Remote work has been a hit with companies worldwide. But at Hubble, we’ve noticed some are eager to reunite their teams. After all, over half of all communication is supposedly “non-verbal”.
That’s why, for many people, some work activities are better done in-person. In fact, 44% of fully remote companies say it’s important for maintaining company culture.
But what work activities justify spending time in a workspace? To help you get started, Hubble’s put together a list of tasks and jobs that are best performed when you’re all under the same roof.
Connecting with colleagues
Team bonding is an essential part of a strong team. While virtual events have skyrocketed in popularity, some activities — like team lunches or escape rooms — are best done in person.
This seems like a no-brainer. For many, achieving the same level of bonding is harder when you’re not physically together.
This is because the nonverbal messages we send and receive help bring people closer. In fact, research has shown that smiling, nodding, and engaging in social or professional touch can reduce physical and psychological distance between individuals.
So, the next time you’re organising a company offsite or a team lunch, consider spending the day together in a workspace to make it worthwhile!
Onboarding new starters
While virtual onboarding is known for its convenience, efficiency, and the additional benefit of recording training sessions, many managers and new employees prefer in-person onboarding.
With in-person onboarding, employees can gain a better sense of company culture from the jump. There are also more organic opportunities to bond with new coworkers and ask questions.
For remote companies, such as Boxclever Marketing and Taskrabbit, using on-demand workspace has proven instrumental in bringing employees together, both old and new, boosting the benefits of in-person onboarding.
Having important conversations (good or bad!)
Whether it’s performance reviews or addressing sensitive issues, important conversations are an inevitable part of business. But having them face-to-face makes the process a lot smoother.
For example, you can explain yourself without room for misinterpretation. Your tone, emotion, and body language can support the words you say, helping the person understand you better.
You can also express empathy and compassion, helping you and the other person arrive at a meaningful solution. It’s also an effective way of showing respect for all involved!
Client meetings
For many companies, some of the most successful client and industry partnerships have stemmed from an introduction at an event, a meal at a restaurant, or simply a coffee at a local cafe.
In fact, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger’s business relationship began when they met in 1959 through a mutual friend at a dinner party!
What’s more, research has shown even a simple handshake promotes cooperation and influences negotiation outcomes for the better.
So, next time you meet with clients, consider renting a private office for the day to allow for more meaningful conversations and opportunities to build rapport and trust.
Creative brainstorming
While virtual brainstorming can be effective for remote teams, the benefits of in-person brainstorming are undeniable.
In fact, one study found that videoconferencing can actually hinder creative thinking because focusing on the screen takes up too much mental focus.
However, in-person brainstorming is a different story. Another study found that letting your eyes wander and noticing random objects in a room can help generate more ideas.
And when measures are taken to ensure the comfort of participants, they feel more at ease expressing themselves.
It’s easier to tell when someone’s finished their point, and you don’t have to navigate any awkward technological hiccups, both of which can make people less confident when speaking up.
Strategising
There’s so much that goes into a strategy session. You need a skilled facilitator, a crystal-clear agenda, and an attendee list that includes all the right people.
But for many people, where the strategising takes place is what truly sets the stage for success.
This is why more than 80% of executives prefer in-person meetings over virtual ones, noting their ability to create an environment for timely business decisions and complex strategic thinking.
Luckily, there are plenty of workspaces available for remote teams to use. Whether it’s a meeting room or a private office, these spaces are designed to help you strategise with the team.
In fact, Olio regularly uses on-demand workspace so they can make the most out of their team collaboration days.
“They allow us come together to build our friendships and relationships at work, to brainstorm, and to have that space to connect”, says Lily Pearson, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Olio.
Hubble On-Demand: your key to bringing your team together
At Hubble, we help businesses give their teams great places to work.
We built Hubble On-Demand so remote companies can help their teams meet, connect, and collaborate in locations convenient to them.
With 1000 workspaces around the UK and beyond, such as day offices and hourly meeting rooms, Hubble On-Demand allows teams to enjoy the benefits of in-person working anywhere, anytime.
For example, Taskrabbit’s 400+ person team uses Hubble On-Demand to take a break from WFH. In doing so, they’ve saved *87% compared to the cost of having a full-time office for all its staff!
Keen to give your distributed team the chance to work together in person? Learn more about Hubble On-Demand!
