Spring is finally here, and as the weather starts to improve, employees will inevitably be overcome with the urge to spend time outdoors and far, far away from their cubicles. It may seem like allowing employees to spend time outside offsets productivity, but it’s important to keep in mind that employees who are engaged with their company and team members are 85% less likely to leave their company, and there are countless ways to help your employees stay motivated and productive during the spring season with exciting, culture-boosting activities. There of course should be events like seasonal parties and end of year bash (if you need a space to throw these then check out Peerspace) but what else can you do?
As time goes by, more and more executive search firms are showing no signs of slowing down. Firms such as Leaders International (leadersinternational.com) continue to lead the way in searching for new, and better employees – and in most cases, it’s to replace under performing senior employees. But, is it possible to improve employee satisfaction, and thus performance? One method could be to make regular corporate events more enjoyable for them for example by using qecart.com to make them more personal, therefore helping to engage your employees.
Here are just a few spring-friendly ideas for employee engagement activities.
Weekly Outdoor Games
Sports can bring together people and employees of all different ages, interests, and upbringings. It’s one of the best ways to foster a sense of team spirit and pride that will inevitably translate to other aspects of the company’s overall mission. Consider taking one hour each week, perhaps on a Friday, to meet up outdoors with coworkers and play some exciting outdoor games. Allow coworkers to bring in their own games and activities from home, from basketballs, to frisbees, badminton, and more. The more team-oriented games you can include, the better.
If you’d like, you can even include a quick happy hour afterward to discuss the games and congratulate the winners. Spending for cocktail hours has risen to 76% from 69% in 2010, and having a drink with other employees helps set the atmosphere for the rest of the workday. Keep the games going weekly and you’re bound to notice an almost instant improvement in employees’ productivity, morale, and overall culture.
Spa Day
If you’re more interested in allocating budgets for a larger or more involved event, a spa day may be perfect. An increasing focus on wellness resulted in more than 179 million Americans visiting spas in 2016, and there’s probably not a single employee in the office who would pass up a chance to get out of their cubicle and into a warm and inviting spa. If you don’t want to make a full day of spa-related activities, consider bringing in a masseuse to provide massages for employees after a long workday.
“Corporate spas are becoming popular with large companies looking to provide bigger and better perks for employees. A corporate spa means employees don’t have to travel far for a little R and R…Spa offerings in a corporate setting also allow employees to relax and recharge onsite, without having to try to schedule time during the weekday evenings or weekends,” writes Erin Hall on Incorporate Massage.
Treating your employees to any form of spa-related treatments will provide a surefire boost to productivity and confidence. It’ll also make your employees feel more luxurious and appreciated than ever before.
Volunteer Event
Finally, this is an event that employees can participate in at any time of year, but chances are, your employees will be more willing to get outside as soon as the weather gets nice after feeling cooped up all winter long. Choose a local community event, or take requests from employees regarding the causes they’re most passionate about, and travel as a group to the event to help out and volunteer on company time. Many employers underestimate the effect that volunteering has on employees, but the fact is, it makes them take pride in their employer because they’re helping to make a difference in the community.
Ultimately, 64% of all employees do not feel they have a strong company culture, but taking the time to think about how you can make the most of the season with your employee engagement events is the best way to keep employees as motivated, productive, and appreciative as possible all spring long.
