In today’s fast-changing work environment, teams need more than occasional outings or generic activities to build real connection. Google Vietnam understood this well. As their team grew and adapted to hybrid work, they sought a team building experience that was purposeful, engaging, and tailored to how their people actually work together.
Instead of settling for a typical corporate event, Google wanted a day designed to spark genuine interaction, build trust, and create moments where everyone could contribute and be seen. What followed was a carefully crafted program that blended energy, strategy, and local culture, all built around the needs of their diverse and dynamic team.
This case study shares how we designed and delivered a team building day in Ho Chi Minh City that went beyond expectations, helping Google’s team reconnect in meaningful ways and set a new standard for corporate bonding.
What Google wanted from their team building day
When Google Vietnam reached out to us, they weren’t looking for a typical team event. Their request was clear. They wanted a space where their people could reconnect in a way that felt real and grounded.
Their team included a mix of departments, experience levels, and working styles. Some had been collaborating for years, while others were still new to the company. They were not looking for entertainment. What they needed was a meaningful day that would help their team slow down, listen to one another, and connect without the pressure of work.
Many companies searching for team building in Ho Chi Minh City choose off-the-shelf formats or hotel-based workshops. Google wanted something different. They asked for a day that reflected how their team actually functions, built around collaboration, flexibility, and shared curiosity.
How we designed a custom experience that fit
To design the right experience for Google Vietnam, we started by focusing on what mattered most to their team. Instead of offering a pre-designed format, we developed a program tailored to their goals, using two of our most adaptable activities: Strike or Survive and Saigon Survival Games.
The goal was to create a balance between fast-paced energy and thoughtful collaboration. We began the day with light, movement-based challenges that encouraged teamwork without over-explaining. These activities helped people step out of their roles and interact on a more instinctive level.
Later, the program shifted into slower, strategy-driven tasks. These moments encouraged deeper observation, careful decision-making, and flexible leadership. Some challenges gave space for quieter team members to take the lead, while others brought different departments into closer conversation.
We also included playful cultural elements to reflect the local setting. Everything from group size to pacing was adjusted to fit the flow of the team. What resulted was one of our customised team building experiences, designed to support not just connection, but awareness, adaptability, and mutual respect.
What happened during the day
The day began quietly in a calm corner of the city. There were no speeches or formal introductions. People arrived with a sense of curiosity. Some were meeting for the first time in person. The experience started slowly, allowing the team to ease into movement and interaction naturally.
The initial challenges were light and active. They sparked laughter and spontaneous teamwork. Without detailed instructions, teams found their own rhythm. They adjusted to each other’s pace and began to cooperate instinctively.
As the day moved forward, the pace slowed. The activities became more thoughtful. Teams shifted roles and began to notice new qualities in each other. A quiet participant took on leadership. A more vocal member listened carefully. The challenges encouraged observation and adaptability.
When the program concluded, there was no hurry to leave. People sat together, shared stories, and appreciated the new connections they had made. The group that arrived as individuals left feeling more connected and aware of each other.
What the Google team took away
The impact of the day became clear in the days that followed. Team members shared more than just memories of the activities. They talked about new connections they had formed.
For some, it was one of the first opportunities to interact outside of formal meetings or virtual calls. Newer employees felt more included and many began to experience a stronger sense of belonging. Others noticed strengths in their colleagues that had gone unseen before, such as quiet leadership or calm problem-solving skills.
These changes were subtle but meaningful. Communication improved, trust grew and the overall atmosphere at work became more positive. The team started to support each other in ways that went beyond their usual tasks and responsibilities.
This kind of lasting effect is what we aim for in every team building experience. It is not just a day of fun but a moment that fosters deeper connection and better collaboration among team members.
Why this matters for any company planning team building in Vietnam
Across Vietnam, more companies are facing new challenges in keeping their teams connected. Hybrid work, rapid growth, and changing team dynamics mean that traditional team building activities are no longer enough.
The success of Google Vietnam’s team building day shows that what matters is intentional design. When activities are crafted to reflect how people think, communicate, and work together, they help teams build stronger trust and collaboration.
Thoughtful team building does more than boost morale. It reveals hidden strengths, encourages new leaders to emerge, and helps teams adapt to change. These benefits become part of the company culture long after the event ends.
If you are considering team building for your company, think beyond checklists and quick fixes. Focus on experiences that foster real connection and growth. For more insight, you can learn about the importance of team building for companies.
Build your own team day with Jackfruit Adventure
Every team has its own rhythm, challenges, and culture. That’s why we design each program from the ground up, shaped by how your people work and what they need most.
At Jackfruit Adventure, we create custom team building experiences in Ho Chi Minh City that go beyond standard activities. Some teams need energy and movement. Others need space to listen, reflect, or reconnect after time apart. Whatever your team looks like, we help you build a day that feels honest, human, and real.
We bring together elements of play, strategy, and local culture to create experiences that are as meaningful as they are memorable. Whether your team is onboarding new members, rebuilding trust after hybrid work, or simply looking to spend time together with intention, we can help.
If you are planning team building in Vietnam and want more than just a checklist of games, we’d love to explore what could work for your team.
