Using shared experiences to strengthen workplace bonds

How to build work relationships when there’s no-one else around 

Forging identity and community through work is not always easy at the best of times, but take away the long–standing frameworks that facilitated these things, and it’s damn hard to achieve.  

How to truly connect at such a time? Virtual drinks were fine early on, but there has to be more. Online platform Donut’s unorthodox solution was to randomly pair two employees for a coffee date to get to know each other better – although unless this matches two people secretly harbouring affection for one another, we believe there’s probably a better way!

Being flexible to stay ahead of the game 

Right now, morale is more important than ever.  

Leading business consultants McKinsey argue that getting ahead in 2020 is all about agility. Indeed, 2020 has been a catalyst for companies necessarily becoming agile, which in turn leads to better delivery and speed and enhances customer and employee experience.  

But, says McKinsey, the people dimension—culture especially—is the most difficult thing to get right, way above even the challenges of lack of leadership, vision and resources.  

Listen to every voice and not just the loudest, McKinsey advise. Empower, rather than manage; put the team over the individual always. And remember, these things don’t happen overnight. 

This is where ‘Experiences at Work’ can help. 

Bring people together for lasting connections 

It’s time to get out and about in small groups, to ‘shift up’ the experience of work.  

Shared experiences allow teams to collaborate over tasks in an open environment, which is essential for innovation, productivity, and efficiency. Trust, stronger relationships and higher employee satisfaction are the outcome. Which all makes sense.  

Leaders and managers benefit too. Using experiences to connect means managers can better understand each employee’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as create the social capital that businesses need. 

RedBalloon has a range of fun team building ideas and fun activities to bring your virtual team closer. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution but, as ways to engage new employees, or to re-engage existing staff, they’re definitely worth exploring. Find the right experience ‘fit’ for your organisation and you’ll be rewarded with a happier, more cohesive workforce – ready to move forward onto new challenges. 

#VirtualGatherings  #WorkforceAgility #CultureShifts