The Empower Group’s Post

New!! 37Signals: Our Employee All-Hands Retreats Cost From $3,500 to $6,274 Per Person: So what does an all-hands employee retreat really cost? You can do it more or less cheaply, for sure.  But I found this post from Jason Fried at 37 Signals insanely useful. Across geographies from Miami to Amsterdam and more, here were their fully-burdened costs: So, we do these full-company meetups twice a year in... Continue Reading The post 37Signals: Our Employee All-Hands Retreats Cost From $3,500 to $6,274 Per Person appeared first on SaaStr.

If you are thinking of organizing a team-building retreat, be sure to include time outside. Read my most recent blog post on the benefits including nature in team-building events. https:/https://lnkd.in/g22bSaiN #forestbathing #natureteambuilding

In person events continue to be more important than ever as remote and online work continue to play a major role in many organizations. This article from Forbes talks about how company retreats are a focus. https://hubs.ly/Q02GSB5q0 #events #eventplanner #eventmanagement #ct #boston #nyc

5 things we (re)learned last week at Parallel Summer Camp →  ⛺ Invest in togetherness  We organize our 2x annual in-person week-long retreat, known as “Camp”, to unite our remote team. The planning and preparation for each are extensive and it means stepping away from our daily work, routines, friends, and families. It’s not easy, and it’s not perfect. But it’s worth it. The time spent together at the retreat strengthens our bonds, reaffirms our priorities, and we return home with a renewed sense of purpose.    💭 Talking with > talking at   95% of “strategy time” at Camp (outside of downtime and activities) was spent in small group discussions, quietly writing reflections, or chattering as a full team. Some presenting to make sure everyone is looped in is necessary — and it can be nice to passively take in information with a cup of [👀 seriously] strong coffee — but seeing what's possible when your technical and creative teams come together to jump between carbon metrics, company vision, social connections and bird powerpoints, is irreplaceable.    📊 Progress > perfection  We’ve wanted to track our footprint and handprints as a company since the company began. Rigor and accuracy are critical for what we do as sustainability support, so we want to get it right...you know, setting up a committee, scouring through data, developing a streamlined process, etc etc. But we also know better than most that sustainability will always shift, and progress is never perfect. So we're getting started, because getting started is how you get better. We’re excited to share what we find out.    👣 Walk the walk   We're a small team, so we know logically that our impact in working with clients often outweighs internal actions reduce our footprint. But it’s important to never assume your piece of the puzzle is too small. So, for one example, we’re working toward a zero-waste Camp. S/o to Camp committee and local[ish] teammates for making packaging reductions, composting, food waste analysis, donations possible, and…committing to eating a lot of leftovers.   🚧 Plan for change   We try to be really intentional with our time together (see points 1-4), but Camp is also an exercise in letting go and letting the people and conversation lead you to the outcomes you want and the ones you didn’t know you needed. Sometimes, all you really need is ice cream. Annie Bevan, Alex Muller, Rebecca Backer, Laurel Chądzyński, Lauren Bobyock, Taylor Friehl, Luke Dias, Dylan Berryhill, Zach LaPorte, Michaela Shaw, Kaare Sola

Can you also not eat lunch without your office bestie? 🥗🫶 . . . #educative #lifeateducative #lunch #softwareengineer #softwaredeveloper #edtech #techindustry #colleagues #work #greatplacetowork #joinnow #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering #lunchbuddies #lunchtime #coworkers #officebesties

Summer offers an ideal backdrop for corporate retreats, providing a chance to blend relaxation with team-building in a refreshing setting. Thematic retreats like 'Adventure Outdoors' bring teams closer to nature and each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie and creativity. Activities such as guided hikes, team challenges, and outdoor workshops can be part of these retreats, enhancing the team's collective experience. Alternatively, a 'Tropical Getaway' theme can transform a corporate retreat into a rejuvenating escape, complete with beach activities, tropical-themed dinners, and relaxation sessions. These retreats are not just about taking a break; they are designed to rejuvenate, inspire, and improve team dynamics, contributing to the overall productivity and morale of your organization. #CorporateRetreats #SummerThemes #TeamBuilding #SharonBonnerConsulting #InnovativeEvents #NatureInspired #ProfessionalDevelopment

Join the Changing Work Collective & Access Exclusive Events! At the Changing Work Collective, our mission is to promote and support Conscious Business Practices and Practitioners and we are inviting you to join our community and get a front-row seat to this upcoming week's conscious events. Remember, you'll need to sign up for the Collective to access these events - and good news, it starts with a free 30-day trial! 🔹  👋 New Member Onboarding! Tuesday, Jun 11, 12:00 – 12:45 PM PDT Join the CW crew for our New Member Onboarding events, held monthly and led by a rotating cast of core team members and ambassadors. Ideal for newcomers but open to all, this event offers a warm welcome to get to know one another and learn more about Changing Work. 🔹  Solopreneur Accountability Co-Working Space Wednesday, Jun 12, 9:00 – 10:30 AM PDT Join Emily Raeker for a biweekly co-working accountability group session. This session is for anyone who would like support as a solopreneur or feels the limited connection by working remotely. The purpose of this group is to offer a shared space and feel community while focusing on actively working towards our goals. 🔹  The Creative Arts Cohort Friday, Jun 14, 9:00 – 10:00 AM PDT Hosts Tim Van Ness, PLC and Emma Laurence, CLC invite you to delve into key elements for continuing creative collaborations. The focus will be on creating an inspiring space, fostering self-awareness to overcome personal obstacles, embracing the continuous flow of creativity, and engaging in a collective dialogue to innovate ways of working. 👉 Step 1: Join the Changing Work Collective. Sign up here for your free 30-day trial: https://lnkd.in/gFp83bWB 👉 Step 2: RSVP for Events. Once you’re a member, use these links to secure your spot in our upcoming events. Be part of a movement that's reshaping the future of work. Together, let's build a world where business is more conscious, collaborative, and community-driven. #ChangingWork #ConsciousBusiness  #consciouscommunication #accountability

🌞 Excited for Summer Outdoor Team Building? 🌞 While summer might seem distant amidst hail and gloomy skies, it's never too early to plan an unforgettable corporate summer away day or party! To ease the daunting task of organising a company-wide outdoor team building event, here are some stellar activity ideas and a handy checklist to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our Top 5 Summer Outdoor Team Building Activities: Soap Box Derby: Fuel adrenaline and creativity as teams construct their racing carts, sparking friendly competition. Putt a Hole in Hunger: Combine fun with philanthropy in a mini-golf tournament to raise awareness and funds for combating hunger. Escape the Box - Outdoors - Does your team have what it takes to Escape the Box? In a race against the clock, teams must solve a series of challenges and conundrums. Back to School: Tap into nostalgia with classic schoolyard games, promoting laughter and bonding. The Sphere - Crystal Maze: Encourage communication and coordination as teams navigate obstacles with a giant inflatable sphere, testing agility and unity. These activities promise not just excitement but also meaningful opportunities for teams to grow closer and enhance collaborative skills. According to Forbes, hosting Summer Outdoor Team Building Activities is crucial for keeping your team motivated and productive. Benefits of Summer Outdoor Team Building: Refreshing Break: Escape the office and enjoy the natural environment, fostering creativity and boosting morale. Promotes Teamwork: Engage in collective problem-solving to strengthen communication and interpersonal relationships. Physical Well-being: Enjoy physical challenges that promote a healthy lifestyle and enhance mental clarity and resilience. Ultimately, these activities create lasting bonds and a positive work environment. Relaxed Summer Corporate Team Building: For a more laid-back vibe, consider quintessentially English lawn games like croquet, paired with refreshing Pimms in the sunshine. Whether competitive or casual, it's guaranteed fun for all! 📝 Checklist for Summer Outdoor Team Building: Wet Weather Plan: Organise a backup option. Shade: Ensure there's enough to escape the sun. Refreshments: Provide plenty of cold drinks. Permissions: Check with local authorities for any restrictions on fireworks or loud music. Activity Diversity: Offer options for all ages and interests. Check out more info on our latest blog - https://lnkd.in/d-54HcP8 Don't miss out on the chance to create memorable experiences and strengthen your team bonds this summer! Check out our full list of activities and get ready for an unforgettable event. 🌟 #TeamBuilding #SummerFun #CorporateEvents

We're almost there, on the Workliday - an integration concept I came up with, which was warmly welcomed by the staff.   Why is it a completely new idea? The main obstacle to integration activities is that the vast majority of employees have family commitments. This problem has been addressed by extending the invitation to members of our employees' immediate circle.   The second innovation is that some of the days will be used for regular work, but in a shared environment. Unfortunately, due to post-pandemic changes, we rarely have the opportunity to work directly with each other. In addition, this solution allows the team to maintain a steady work rhythm that is usually disrupted during holidays. Thus - although a large portion of our staff takes part in the trip - our commitments to clients do not suffer.   I think this is a very interesting and innovative approach to integration. At the moment, I have every reason to believe that this formula will work and have a positive effect. If this assumption is confirmed, I intend to develop the concept further. Who knows? Maybe my idea will become the new integration standard?   #workliday #integration #management #business #innovation

EXPLORE OUR THRILLING FIGURES 🚀 👥 With a flourishing team of 80 employees, U-Space embodies a vibrant workforce culture where talent thrives. Our diverse team members bring a wealth of experiences, expertise, and perspectives to the table, enriching our collaborative environment and driving innovation forward. The average age of our team stands at an energetic 34 years old, reflecting both the dynamism of our workforce and our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute. 🌍 U-Space is a global hub of talent, with individuals from 6 different nationalities coming together under one roof. Our multinational workforce brings a richness of cultural diversity that fuels creativity, fosters understanding, and drives global collaboration. ☕️ In our bustling offices, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is a constant companion, with over 200 kilos consumed per year. Beyond just a coffee boost, these breaks serve as valuable moments of connection, where ideas are exchanged, relationships are forged, and collaboration thrives. 🥐 In 2023, our team members brought 95 delicious breakfasts. These morning meals weren't just about nourishing our bodies; they were about nurturing a sense of community and well-being within our workforce. Whether it was a hearty spread to start the day off right or a grab-and-go option for those on the move, breakfasts were a real nice to have. 🎉 And because we understand the importance of balancing work with social connection, we hosted 30 official afterwork events in 2023. These gatherings provided an opportunity for our team to unwind, bond, and celebrate both professional achievements and personal milestones in a relaxed setting. From happy hours to team outings, these afterwork events fostered a sense of belonging and camaraderie that extends beyond the confines of the office walls. At U-Space, our figures are not just numbers- they are a reflection of our values, our culture, and our commitment to fostering a workplace where every individual can thrive, grow, and succeed. 🌟