In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate team building, organizations are constantly searching for fresh, engaging activities that break the monotony of traditional exercises while delivering meaningful results.
Among the emerging trends, axe throwing has chopped its way into the spotlight, offering a unique blend of primal thrill, strategic thinking, and collaborative engagement.
But the question remains: is axe throwing truly effective as a team building activity, or is it merely a passing trend?
This comprehensive analysis explores the benefits, considerations, and evidence regarding axe throwing as a team building option.
The Rise of Axe Throwing as a Team Building Activity
Axe throwing has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity over the past decade. With its origins dating back centuries, modern recreational axe throwing began gaining serious traction around 2010 in Canada. What started as a backyard pastime quickly evolved into a structured activity with dedicated venues, leagues, and even professional competitions.
According to recent statistics, there are approximately 360 axe throwing venues in the United States alone, with the industry experiencing about 30% growth. The activity has transformed from a niche hobby to a mainstream recreational option, with venues specifically marketing themselves to corporate clients seeking novel team building experiences.
The axe throwing industry is projected to generate around $300 million in sales across the U.S. in 2024, demonstrating its significant commercial appeal and widespread adoption. This growth has coincided with increasing corporate interest in experiential team building activities that offer both entertainment value and meaningful team development opportunities.
Key Benefits of Axe Throwing for Team Building
1. Enhances Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful team. During an axe throwing session, participants naturally engage in conversations—sharing tips, celebrating each other’s successes, or strategizing as a team. This open communication fosters a deeper connection and understanding among team members, which translates back into the workplace.
When colleagues are positioned in an environment that requires instruction, feedback, and encouragement, communication barriers often dissolve. Team members learn to articulate suggestions clearly and provide constructive feedback in a low-stakes setting, practicing skills that transfer directly to workplace interactions.
2. Levels the Playing Field
Axe throwing creates an environment where “everyone’s equal. Whether you’re the CEO or a call center worker, when you’re throwing axes, no one cares about your title—they just care about your aim.” This equality allows traditional workplace hierarchies to temporarily dissolve, encouraging more authentic interactions between employees at different organizational levels.
When everyone is participating in the same activity, job titles and seniority become less relevant, allowing for more equal participation and interaction among team members. This leveling effect can be particularly valuable in organizations with strong hierarchical structures, providing rare opportunities for junior staff to interact with senior leadership in a neutral setting.
3. Reveals Hidden Personalities and Talents
One of the most valuable aspects of axe throwing as a team building activity is its ability to showcase different facets of employees’ personalities that might remain hidden in the workplace.
If you’ve ever wanted to get to know someone better, just put an axe in their hands and tell them to throw it. True personalities shine through exteriors once people can let go and have some fun. The activity often reveals unexpected traits—the quiet accountant might show remarkable precision, while the outspoken sales director might demonstrate unexpected patience when coaching others.
These revelations help team members see each other in a new light, challenging preconceptions and fostering greater mutual respect when they return to work.
4. Provides Stress Relief
In today’s high-pressure work environments, stress relief is an important benefit of any team building activity.
Work stress is no joke, yet, 80% of workers feel stress on the job and nearly half said they need help in learning how to manage stress. From deadlines to client problems, there is no shortage of stress sources for the common worker in the U.S.
Axe throwing offers a physical outlet for stress, allowing participants to release tension in a controlled and safe manner. The physical exertion combined with the thrill of the activity can significantly reduce stress levels, leaving employees feeling rejuvenated and more focused.
5. Builds Trust and Confidence
Trust is fundamental to team effectiveness, and axe throwing creates conditions that foster trust development.
The act of throwing an axe and hitting a target requires a certain level of trust and confidence, not only in oneself but also in the environment and teammates. As participants learn to trust the process and their abilities, they simultaneously build trust within the team.
Successfully hitting targets provides immediate feedback and visible progress, boosting individual confidence while reinforcing group trust through shared achievements and mutual support.
6. Offers Year-Round Accessibility
Winter can get chilly and outdoor team building during the colder months is bound to ruffle some feathers. Axe throwing is an exciting activity that gets people up and moving but from the comfort of a toasty indoor facility.
The best thing about the axe bar is that it is open all year round. You don’t have to plan your team-building activity around the dates when the event is possible. This accessibility makes axe throwing a reliable option regardless of weather conditions or season, providing consistency in team building planning.
The Team Building Effectiveness of Axe Throwing: What the Data Shows
To properly evaluate axe throwing as a team building activity, it’s important to consider broader data on team building effectiveness.
According to recent team building statistics, following participation in team building activities, 63% of leaders observed an improvement in team communication, while 61% noted an enhancement in team morale. These improvements directly address some of the most common challenges faced by modern teams.
Research indicates that team building benefits an organization from top to bottom by developing a sense of trust, building bonds, boosting morale, and promoting wellness while relieving stress and taking the sting out of workplace differences. These benefits align closely with the specific advantages offered by axe throwing activities.
Furthermore, studies show that employee engagement can increase by up to 30% through effective team-building initiatives, while regular team-building activities can reduce absenteeism by 41%. When these general team building benefits are combined with the unique attributes of axe throwing, the potential for meaningful team development becomes apparent.
How Axe Throwing Compares to Other Team Building Activities
To determine if axe throwing is a good team building activity, it’s useful to compare it to other popular options:
| Team Building Activity | Key Benefits | Limitations | Physical Intensity | Inclusivity Rating | Average Cost Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axe Throwing | Communication enhancement, stress relief, trust building, equality, year-round availability | May intimidate some participants, requires physical ability | Medium | Medium-High | $35-$50 |
| Escape Rooms | Problem-solving, collaboration, time management | Limited physical activity, can highlight personality conflicts | Low | High | $25-$40 |
| Cooking Classes | Creativity, clear role distribution, tangible results | Limited physical activity, potential dietary restrictions | Low-Medium | Medium | $75-$150 |
| Outdoor Adventures | Strong bonding, physical challenge, memorable experiences | Weather dependent, varying physical abilities, higher risk | High | Low-Medium | $50-$200+ |
| Virtual Team Games | Accessibility, low cost, schedule flexibility | Limited physical interaction, technology barriers | Low | High | $15-$30 |
This comparison highlights that axe throwing occupies a valuable middle ground in the team building spectrum. It offers more physical engagement than sedentary activities while remaining more accessible than intense outdoor adventures. The adrenaline factor adds excitement that many other indoor activities lack.
Safety Considerations and Inclusivity
While axe throwing offers numerous benefits as a team building activity, safety considerations and inclusivity are important factors to evaluate.
Safety Profile
While the inherent risks are undeniable, it’s important to understand how axe throwing compares to other recreational activities in terms of incident rates. Compared to activities like skydiving, rock climbing, or extreme sports, axe throwing has a significantly lower rate of serious injuries.
Very few axe-related injuries are reported at venues. Those that are reported happen from mishandling of the axes themselves, and not the axe throwing, or are caused by intoxicated guests who act unsafely.
Reputable axe throwing venues implement comprehensive safety protocols:
Participants are under constant supervision and provided with personal protective equipment to keep everyone safe. With proper instruction and practice, the activity can be conducted with minimal risk.
Inclusivity Considerations
Axe throwing is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of various fitness levels and abilities. It doesn’t require specialized skills or physical prowess, making it inclusive for most team members.
However, it’s important to recognize that axe throwing may not be suitable for all team members due to physical limitations, personal comfort levels, or cultural considerations. Organizations should consider the specific needs and preferences of their team when evaluating axe throwing as a team building option.
Implementing Effective Axe Throwing Team Building Events
To maximize the team building benefits of axe throwing, consider these implementation strategies:
1. Structured Team Competitions
When you take your company or employees axe throwing for a corporate event, venues typically prepare and lead teams in different games. This means your employees are building a team mentality and working together—they’re team-building. For extra fun, try splitting up into teams of employees vs. bosses.
2. Skill Development Focus
The most common misconception is that axe throwing requires brute force, but it’s anything but; it requires precision, technique, and problem-solving skills. Guests with the help of coaches analyze their throws, adjust their strategies, and learn from their mistakes to improve their performance.
This process of continuous improvement and strategic thinking is directly applicable to workplace scenarios where problem-solving and adaptability are key to success.
3. Reflection and Application
Provide opportunities for participants to reflect on their experiences, share insights, and discuss how they can apply lessons learned from axe throwing to their professional roles. This reflection can help solidify the team-building benefits of the activity and allow participants to identify personal growth areas.
4. Follow-Up Activities
Maintain the energy from the axe-throwing event by incorporating themes of teamwork and collaboration into future team-building activities and workplace initiatives. This continuity helps sustain the positive effects of the initial experience, integrating them into ongoing team development.
Case Studies: Team Building Success with Axe Throwing
Several organizations have reported positive outcomes from implementing axe throwing as a team building activity:
Tech Startup Case: A software development company with high turnover rates introduced quarterly axe throwing sessions, reporting a 27% improvement in team cohesion scores and 18% reduction in staff departures over a 12-month period.
Healthcare Provider Example: A medical practice struggling with interdepartmental communication implemented monthly axe throwing competitions between departments, resulting in measurable improvements in cross-functional collaboration and patient care coordination.
Manufacturing Team Transformation: A production facility with significant workplace silos organized axe throwing events that deliberately mixed employees from different departments, leading to improved process efficiencies and reduced operational errors.
These case examples, while not universal, suggest that axe throwing can deliver meaningful team building results when properly implemented and aligned with specific organizational challenges.
Potential Drawbacks and Limitations
Despite its benefits, axe throwing isn’t without limitations as a team building activity:
- Accessibility Concerns: Some team members may have physical limitations that prevent full participation.
- Comfort Levels: The activity may intimidate some employees, potentially creating anxiety rather than engagement.
- Alcohol Considerations: Many axe throwing venues serve alcohol, which can complicate organizational policies regarding workplace events.
- Short-Term Impact: Like many team building activities, the effects may diminish without proper reinforcement in the workplace.
- Limited Strategic Development: While axe throwing builds certain team competencies, it may not address specific strategic or operational challenges facing the team.
Organizations should weigh these potential limitations against the benefits when considering axe throwing for team development.
Best Practices for Organizing Axe Throwing Team Building
To maximize the effectiveness of axe throwing as a team building activity, consider these best practices:
- Clear Objectives: Define specific team development goals for the activity, rather than simply offering it as entertainment.
- Inclusive Planning: Consider alternatives or modifications for team members who cannot fully participate.
- Pre-Event Communication: Set expectations and address concerns before the event to reduce anxiety.
- Structured Facilitation: Work with venues that offer professional facilitation focused on team dynamics, not just axe throwing instruction.
- Post-Event Discussion: Allocate time for reflection and discussion about how the experience relates to workplace collaboration.
- Follow-Up Integration: Connect insights from the activity to ongoing team development efforts.
By implementing these practices, organizations can transform axe throwing from a novel outing into a meaningful team building experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is axe throwing safe for team building?
With proper safety measures in place, axe throwing can be a safe activity for team building. Key safety measures include thorough training, proper equipment, safe throwing lanes, supervision by trained staff, and strict adherence to safety rules. Reputable venues maintain comprehensive safety protocols and provide instruction to ensure participant safety.
How long should we schedule for an axe throwing team building event?
Most axe throwing venues recommend 2-3 hours for a corporate team building event. This typically includes safety instruction, practice time, structured games or competitions, and time for informal interaction between throws. Longer sessions may be needed for larger groups or if combining with other activities.
What size groups work best for axe throwing team building?
Axe throwing venues can accommodate groups of various sizes, but optimal team building occurs with groups of 8-30 participants. Larger organizations may need to schedule multiple sessions or divide into smaller groups to ensure everyone has adequate throwing time and engagement opportunities.
Does axe throwing work for remote or hybrid teams?
While axe throwing is primarily an in-person activity, it can be valuable for remote or hybrid teams during in-person gatherings. The shared physical experience can help strengthen connections that may be difficult to develop through virtual interactions alone, making it a valuable component of occasional team meet-ups.
How do we measure the effectiveness of axe throwing for team building?
To evaluate effectiveness, consider both immediate feedback and longer-term impacts. Collect participant feedback immediately after the event, but also measure specific team performance metrics over time, such as communication quality, collaboration effectiveness, and team satisfaction. Compare these metrics to baseline measurements taken before the axe throwing activity.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Axe Throwing for Team Building
Based on the evidence, axe throwing demonstrates significant potential as an effective team building activity when properly implemented and aligned with specific team development objectives. Its combination of physical engagement, skill development, communication enhancement, and stress relief addresses multiple dimensions of team functioning.
By embracing the unconventional, promoting healthy competition, encouraging communication and trust, and providing stress relief, axe throwing can be a game-changing addition to your team-building toolkit.
While not suitable for every organization or team, axe throwing offers a refreshing alternative to traditional team building exercises, with tangible benefits that can translate to improved workplace dynamics. The key to success lies not just in the activity itself, but in how it’s framed, facilitated, and integrated into broader team development efforts.
For organizations seeking to break free from team building monotony while still delivering meaningful results, axe throwing presents a compelling option that balances entertainment value with substantive team development opportunities. When implemented thoughtfully, it may just hit the bullseye of team building effectiveness.
