Why Gatherings Pull Teams Together
Most of us know that feeling of camaraderie that we experience after we’ve enjoyed a team gathering. It’s an intangible feeling of closeness to those who sit across from us on the zoom screen or in a cubicle. Maybe it’s from a good laugh we shared over some storytelling or the shenanigans we got up to, but unstructured social time brings people together.
Social events allow us to get to know each other on a deeper level, which makes us more likely to rally and support each other when we hit work roadblocks. The thing is, we enjoy working with people we like and getting to know coworkers on a social level often deepens our relationships. The more we understand what makes someone tick, the easier it is for us to understand their behaviour. And getting to know each other is easier when the focus isn’t on a work task.
Donald Sull, Charlie Sull and Ben Zweig highlight corporate events as a way to promote a healthy corporate culture in their MIT Sloan Management Review article “Toxic Culture is Driving the Great Resignation.” They state:
“Company-organized social events, including happy hours, team-building excursions, potluck dinners, and other activities outside the workplace are a key element of a healthy corporate culture, so it’s no surprise that they are also associated with higher rates of retention.1 Organizing fun social events is a low-cost way to reinforce corporate culture as employees return to the office, and it strengthens employees’ personal connections to their team members.”
As we navigate hybrid teams and return to office, thinking about how we gather is more important than ever. Companies who want to maintain strong relationships between coworkers should consider how they allow for casual collisions (interactions) between staff. Team mixers also enable different departments to connect, which is particularly important for teams that are staying hybrid. In 2019, you were more likely to cross paths with a coworker from a different department solely based on proximity. Maybe it was a quick conversation as you both poured another cup of coffee. But teams that are working remotely need more reasons to connect.
Not all connections need to happen in person, although those have a high return on investment for raising team morale. Some can be worked into the way you structure your meetings. Consider adding some free time for human connection between work discussions. Things like sports pools or fun trivia games can help get people engaged and having fun together. Or dedicating the first 5-10 mins for a social catch-up before diving into the agenda. These all work to foster a greater sense of human connection. Share those cat photos, talk about that epic hike you went on or that tv show you can’t stop binging. They all bring us closer together as we get to see a glimpse into what makes you, you outside of work.
Here are some ideas for keeping your team connected:
1) Host Friday team drinks
This could be done quarterly, monthly or weekly depending on the size of your team.
2) Throw company-wide parties
Corporate holiday parties and summer BBQs bring teams together at least twice a year.
3) Celebrate with wrap parties
If the team just wrapped a big program, take some time to acknowledge all their hard work. From a product launch, a game wrap, or project completion, it’s a great time to get the team together to recognize all their hard work.
4) Coordinate team lunches
If you want to do something inspiring, consider bringing in a guest speaker over a team lunch.
5) Host a theme party
From Oktoberfest, Halloween, to St Patty’s or a party just because, give the team something they can rally behind and enjoy being a part of.
6) Throw department parties
Not all people are working on the same programs. Recognize the work of various departments by having department parties.
7) Invest in employee recognition events
These events can be a time to acknowledge and award staff who have gone the extra mile. They can be done onsite or as a larger offsite event.
8) Reward teams with corporate retreats
Corporate retreats can be an amazing way to reset a team’s focus, get out of the day-to-day and dream big. They can be restorative and invigorating for staff and can be done by department or with leadership teams.
9) Plan non-drinking activities
As some companies move away from a culture of drinking, outdoor or physical activities can work as great non-drinking team builders. From lawn bowling, ziplining, an escape room, and kayaking, to a hike and a picnic, there are lots of local activities that can bring teams together.
10) Reward teams with incentive trips
Reward your team with an incentive trip for hitting a milestone. These trips provide talk value for years to come and demonstrate that the company values and rewards its employees. From a few nights away in Whistler to a week in Mexico, trips can help create strong bonds between staff.
11) Attend conferences & festivals
Sending teams to conferences can be a dual function. It can help the company build connections with potential clients, partners, and vendors, but it also can be a great way to reward your team. When groups attend conferences together they get to enjoy the perks of dining together and exploring new cities / making new connections. The right conference can be inspiring for the employee and also pay off in innovative thinking for the company. From SXSW, The Gathering, to Fast Company Innovation Festival there are loads of inspiring conferences and festivals to attend.
It can be helpful to take the time to plan out your annual calendar of events to make sure the months don’t slip away. It takes some effort to plan these gatherings but they have a high impact on your teams. Culture is one of the big reasons people stay at a job, so investing in culture is a way of investing in your people.
For tips on planning a holiday party check out our article on “How to plan a holiday party like an event planner.”
About KindCo
KindCo is a Vancouver-based brand engagement consultancy that specializes in employee engagement and corporate events. We bring people together through the art of gathering.
Founder, Nikki Hedstrom, has over 15 years experience as a brand engagement and event specialist.
1. D. Sull and C. Sull, “10 Things.”
