As companies across the globe experiment with different Return-to-Work policies, there’s one universal truth that has emerged: People are energized by opportunities to connect with each other in person. Bobbie LaPorte got to experience this first-hand during a recent workshop at Okta (https://www.okta.com/). Watch her June 11 “Calling the Game” video for some ideas on how you can bring your group together:
The Value of In-Person Gatherings: Tips to Revitalize Teams Across Return-to-Work Policies
Hi, this is Bobbie LaPorte, back with another week of “Calling the Game,” where I share my own experience and insights while giving you valuable tools you can use to call your own game…and plan the best moves for you and your team.
We’re continuing to see updates about how companies are implementing their Return to Work policies (RTW). I’ve seen plans to continue a fully remote workplace, to have everyone back in the office….and everything in between. It seems like companies are trying different approaches, waiting to see how employees will respond, carefully gauging any repercussions but also benefits, and then adjusting. It’s definitely a work in progress.
But if there is one thing amidst all these different return-to-work approaches that seems fairly universal, it is how much people enjoy and appreciate group gatherings again—particularly when there is an opportunity for some ‘social time,’ some non-work-related activities.
With all the issues we have to handle leading through these changing and challenging times, I think we often forget about the human, social, and relationship aspects of how our teams want to work and feel engaged.
After the disruption and turmoil of the last few years, we are all craving in-person interaction and connection with our teams and peers. It is energizing, generative, and fundamentally what we do as humans.
I had the opportunity to experience this recently when I led a workshop for one of my client’s teams. There was such a powerful connection and positive energy in the room, with sharing, learning, laughing, and camaraderie.
It strikes me that these group gatherings, whether they are regular staff/team meetings or more infrequent on-sites and training sessions, are meeting more than just our basic need to convene.
As leaders, we need to provide the opportunity for meaningful connection, build community, and regain a sense of ‘normalcy’ in our work and lives. We need to get back to who we are and what we do best—doing more together than we can do alone.
So, regardless of your workplace’s return-to-work policy, consider bringing people together more regularly. The benefits will far outweigh the costs or possible inconvenience of making this happen.
I would like to thank and acknowledge Melissa Myers, Head of Global Workplace and Safety at Okta, who inspired this post and for her empathetic and forward-thinking leadership in this emerging arena.
Okay, that’s it for this week’s “Calling the Game.” I hope this helps you gear up for a great week and navigate any curveballs that may come your way!