On the Affinity Between Outdoor Activities and Corporate Training
In recent years, the approach to human resource development in companies has changed significantly. There is an increasing emphasis on cultivating "non-cognitive skills" such as self-awareness as a member of an organization, leadership, and teamwork, rather than just acquiring technical skills. Against this backdrop, corporate training incorporating outdoor activities is gaining attention. Experiences in nature have a significant impact on the minds and bodies of participants, not only enhancing learning effectiveness but also leading to the revitalization of internal communication. In this article, we will examine the affinity between outdoor activities and corporate training, citing specific examples and company names.
The Depth of Learning Brought by the Outdoors
First, one reason why the outdoors is suitable for training is that it provides a learning environment that uses the five senses to its full potential. It is said that the "physical stimulation" that cannot be obtained in conference rooms or online training leaves a strong impression on the brain, which has the effect of deepening memory and understanding.
Also, in nature, one may face unpredictable situations (changes in weather, physical limits, etc.), which requires immediate judgment and flexible adaptability. This also serves as preparation for the "VUCA" (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) environment in the business field.
Furthermore, through activities that transcend the boundaries of positions and departments, it leads to the construction of trust relationships that go beyond hierarchical relationships. By revealing individual personalities and abilities that are difficult to see in daily work, mutual understanding is deepened, which contributes to strengthening cooperation after returning to the workplace.
Actual Corporate Examples
Montbell Co., Ltd.
At Montbell, known as an outdoor brand, they actively incorporate outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, canoeing, and camping into employee training by leveraging their own strengths. In new employee training, they conduct a one-night, two-day tent stay training, where teams handle everything from equipment preparation to cooking, tent setup, and mountain climbing. Through this, they cultivate basic skills as employees not only by learning how to face nature but also through cooperation with colleagues, situational judgment, and the experience of overcoming physical limits.
Recruit Co., Ltd.
At Recruit, they have introduced a "cross-boundary learning program" that incorporates outdoor events into training for leadership candidates. For example, in survival exercises in mountainous areas, through the experience of "surviving in an uninhabited area" by cooperating as a team with limited supplies, they allow participants to experientially learn decision-making, leadership, and followership. Training in a natural environment also serves as a trigger for building "naked human relationships" that transcend existing organizational structures and roles, and many participants have responded that "their behavior changed after returning to the workplace."
Hoshino Resorts Inc.
At Hoshino Resorts, which is highly regarded in the hospitality industry, their training center is located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, and they conduct experiential training that utilizes the surrounding natural environment. For new employee training, programs are prepared that allow them to learn the essence of "omotenashi" (hospitality) while experiencing the coexistence of people and nature through forest trekking and wood-chopping experiences. This creates a mechanism where "the ability to act from the other person's perspective," "attention to detail," and "an attitude of supporting each other as a team" are naturally fostered.
Introduction Examples in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Ventures
Outdoor training is being introduced not only by large companies but also by small and medium-sized enterprises and venture companies. For example, at the IT startup GA technologies Co., Ltd., they hold regular employee camps for the purpose of deepening mutual understanding between engineers and sales staff. At the camp, they form mixed teams regardless of position or job type, and perform tasks from fire-starting to cooking and tent setup. By having departments that have little interaction in daily work cooperate, results have been reported that communication loss between departments decreased, and project promotion became smoother.
Points for Introducing Outdoor Training
To make outdoor training successful, the following design and considerations are necessary.
Clarification of purpose: Clearly set the goals of the training (team building, leadership development, stress tolerance improvement, etc.) and build a program that matches them.
Thorough safety management: An operational system that fully considers the health status of participants, allergies, and weather risks is required.
Quality of facilitation: To ensure it does not become mere recreation, questions that draw out learning and time for reflection are essential.
Follow-up in the workplace: Introducing mechanisms to solidify learning after returning to the field (such as sharing sessions or implementing mini-projects) will ensure lasting effects.
Conclusion
Corporate training that incorporates outdoor activities provides deep learning and human connections that are difficult to obtain through standard training, by offering experiences accompanied by physical and mental reality. Its effectiveness is particularly immense in fostering teamwork and leadership, and many companies are already putting it into practice and achieving results. The potential of outdoor activities in future human resource development will likely continue to expand.