Most companies know the standard reasons for booking a team building activity: improving communication, boosting morale, encouraging collaboration. All good — but hardly surprising. What is surprising is just how many lesser known, slightly quirky, and occasionally brilliant reasons there are to run a team building treasure hunt with Black Cat Treasure Hunts.
If you’re looking for an excuse to get your team out of the office (or you just need to justify it to your finance director), these six unusual motivations might be exactly what you need.
1. You Can Use Up That Awkward End of Year Training Budget
Every business has been there: it’s November, the budget pot is still half full, and if you don’t spend it, you lose it next year. A bespoke treasure hunt is the perfect way to turn “use it or lose it” into something genuinely valuable.
It ticks the training box, strengthens team dynamics, and gives you a memorable experience instead of another forgettable online course. Plus, it’s far easier to organise than a last?minute workshop.
2. It Can Count as a Legitimate Staff Development Activity
A treasure hunt might sound like pure fun, but it’s also a structured learning experience. Teams practise problem?solving, leadership, communication, time management, and strategic thinking — all the things HR loves to see in a development plan.
So yes, you can absolutely justify it as professional development… even if everyone is laughing their way around Brighton’s Lanes at the same time.
3. There May Be Tax Benefits (Really)
Depending on your business structure and location, staff events can sometimes be claimed as a legitimate business expense. Team building activities often fall under staff welfare or training — meaning your treasure hunt could be tax?deductible.
Of course, always check with your accountant, but many companies are pleasantly surprised to discover that a day of fun can also be financially sensible.
4. It’s a Creative Way to Celebrate a Company Milestone Without Throwing a Party
Not every business wants a big party, a bar tab, or a sit?down dinner. A treasure hunt gives you a celebratory experience that feels special without being formal.
Whether you’re marking an anniversary, a product launch, or hitting a major target, a bespoke Black Cat Treasure Hunt turns the occasion into a shared adventure — complete with inside jokes, team photos, and bragging rights.
5. It’s a Morale Booster That Doesn’t Feel Forced
Some team building activities feel like… well, team building activities. A treasure hunt, on the other hand, feels like a day out. It’s playful, surprising, and naturally energising.
Even the sceptics — the ones who normally dread “team bonding” — end up getting competitive, laughing, and secretly loving it. It’s the kind of morale boost that doesn’t need a pep talk to work.
6. It Gives You Ready?Made Content for Social Media and Internal Comms
Let’s be honest: most corporate photos are dull. A treasure hunt changes that instantly.
You get:
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Teams posing with quirky Brighton landmarks
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Creative challenge photos
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Candid moments of teamwork
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A gallery of images perfect for LinkedIn, newsletters, or recruitment pages
It’s an easy way to show your company culture in action — not just in words.
To make a start on your team building treasure hunt please contact me (Tim) on: info@blackcattreasurehunts.co.uk or call 01323 655346.
