While the trend of remote work has allowed companies to connect from locations around the world, many corporate leaders and human resources teams are now facing the increased importance of building a collaborative workforce through long-distance meetings. When colleagues feel connected to a team, they tend to be more productive and focused, and more likely to stick around long-term.
As Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Co., once said, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” When building a successful team, it’s helpful to occasionally bring co-workers from different locations together for an in-person function where they can interact with colleagues across skill levels and experiences. This gathering also provides the opportunity for a team to discuss common goals, collaborate, celebrate, and share the success of the organization.
Planning a meaningful experience can drive success in building reliable team bonds. Throughout my career working on the ground for meetings and events, I have helped plan and organize many team-building programs—from extravagant multiday immersion retreats to simple reunion-style receptions and activities that have helped colleagues get reacquainted with one another.
While an extravagant celebration offers planners a fun way for a team to gather, those planners don’t need to break the bank to have a powerful experience. In fact, I’ve noticed that some attendees occasionally have reservations about attending a large team experience—an understandable concern if someone is meeting new people or has worked remotely for a long period. With that in mind, I recommend groups start the function with meeting basics—from a company introduction and colleague networking to ice-breaker activities.
In addition, taking meetings into nature continues to reign in popularity well into 2023. I’ve seen how attendees truly appreciate the outdoors, especially when in larger groups. Not only does the open-air setting help guests to fully enjoy the beauty of their meeting destination, but the natural ambience can also refresh, invigorate, and inspire.
I recommend working with a venue that has both indoor and outdoor function spaces that can be customized for your group. For example, my home base at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio offers more than 100,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space paired with numerous activities that help groups create lasting memories together, ranging from surfing competitions on our FlowRider wave machine to our Hill Country Olympics with armadillo racing.
One of the most important tips for bringing colleagues together is to build a schedule that is inclusive. Not all attendees will want to take part in a 5K run, nor will everyone be interested in cocktail-making classes or meditation sessions. With that being said, I recommend surveying the attendees prior to finalizing the schedule to learn what activities are favored, and then add additional options to cover attendees’ preferences.
On a similar note, it’s important to get attendees involved in as many aspects of the planning process as possible. The most effective meetings are the ones that are customized to guests’ preferences. I’ve seen planners work with their groups on everything from customized menus and location preferences to gauging interest in indoor versus outdoor events. By keeping the group involved, planners are sure to see a successful event that everyone will remember for years to come.
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