Planning a team building session, especially on a budget, can feel overwhelming. But before diving into activities or booking a venue, there’s one powerful (and free!) step you shouldn’t skip: understanding what your team actually wants.

That’s why the best place to start is with a short, focused survey.

Why a Survey Matters

Jumping straight into planning might seem efficient, but it often leads to events that miss the mark. A simple survey helps you uncover:

• What your team enjoys – Not everyone loves the same kind of activity.
  
  
• Comfort levels – Especially important for physical or outdoor-based sessions.
  
  
• Shared goals – Are people looking to de-stress, build relationships, or just have fun?
  
  
• Cultural or departmental differences – Which can influence preferences and participation.
  
  

The end result? Better attendance, higher engagement, and a more meaningful event.

What to Include in the Survey

Keep it short—ideally under 5 & under questions. The goal is to gather enough insight without overwhelming your team. Here’s a list of potential questions:

Activity Preferences

• What kind of activities do you enjoy? (e.g. creative, physical, strategic, relaxing)
  
  
• Do you prefer indoor, outdoor, or virtual sessions?
  
  

Objectives (Optional) 

• What would you personally like to gain from a team building session? (Options: Have fun, build better relationships, reduce stress, improve communication, etc.)
  
  

Logistics (Optional) 

• What’s your ideal session duration? (Under 2 hours, Half-day, Full-day)
  
  
• How often should these activities happen?
  
  

Bonus Feedback

• What’s the most enjoyable team building experience you’ve had?
  
  
• Any new ideas or suggestions we should consider?
  
  

Pro Tip: Keep It Anonymous

If your team size allows, consider making the survey anonymous. People tend to give more honest and useful responses when they don’t feel like they’re being evaluated.

Survey Tools You Can Use (Free or Low-Cost Options)

You don’t need to pay for expensive tools to get this done. Here are a few solid, easy-to-use platforms:

• Google Forms – Simple, reliable, and free.
  
  
• Microsoft Forms – Great if your organization is already using Office 365.
  
  
• Typeform – Visually engaging and user-friendly for short surveys.
  
  
• Slido / Mentimeter – Good for real-time input during live sessions.
  
  

What Comes Next

Once you’ve collected responses, review them for trends:

• Do people want shorter or longer sessions?
  
  
• Are physical or relaxed activities more appealing?
  
  
• Is there a common theme in what people want to achieve?
  
  

These answers become your blueprint. They’ll guide the frequency, format, and tone of your upcoming sessions—ensuring every one of them feels relevant and intentional.

Conclusion

No two teams are the same, and assumptions can lead to missed opportunities. A simple survey can be the difference between a good event and a great one.

At PulseLite, we’ve seen that even small teams with tight budgets can create big impact, with the right starting point. Need help building a custom survey or reviewing your results? Reach out — we’re happy to assist.