Finally, the Covid-19 pandemic is starting to slow down – and businesses are planning to reopen and usher employees back to the traditional workplace!
With colleagues meeting each other in person, almost after 2 years, things may feel a bit awkward (and there may be a few challenges too).
But the ideal way to break through the awkwardness and embrace the approach of returning to offices – is by arranging an office reunion. This will make the transition a little easier and less clumsy for your employees.
That being said, some employees will resist attending the reunion or even going back to the office and starting with offline work – but it is your duty, as an employer, to make the process smoother, fun, and less stressful for them.
Yes, it is – and we’ll tell you why!
Through the pandemic, the employees have been working remotely. Naturally, the habit of working under a common roof with colleagues has been long forgotten. Now people have grown used to working alone at home.
So just by inviting your employees back to the office directly – you can’t expect them to be happy. Rather be a little strategic!
A small reunion prior to the reopening day will drive employees to meet each other in person after ages and brush up on the bond they already shared before the pandemic. Also, arranging a reunion and bringing employees together before the reopening will encourage collaboration and company culture.
The Right Way To Plan A Office Reunion in 2022
Unlike other office reunions, this time, there may be slight modifications in the current reunion scenario. Here are a few ways to make your 2022 office reunion fun, enjoyable and collaborative
But first……
Since you’re welcoming your employees to a reunion after a major pandemic, it’s crucial to have some safety plans in mind. According to the recent CDC update on public health guidelines, social distance or wearing masks is not mandatory for fully vaccinated people (that’s good news!). But to make the reunion a total success (and to ensure no one gets sick), you must abide by the mandated vaccine policies laid by the government.
NOTE: Don’t expect all your employees to be eager to join the reunion, even if they are fully vaccinated. A good way to approach such a situation is to validate individual concerns and ask them what makes them feel safe.
Most of your employees may already have created their optimized home offices – reflecting their unique work styles. So if you want your employees to come to the reunion and then back to the office and start working offline, you need to offer them new incentives.
Remember, an office reunion sounds fun, but not for everyone. So offering your employees the flexibility and freedom of time (like the way they have enjoyed during the pandemic) while giving them good reasons to come back is a win-win situation for both you and your employees.
Welcoming your employees with a gift at the reunion is an amazing way to make them feel wanted and appreciated. This will help encourage unity and get them into the mood of working together.
A small gift card, their favorite snacks, or a personalized gift is more than enough to add a personal touch to the reunion and make your employees feel welcomed.
What’s a better way to celebrate a reunion than with delicious food? Not that we know one! Bonding together over food will make your employees feel close-knit – and it is an excellent way to cut through the awkwardness of meeting and working with each other after such a vast span of time.
Torq03 has some of the best buffet in Bangalore where you can relax, bond, and share a good time with your team while enjoying your meal.
Many people have been alone at home during these months (or years). So a reunion is the best way to encourage your employees to engage and talk to each other – and dust off the feeling of social ineptitude. And your employees will appreciate it too.
Remember, when you allow the employees to be more interactive, they get more engaged with their colleagues and get more work done. Since your employees are getting back to the office after a considerable time gap, allowing small talks and discussions is a good way to build up a positive and stress-free environment for the upcoming days.
If you want to schedule a visit to the best place for corporate team outing in Bangalore – Torq03 might be just the one for you.
One of the best ways to make the most of the reunion and welcome employees back to the office is through team-building activities. If you plan it the right way, team-building activities can be fun and will also allow your employees to review company policies and regulations before stepping through the front office door.
More than ever, your upcoming office reunion is the ideal place to start building strong office culture. Communication, parties, team building activities, are a great way to adapt culture-building activities to the workplace environment!
Planning For a Reunion Soon?
Now that you’ve read the reasons (and know the ways to do it) for arranging a reunion for your employees before they physically hit the office floor – you understand how crucial it is for your office productivity.
Partner with Torq03 and throw a high-energy office reunion party before welcoming your team to the office. We have a wide variety of games and team-building sports that will instill collaboration and partnership among the employees – and your team will certainly take the benefits back to the office.