Summer may have been slow to arrive this year, but now it's here, why not take advantage of the sunnier weather to help boost staff morale?
Warmer days and lighter evenings present the perfect opportunity for some al fresco teambuilding away from office desks, workstations and the shop floor. Golf tournaments, quizzes, and treasure hunts are just some of the fun pursuits that can bring your employees together in a more relaxed setting.
And they're a terrific way of helping your apprentices feel part of the team. By joining in, your trainees will meet colleagues and co-workers from across your organisation and learn more about what you do.
Go outdoors
The summer months offer a chance to explore some alternatives to bars and restaurants for after work socialising. So, if it's practical to do so, why not turn your car park or grounds into an entertainment venue, possibly with marquee and outdoor seating?
Something as simple as finishing a couple of hours earlier on a Friday for a staff barbecue can do wonders for workplace well-being.
If you don't have the external space to host an event, propose getting together for a leisurely stroll in the woods or a picnic in the park. With so many employees working remotely for some or all of the week, meeting up in person socially from time to time has taken on greater significance in recent times.
Be inclusive
Ask staff what they'd prefer to do and give them options.
Try to choose an activity where everyone can participate. Sporty pursuits usually go down well as long as they're not overly competitive and allow for all abilities. Think old school sports days, rounders or lawn darts.
If you're doing food, be sure to provide vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options to meet everyone's dietary requirements.
It's advisable too to keep your event booze-free. There are many reasons why people don't drink alcohol, including health concerns, religious beliefs or because they're driving. Make your event about bonding over a shared activity rather than getting together over a few drinks. There's always mocktails or non-alcoholic fizz if you're looking for that sense of occasion.
Support a worthy cause
If your business supports a charity, use your event or activity to raise money for your chosen cause. Sponsored walks, bake-offs and mini golf competitions are among just a few of the fundraisers with wide appeal. Getting employees involved in fundraising and organising events is great for their morale and it allows you all to give something back.
Involve your apprentices
Where possible, involve your apprentices in the event planning. Invite them to share their thoughts and ideas. Their new energy and creative thinking will bring a lot to the party, and they'll feel more like part of the team.
Network
Some people are born networkers whereas others find social mingling daunting. Not everyone is comfortable approaching someone they've never met and introducing themselves. It's unlikely that younger apprentices will have done much networking before so they might need some 'handholding.' To help put them at ease, suggest they go along to your event with their 'apprentice buddy' or mentor.
Communication is a key life skill and learning to network will stand your apprentices in good stead as they progress in their careers.
Celebrate your staff
Staff who feel 'seen' at work are more likely to give of their best - and this applies to employees at all levels, including those who are just starting out. So, why not use your social event as an opportunity to recognise and celebrate your people by sharing their achievements with the whole team?
They'll appreciate the recognition, and your apprentices will see just what can be achieved when staff are supported and valued. Whatever form your social activity takes, have fun and enjoy that special feeling that goes with belonging to a wonderful team!
Stay Connected, Stay Productive
With summer in full swing and some employees working remotely, it's crucial to keep communication and productivity on track. Utilise real-time progress tracking, integrated messaging, and mobile access to ensure your team remains engaged and efficient, even when working from different locations.
Discover how Onefile can streamline your operations and enhance team connectivity. Book a demo today and see the difference for yourself!
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