Do you remember the last post where we talked about team building? Well, ‘after-work’ is one of the most common team-building activities and one that’s particularly popular with staff. As the name ‘after-work’ suggests, it takes place after work, and that’s precisely when the magic of team building happens. This activity is fun and sociable; it doesn’t require much from staff, just that they relax and switch off whilst enjoying some time with their colleagues, away from their work responsibilities.
Have you ever been to an after-work get-together, or would you like to organise one? In this post, we’ll look at a few examples. Keep reading!
What is an ‘after-work’ event?
The after-work tradition stems from Anglo-Saxon culture – specifically the City of London – where, after a busy day’s work, employees from nearby offices would gather in traditional English pubs to unwind with a pint.
Nowadays, this custom has spread to the rest of the world, and the term ‘after-work’ is used to describe any team-building activity that takes place straight after work – which usually involves sharing a snack or taking part in a simple activity. The idea is for employees to interact, get to know one another and have fun. The best thing about after-work get-togethers is discovering new common interests with people you work alongside every day, but which, due to the workload or the stress of the working day, you hadn’t realised you shared.
Although after-work events are planned, they give rise to genuine relationships that extend beyond the office. Would you like to know how to organise a corporate event of this kind? Read on!
How do you organise a successful after-work get-together?
For an after-work event to be as successful as you hope, you must first set your objectives: that a minimum number of people attend, that the feedback is positive, that new connections are made, that some sort of activity takes place, that any corporate news is communicated, and that people respond to it positively In other words, before organising the event, think about why you want to hold it.
Once you’ve got this sorted, follow these steps to make sure you don’t miss a single detail:
- Select the appropriate date and time: Choose a time slot in the calendar that suits most participants. Ideally, it should be straight after work, so that people don’t have to wait and don’t head home, as it will be more difficult to get them to another venue afterwards.
- Choose the location: Choose a suitable venue, such as a bar, restaurant or terrace near your workplace. Make sure there is enough space to accommodate all the guests.
- Clear invitations: Send out the invitations well in advance and make sure they include all the necessary details, such as the date, time, venue and purpose of the event.
- A relaxed atmosphere: make sure the venue has a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere so that participants can have a good time.
- It offers entertainment options: Consider playing some background music or organising games or fun activities to keep the atmosphere lively and enjoyable.
- Drinks and snacks: make sure you provide a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and some snacks or light bites for guests to enjoy whilst they chat.
- It makes interaction easier: If it’s a large group, organise tables or areas where participants can interact more comfortably and naturally. Try to ensure the spaces are dynamic and that people don’t just stay in one area. For example, holding a cocktail party will help prevent this.
- Encourages participation: You could organise some games or activities to break the ice and encourage people to get involved. Don’t forget that interaction amongst the attendees is the main aim.
- He thanks those present: At the end of the event, thank everyone for coming and express your appreciation for the time you have spent together.
What benefits will regular after-work get-togethers bring for the staff?
Fostering a sense of connection within the team will always have positive effects, but it is something that requires perseverance and patience, as personal relationships do not develop overnight. So, if you’re thinking of organising team-building activities, it’s best to draw up a plan to carry them out in a structured and regular manner to see results such as these:
- Strengthening interpersonal relationships: these informal get-togethers enable staff to get to know one another better, which helps to build stronger relationships and promotes effective communication amongst them.
- Strengthening camaraderie: By spending time together outside of work, employees develop a sense of camaraderie and belonging to the team. This can improve collaboration and cooperation in the workplace.
- Reducing work-related stress: after-work get-togethers offer the chance to switch off from work and relieve tension. This helps to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with the working day.
- Fostering creativity and innovation: by fostering a more relaxed atmosphere that encourages interaction, employees can share ideas more openly, which can lead to new proposals and innovative solutions.
- Increased motivation: Knowing that there are opportunities for relaxation and socialising after work can encourage employees to feel more motivated and committed to their work.
- Talent retention: A pleasant working environment and a close-knit team are factors that help to retain talented employees within the company, as they will feel valued and more satisfied with their working environment.
- Development of social skills: After-work get-togethers enable employees to develop their social skills, such as empathy, effective communication and the ability to work as part of a team.
- Celebrating achievements and successes: these events can provide an opportunity to celebrate the team’s achievements, recognise a job well done and motivate staff to keep up the good work.
Did you find the idea of organising after-work get-togethers as a tool for team-building and fostering a positive working environment interesting? Subscribe to Educa.Pro and learn much more about human resources and professional development!
