Remote, hybrid, on-site–whatever work style your company utilizes affects how you are able to promote employee connectedness and positive work culture. Having a strong sense of belonging in an organization directly impacts employee happiness, productivity and the longevity of their time with a company. A study by McKinsey Global Institute found that employee productivity increases by 20-25% in organizations where employees feel connected. So now we have to answer the question, “How do we bring all of these different work styles together and help them feel like a team?”

Different Types of Team Events

Corporate events have been happening for years, and the options are unlimited, but choosing and executing them can sometimes be a struggle. You want to offer something interactive and fun that inspires people to participate. Whether it’s digitally or physically hosted, participants should have access to anything they need, have minimal distractions and be able to have a great time. Some events, such as coffee tasting classes, can be offered in person or remotely so all employees can enjoy the same experience. But there are things to consider before you send out event invites, and these factors can differ based on the type of event you’re hosting.

In-Person Events

Participating in shared experiences is a great way to build camaraderie in your team, whether they are working together or individually. You want them to be engaged and interacting with their coworkers. It’s important to keep the duration of the event to a reasonable time so you don’t lose their attention. Utilizing classes or courses that get them thinking can help stimulate their creativity and keep them engaged, and who knows, they may find a new hobby or skill along the way.

Virtual Events

These can have a lot of similarities with in-person events, such as keeping the timeframe reasonable and the audience engaged. One specific hurdle here is distractions. Whether they are logging on from a coffee shop or from their home office, virtual event attendees can encounter more outside distractions than in-person attendees. Another thing to consider is ensuring they have full access to any necessary supplies in order to participate in the event fully. Be sure to choose an event where the supplies can be sent out or they can be easily found at any store. 

Hybrid Events

These can be great for companies that offer the option of in-person or remote work to their employees. Now your teams can bond no matter where they are. While the pros and cons can be different for each group, a few things to consider here are related to the vendor you choose.

Vendors need to:

·      Understand that both groups should be engaged and interacted with and not default to giving attention to one group over the other. 

·      Be imaginative and creative in event planning and execution since this style is still relatively new. 

This format can be unfamiliar to employees, so it’s important that the event coordinator is comfortable and has experience hosting and leading events. This way they can make sure the program flows and is enjoyable for everyone. 

Corporate Events Impact Company Culture

Many employees highly value having team events because it reinforces the company’s culture and values, and that matters! It can also serve as a reminder of why they joined the organization in the first place! Having a healthy work culture is a critical ingredient for success, according to 94% of entrepreneurs and 88% of job seekers. Having these types of events can be like hitting the refresh button on your company culture and can communicate to your employees that they are a valued part of the team and that the work they do matters. 

When planning an event, consider the different styles, the things you want to achieve and how the event can incorporate your company culture. It can seem like a small gesture, but it can have massive impacts on your retention rate, productivity and the health and happiness of the organization as a whole.