How we build a team spirit, without post-its or conference tables

At Flabbergasted, we believe that good work starts with a good team spirit. And that means: really knowing each other, feeling at ease and, most importantly, being able to laugh really hard together. But how do you ensure that without getting stuck in just work talk and deadlines? Simple. Every quarter, we go out for a wonderful unfiltered Flabbergasted team outing. Away from the desks, full of adventure and, above all, full of connection.

One specific outing that we want to talk about in this blog is one where we did it just a little differently. Not an afternoon of escape room or a drink on the corner, but: an entire weekend away. And to the Ardennes!

Fridays

On Friday morning, we gathered for a road trip to the greenest part of Belgium. The atmosphere was immediately good: good music, bad jokes and pitstops where we bought some snacks. Once we arrived, it was time for groceries and because the weather was showing its best side, we decided to have a lovely barbecue. After we had put some energy back into it from the perfectly cooked hamburgers, the evening ended with hilarious games and a musical party.

Saturday

After a night's sleep (okay, a little shorter than hoped 😛), it was time to wake ourselves up on a hearty breakfast on Saturday morning. Because what was on the program? A mountain bike ride. Not just a bike ride through the park, no no, we're talking about hills, mud, sweat and a bit of muscle pain in the making. Helmet on, saddle properly? Just pedaling!

After quite a few kilometers, and at least that many “are we there already?” -moments, we finally rolled back into our stay, counted down, but satisfied. Time for the best recovery recipe: an ice-cold beer, flip flops and nothing at all.

In the evening, we changed the atmosphere to 'ciao bella' because it was time for an Italian evening. Think: pizzarettes, delicious wines and the smell of melted cheese. But after that? That's when the fight really broke out. We ended the day with a game of laser tag, inside, outside, and especially against each other. Team spirit? Sure. But there was only one rule on the laser tag field: everything is allowed for profit.

Sunday

After a weekend of action, teamwork and a healthy dose of muscle pain, we leisurely got back in the car to Rotterdam on Sunday. But hey, a return trip without a stop? That would not be Flabbergasted-proof. So sure enough, McDrive it was! 🍟

With the smell of fries in the air, we drove slowly back to the city. Once we arrived, we said goodbye to each other, tired but satisfied. And the best part? We each went our way with a big smile and an even stronger team spirit than before.

A weekend full of fun, mud and mozzarella proves one thing for us: the magic of Flabbergasted is not only in what we make, but above all in who we are. 💛

Laughing together, struggling, winning (or losing a lot at laser tag) are the moments that make us stronger as a team. So whether it's the Ardennes or a drink on the corner: we will continue to build that special team flow. Off to the next adventure! 🚀

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