With so many professionals working remotely these days, it can be hard for team members to stay connected – and feel connected. After a long day of emails, Slack chats, Zoom calls or Microsoft Teams meetings, remote workers are “screened out.” They just want to unplug from their laptops – and not join yet another after-hours “virtual happy hour.”

Hosting a team-building event may be the right move to get your remote team re-energized and re-connected. Even if you no longer have physical office space, you can still host a team-building event by renting a conference room, training room or a flexible suite of offices where colleagues can gather. (Just like the old days!)

Ready to get the gang back together? Tap into the resources of our rented space. Our friendly reception staff will greet guests, guide them to the restrooms and even store luggage. Plus, we’ll help with catering orders, printing agendas and help ordering car service, so that you can be present with your teammates.

Here are tips to help you get started on hosting a team-building event.

Choose the type of space you need.

1. A large conference room/boardroom with seating for six or more can be great for brainstorms, collaboration, and strategic planning sessions. Then, while the team is all together, you can weave in some team-building exercises, too.
2. Do you need to hold training sessions for compliance? A classroom-type setting might be the right solution, with presenters at the front of the room and all eyes facing forward.
3. Another solution is to rent out several executive suites where staff members can work in smaller groups and can gather for coffee and lunch. Then finish the day with an off-site happy hour or team dinner.

Craft an agenda.

1. Will the day be all work, or will you weave in some team-building exercises? Off-site meetings can be fun and engaging, while helping to get the team all on the same page. You may decide to kick off the morning with some ice-breakers and group challenges before a keynote speaker.
2. Plan your breaks, and your menu. When renting flexible office space or conference rooms, ask about catering options. Be sure to have plenty of bottled water, coffee, and tea available – as well as some light snacks for when that 4 p.m. sugar craving hits! We can work with you to ensure any dietary concerns are addressed and that you have plenty of plates and utensils.
3. Appoint a timekeeper to ensure you stay on track. If you’re rolling out an important new strategy, don’t leave it until the end of the day. Be sure you leave enough time for Q&A sessions. You may want to end the day with a guided breathing exercise, or some upbeat music to close out the session.

Don’t do it alone.

1. Decide whether you’ll hire a professional moderator or presenter to talk about industry topics… or hire a third party to walk you through exercises like identifying each person’s strengths.
2. Appoint a committee to help you plan your offsite meeting. What do your teammates want to accomplish with this time together? Do you have any BHAGs (big, hairy, audacious goals) or is it more of a warm, fuzzy get-to-know-each-other day?

Are you excited yet? Plan your next off-site or team-building event at Sobon & Associates LLC. Our flexible office space features executive boardrooms, conference space, ample parking, and a shared kitchen – all in a conveniently located, professional office park that’s 40 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from Union Station in Hartford. Call today!