In a recent interview with Excellence Insider, Mila Taskinen, co-founder of Flockin, shared her expert insights on the challenges of hybrid work and the crucial role of corporate events in the evolving workplace landscape. Her perspectives shed light on how companies can navigate the complexities of managing distributed teams in today’s work environment.
In the wake of a global shift towards remote work, companies are reevaluating traditional work models and adapting to the reality of virtual teams. Recent studies by organizations such as Gallup, Harvard University, Stanford University, and Global Workforce Analytics have highlighted the benefits of remote work for both employees and companies. However, this transition has not been without its challenges, particularly for hybrid teams that combine remote and in-office work.
Despite its advantages, the hybrid work model presents several obstacles. Coordinating collaborative work becomes more difficult when teams are physically disconnected and operating on different schedules.
A Gallup study of 2,877 hybrid workers in the US identified several areas for improvement in planning, practices, feedback, and training for hybrid teams. One significant finding was that nearly half (48%) of hybrid workers are part of teams that lack a formal or informal plan for effective collaboration in a hybrid environment.
While company-wide policies defining when employees can work from home are crucial, they alone are insufficient for developing strong teamwork and organizational culture.
To enhance hybrid team productivity, employers can implement four research-based steps. These include planning for success by developing a collaborative strategy and coordinating hybrid collaboration through regular check-ins and availability guidelines. They also involve analyzing and adapting practices through ongoing discussions, and providing training and support for both employees and managers in hybrid work environments.
In this context, corporate team building events have become increasingly vital. These events offer several key benefits, including building connections between remote workers and improving collaboration and teamwork. They also boost morale, reduce feelings of loneliness, stimulate productivity and creativity, prevent Zoom fatigue, and strengthen corporate culture.
Corporate events for remote and hybrid teams serve several critical functions beyond mere entertainment. With only 32% of US workers actively engaged in their work, according to a recent Gallup survey, team offsite days can remind employees of their impact on customers, colleagues, and company profitability.
These events also provide opportunities for employees to build closer connections. This can lead to improved collaboration and support among team members.
While many firms recognize the importance of a strong corporate culture, they often struggle to achieve it due to the daily demands of work. Corporate events can provide the necessary space for employees to engage with cultural initiatives.
Taking employees out of their regular work environment can provide the time and space needed for creative thinking and problem-solving. This can lead to innovative solutions and new product ideas. Additionally, these events offer opportunities for business owners and managers to get to know individual team members better, enabling more effective support and motivation.
A recent Teams Together survey revealed several trends in corporate event organization. 81% of respondents are organizing more in-person events compared to the previous year, indicating a growing recognition of the value of face-to-face meetings.
Team lunches/dinners are the most popular type of event (70%), likely due to their effectiveness in strengthening social ties. Key concerns when organizing events include staying within budget (62%), planning fun activities (49%), and ensuring maximum attendance (37%).
Most companies organize team meetings on a monthly basis to maintain consistent connection and team cohesion. The frequency varies for employees from different locations.
As the workplace continues to evolve, corporate events for remote and hybrid teams have emerged as a critical tool for fostering cohesion, creativity, and productivity. These events go far beyond simple entertainment, serving as powerful catalysts for strengthening corporate culture, boosting employee engagement, and driving innovation.
In an era where distributed work is becoming the norm, companies that effectively leverage these gatherings are likely to see significant improvements. These improvements can be seen in teamwork, morale, and overall business success.
Taskinen’s insights underscore the importance of addressing the challenges of hybrid work head-on. Her expert perspective on team building and the vital functions of corporate events provides a valuable roadmap for organizations navigating this new landscape of work.
As companies continue to adapt to the realities of remote and hybrid work models, the strategic implementation of well-planned corporate events will undoubtedly play a crucial role. It will shape the future of work and organizational success. For more information on innovative solutions for remote and hybrid team building, visit Taskinen’s company website at Flockin.
