Oktoberfest as a Teamevent offers a great chance for team bonding, where colleagues can step away from the office and enjoy a day of fun, food, and beer. However, while the celebration can be memorable, it also brings some challenges. As HR leaders, it’s important to plan events like this with care, making sure they build real connections while staying professional. In this blog post, we’ll share key tips for organizing a successful Oktoberfest team outing and provide our business Wiesn etiquette guide to help balance fun and professionalism.
The challenges of team building
Team-building events are a common part of corporate life; however, not every event automatically leads to better results. A well-planned activity can help strengthen the team, but only if it’s aligned with the company’s needs and goals. At first glance, a visit to the Oktoberfest might seem like a great way to bring the team together. While it can indeed offer fun and relaxation in the short term, the key question remains: does this event lead to lasting improvements in teamwork and collaboration?
Moreover, team building should focus on building trust, communication, and cooperation for the long term. Although a single event can boost morale temporarily, without clear goals and proper follow-up, the impact fades quickly. Therefore, as an HR manager, it’s important to carefully consider whether the event addresses the specific challenges of your team. Ultimately, only by combining fun with strategic value will the team-building event deliver lasting results.
Team building: more than beer and pretzels
A joint trip to the Wiesn offers several advantages. For instance, the relaxed atmosphere can break down barriers and promote togetherness. Specifically for new employees, it provides an excellent opportunity to get to know the team. However, as an HR professional, you know that team building goes deeper. It requires targeted measures that sustainably improve trust, communication, and cooperation. This doesn’t happen simply by swaying together in a marquee.
The fine line between event and added value
Finding the right mix between informal team-building activities and real development measures can be challenging. A visit to the Oktoberfest as a Teamevent might seem like a good way to strengthen the team. However, if the focus is solely on having fun, the actual added value is quickly lost. Building trust and creating real bonds require more than traditional costumes or a pint of beer. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully consider what measures could complement the event for a lasting effect.
Opportunities and Risks: What Oktoberfest as a Teamevent can bring – and what it can't
The relaxed atmosphere at the Oktoberfest is a great opportunity to get to know colleagues personally. It allows everyone to leave the hierarchies of everyday office life behind. However, not everyone feels comfortable in a loud, boisterous environment. As an HR professional, it is crucial to ensure that the event suits all team members and that no one feels excluded. Finding the right balance is essential to keep the team in mind.
If you decide to visit the Oktoberfest as a team event, ensure the conditions are right. Additionally, use our Business Wiesn etiquette guide to keep the focus on fun while maintaining professionalism!
Business-Wiesn-Etiquette
1. Clothing - regardless of the attire
Traditional attire is simply part of the Oktoberfest. But whether you opt for a dirndl, lederhosen or other festive attire, it’s important that it suits the business environment. According to a study, around 80% of Oktoberfest visitors wear traditional attire, but nobody should feel pressured into it. Everyone should feel comfortable in their outfit and respect the choice of their colleagues. The rule is: you decide what is suitable for you and make sure that the clothing of others is not commented on.
2. Measure with the beer mug
Oktoberfest and beer belong together – but how much is too much? Did you know that over 7.3 million liters of beer are served at the Oktoberfest every year? But restraint is particularly important at company events. It’s perfectly fine to have a pint or two of beer, but make sure you keep a clear head. Alcohol-free alternatives are also available – around 10% of drinks at the Wiesn are now alcohol-free. Drinking water in between helps you to get through the day and you’ll be fit for the office the next day.
And if it’s really bad, then read our quick hangover fix it here 😉
3. Respectful interaction within the team
The Wiesn offers a relaxed atmosphere, but respectful interaction should always be at the forefront. In many companies, team-building events are a way of strengthening the “we-feeling”. But a joint visit to the Oktoberfest should never lead to unprofessional behavior. Did you know that, according to a survey, 38% of employees have experienced inappropriate behavior at company events? Therefore, make sure that no boundaries are crossed and always keep an eye on the dynamics within the team.
4. Organization is everything!
Organization is everything, even for team events! Around 6.3 million people visit the Oktoberfest every year, and things can get chaotic, especially with large groups, if not everything is well planned. Make sure that everyone arrives on time at reserved tables (make sure you do this well in advance!) and that arrangements are made in advance on topics such as costs, duration of the visit and meeting points. Good organization makes things easier and ensures that everyone feels comfortable.
5. Strengthen team spirit, but be considerate
Going to Oktoberfest can be a great way to build team spirit – but not for everyone. Some colleagues may feel uncomfortable in noisy crowds or want to leave early. According to a Gallup survey, 47% of employees appreciate team events that take individual needs into account. Therefore, make sure that everyone feels free to organize the day in a way that is comfortable for him or her. Consideration promotes trust and a sense of togetherness within the team.
6 The day after: Looking back with sensitivity
The day after a visit to the Oktoberfest, restraint is required. According to a study by CareerBuilder, 20% of employees regret having behaved unprofessionally at company events – and many of them then become the topic of conversation in the office. To avoid this, the Oktoberfest visit should not become the central topic the next day. A brief, positive review is fine, but personal details and experiences should not be unnecessarily focused on.
Zusammenfassung
A visit to the Oktoberfest as a Teamevent can be a wonderful way to strengthen team spirit and create unforgettable experiences together. Good preparation is essential to ensure that the event remains a positive memory for everyone involved. From the right clothing and respectful interaction within the team to the right organization – with the right measures, the Oktoberfest can become a successful team event.
It is important that all team members feel comfortable and that their needs are taken into consideration. The relaxed atmosphere may break down many barriers, but here too it is important to find the right balance. If you make sure that the fun doesn’t get out of hand and professionalism is maintained at the same time, the Oktoberfest can be more than just fun – it can strengthen team cohesion and dynamics in the long term.
With our business Wiesn etiquette guide, you can ensure that not only the visit together but also the days afterwards run smoothly and that everyone has fond memories of the event.
