While it goes without saying that the COVID-19 pandemic came with myriad challenges, it wasn’t without a number of life lessons, as well.
One such learning experience was the realization that the 9-5 work routine and gamut of business dealings do not necessarily have to take place within the confines of a physical office space. With global lockdowns forcing office-based activities to a grinding halt, employers and employees, alike, had no choice but to shift their mindset and rethink their work models. From Japan to Jamaica, millions of businesses embraced the work-from-home set-up; and, as restrictions eased, companies adopted hybrid arrangements, with their teams working from the office on some days and from home on others.
“Beyond the boardroom” setup is definitely not without its benefits. Some of the advantages of conducting business affairs outside the brick-and-mortar office.
In the midst of all this, the workforce also developed a newfound appreciation for holding business meetings, client calls, negotiations, team discussions, brainstorming sessions, and other corporate concerns in unlikely venues outside the office. For instance, al fresco, open-air establishments have become especially popular preferences for such go-getting get-togethers, nowadays.
An array of advantages
From client calls and meetings, to team-building activities and corporate training sessions, this beyond the boardroom setup is definitely not without its benefits. Some of the advantages of conducting business affairs outside the brick-and-mortar office include:
Improved communication. Sometimes, all it takes for communication to flow better is a more relaxed atmosphere. Introducing a new setting and doing away with the formal hierarchy even for just a day levels the playing field, breaking down barriers between employer and employees. Even something as simple as changing up the seat plan by meeting outside the office can make a difference, giving team members the chance to speak up more freely. Employees will feel more at ease interacting with one another, discussing tactics, proposing new plans of action, and enjoying a less constrained or restrictive environment.
Flow of fresh ideas. Owing to the ease of communication, brainstorming with the team should typically improve, as well. A simple change of environment may have a huge influence not only on communication, but also in creativity and ideation. One of the biggest benefits to having corporate functions and meetings outside of the office is that it energizes the team and fosters a creative atmosphere, bringing about fresh viewpoints.
Bridge the cultural divide. Out-of-office meetings are especially beneficial for cross-cultural teams or clients who might otherwise find communication difficult in the office setting. It can be intimidating, dealing with colleagues or clients from another culture. A more relaxed venue helps to draw out common interests, especially if shared over a good meal and casual conversation. Overall, offsite meetings help to calm the nerves and bridge the cultural gap.
More one-on-one time with the team or client. Offsite meetings help to foster a stronger bond between employers and employees or between companies and clients by affording deeper interpersonal connections. It’s easy to take others for granted, in the office setting, with its host of seemingly never-ending tasks and to-dos that compete for attention. A non-office setting, however, provides the opportunity for employers to give their team a greater chunk of their attention; the same goes when meeting with clients.
A boost in morale and an increase in productivity. Done regularly, offsite meetings may result in a boost in employee morale, which, in turn, typically translates to an increase in productivity and job satisfaction. Holding meetings and company events outside the office is a way to keep things light and to break the monotony of the daily grind. Boredom and drudgery result in dissatisfaction, causing employees to feel stuck in a rut — all of which hinder the flow of fresh ideas and take a toll on overall performance. Breaking the routine and changing up the pace helps keep things engaging and exciting.
With those benefits in mind, employers and business owners may want to take a closer look at holding regular offsite activities with their team and their clients. Some popular places and unique venues to consider include open-air restaurants and al fresco coffee shops, parks, rooftop bars, quirky co-working spaces, museums, amusement parks, and even the local zoo. Some of these venues can get full and busy (therefore, noisy) during peak hours, so it would be wise for employers to plan ahead and make a booking for off-peak times to make the most out of the experience.
