy to achieve long-term benefits.

• Select destinations that support health and well-being goals

The choice of destination plays a critical role in shaping the overall wellness outing experience. Companies should prioritize tranquil natural environments with minimal urbanization, attractive landscapes, and facilities suitable for relaxation and health-focused activities – such as hot spring resorts, peaceful coastal areas, temperate highlands, or nature reserves across Vietnam.

• Communicate the right message internally

It is essential to clearly communicate that the program is designed for employee well-being and human connection, not as a competition or an activity that requires 100% participation. When employees are encouraged to listen to their bodies and choose their level of involvement, they are more likely to engage with an open mindset, allowing the program’s impact to become deeper and more sustainable.

Exotic Vietnam – A Trusted Partner for Wellness Outings

With many years of experience in corporate travel, event management, and team building, Exotic Vietnam is a pioneer in designing in-depth wellness team building and wellness outing programs tailored to the unique culture and objectives of each organization.

Exotic Vietnam brings together a creative program design team that continuously stays abreast of emerging travel and wellness trends, a deep understanding of destinations across Vietnam that are well suited for wellness outing models, and strong, long-standing partnerships with reputable service providers. In addition, Exotic Vietnam excels in customizing programs around key objectives such as prevention, recovery, and the balance of body and mind for employees. Supported by a professional, safe, and flexible operational process, Exotic Vietnam is committed to creating journeys that are not only visually inspiring but also rich in experience, meaningful in depth, and capable of delivering genuine restorative value for people – an essential foundation for sustainable corporate growth.