This content was created in partnership with Convene and SkiftX, Skift’s branded content studio.
While some prominent organizations have instituted stronger return-to-office policies, remote and hybrid work structures remain an important part of most companies. Gallup reports that 53% of U.S. companies offer hybrid work structures. Meanwhile, research from Future Partners found that 41% of employees split their time between the office and telecommuting, with another 21% working entirely remotely.
While many employees enjoy the comforts of home and the lack of a commute, business growth often benefits from the magic that only face-to-face interactions can spark. Just as employees achieve the best of both worlds by blending home and office time, organizations can achieve the same balance by holding face-to-face meetings at a location away from company headquarters and with employees participating in virtual meetings from home.
A third space – beyond the home and office – is built to maximize time together. Meeting in these locations on a semi-regular basis or only a few times a year can avoid some of the routines associated with traditional office work, making it a shared experience that results in high productivity.
“In a hybrid-first work environment, one of the most important amenities a workplace can provide is human connection,” said Phoenix Porcelli, certified meeting planner and global sales leader at Convene, which provides services for many major conferences. and events provide such space.
Here, we explore how companies can use meetings and events to rethink modern workplace culture for today’s hybrid environment.
Make meetings an experience
The lifestyle changes brought about by remote working continue to impact the way organizations operate and meet. The need for team integration and interaction remains critical to the productivity of both parties. Statistics show that the benefits of working remotely come with some drawbacks. Without enough collective time, professionals can sometimes feel disconnected from their colleagues and the company. That said, a balance must be struck to meet today’s expectations. When employees come to the office or travel for group events, they want to make the most of the time away from home.
This desire is evidenced in business travel trends. According to Skift Research, bleisure or hybrid travel, where employees meet face-to-face with teammates and explore a destination, will increase 72% between 2022 and 2023. Transform your home into a work-anywhere lifestyle.
Companies can no longer take for granted that the entire team is under one roof. Supervisors and team leaders must remember that every time the team comes together it is an event and a time for hospitality.
“Increasing the ‘wow factor’ is increasingly important to increasing on-site attendance, thereby increasing the popularity of experiential events,” said Porcelli. “This ‘flying experience’ has put pressure on venues to deliver better production services, immersive brand activations and enhanced food and drink offerings.”
Convene provides touch points that are superior to traditional office products. Nutrition stations (including coffee machines, beverage options and unlimited snacks) are an example of how Convene has thoughtfully placed amenities throughout the venue to encourage modern and next-level “water cooler” moments. In addition, the in-house executive chef creates seasonal and regional menus to provide satisfying and sustainable meals.
The company and its employees welcome the extra attention to detail. Event demand tracked by Convene is up 22% year over year, driven primarily by the experience economy and attendee expectations for a new definition of ROI (return on interaction).
Polcelli said these enhanced products are not only practical, but also a symbol that employers value their employees. “Enjoying a hot lunch carefully prepared by the Executive Chef team beats a soggy sandwich tray. Branded cookies can be an added treat to make your team feel welcome and appreciated, then end the day with a champagne toast to celebrate a job well done ,” Porcelli said.
built for unity
To enhance teamwork and increase efficiency, companies need to eliminate silos. For example, traditional office cubicles provide minimal privacy for phone calls and virtual meetings and don’t add much value to the integrated experience.
Convene, on the other hand, offers flexible space options to meet the needs of organizations, whether they are hosting monthly team planning meetings for 20 leaders in an off-site boardroom, quarterly department meetings and lunches for 50 attendees Yes, or for bi- Annual town hall for 200 or more team members.
Long before hybrid working gained widespread acceptance, Convene built its model around column-free spaces that could accommodate experiential activities. Venues such as Convene Brookfield Place in New York City are designed to provide technical support such as trusses, rigging, complete theater lighting systems and complex AV production booths to facilitate immersive events.
Convene’s blank canvas allows planners to create spaces that meet meeting goals. The classroom-style setting is geared toward learning and information sessions, while brainstorming is better accomplished through informal structures and soft seating.
Meeting planners should consider a variety of options for common areas, including single workstations, café seating and phone booths. Borcelli noted that it is important to create as many opportunities for attendees to interact as possible.
Provide hospitality
Many of Convene’s team members come from fine hotels and fine dining restaurants and have experience creating special moments. This background enables Convene to create environments that meet a variety of needs, including product launches, brand activations, award ceremonies, exhibitions, conferences, fundraisers, galas and social receptions.
Some clients use these venues as landing spaces for team members several times a week, while others seek off-site conference rooms to allow teams to hold full- or multi-day in-person work meetings several times a year.
Regardless of how companies define the workplace in today’s hybrid-first world, organizational leaders should consider how their choices will reflect company culture. Organizations that celebrate unity through special events that support employee priorities retain more employees and are committed to excellence.
“The success of any organization depends on employee engagement and trust and collaboration among teams – this cannot be achieved at the same level through video conferencing, email and instant messaging alone,” Porcelli said.
To learn more about Convene and inquire about booking plans, please click here.
This content was created in partnership with Convene and SkiftX, Skift’s branded content studio.
