Team Play, Serious Results: The Science Behind using Themed Team Building Experiences

Themed team building leaves a lasting impact when well-designed approaches are used to help unlock team understanding and potential. 

Effective team building and team development is more vital than ever for organisations as they face increasing risk and complexity. Traditional team-building activities may fall short— often seen as too contrived, dry, too awkward, or simply just too forgettable.

Creatively themed team building activities help to add lasting value to events and off-sites, offering powerful and engaging approaches that Sabre has pioneered and perfected since 1988.

By weaving in rich themes such as history, art, fashion, filmmaking, music, and even military strategy, these activities become more than just another workshop—they become immersive and memorable experiences. But why are themes so effective?

From a psychological and neuroscience perspective, themed activities serve as a kind of “Trojan horse” for ensuring that key messages and learning are not lost.  They create a playful, creative environment where individuals can let down their guards. In this state, barriers dissolve, egos soften, and genuine collaboration emerges. According to research in cognitive science, play and novelty activate reward centres in the brain, boost dopamine, and enhance neural plasticity—meaning participants are more engaged, open to new perspectives, and better able to form lasting memories.

The use of theme, metaphor and narrative (integral to well-crafted themes) also taps into the brain’s natural storytelling circuitry. When people participate in an espionage mission, a fashion runway challenge, or a short film production, they’re not just learning communication or leadership skills—they’re genuinely  ‘in the moment’, in a context that’s far more memorable than any training room session.

More importantly, creative themed scenarios whilst outside of the literal experience base are designed mirror real workplace dynamics in a behavioural sense, just in a disarming and energising way. As a result, key insights and takeaways are internalised more deeply and retained longer.

Participants don’t just hear about communication, trust and teamwork—they experience it. And because they’re having fun, they’re more likely to take those lessons back to the workplace and actually apply them for enhanced team performance.  This can be enhanced by using tools like Belbin individual and team reports that are evidence-based ways to identify and work with strengths and weaknesses.

Ultimately, a well-designed theme doesn’t dilute the message—it amplifies it. It connects with people’s sense of play and adventure emotionally and intellectually, creating a shared experience that strengthens bonds and inspires action.

So, when planning your next team building or development session, don’t just go through the motions. Choose a clever theme. Choose a story they’ll engage with and remember. Choose an experience that people will talk about, learn from, and build on—just like the options delivered by Sabre.

To find out more contact us:

T – 1300 731 381

E – admin@sabrehq.com