Gathering with Intention—Building Culture in a Hybrid World

This month’s issue of CTM is brought to you by guest editor, Carolyn (Brown) Regan , RPG Chief People Officer.

As we navigate return-to-office and hybrid work, gathering with intention is key. A recent PwC survey shows that workers still want meaningful in-person meetings even in a hybrid setup. A classic HBR article from 2022 and a BBC story from last year also support this idea and highlight the opportunities and challenges hybrid work presents.

At our company, we embrace the idea of gathering with intention. In two weeks, we will bring our remote team to Boston for a three-day company summit. This annual gathering is a strategic investment that strengthens our culture, fosters teamwork, and ignites new ideas.

The Art of Gathering

In her insightful book, “The Art of Gathering,” Priya Parker makes the case for the transformative power of intentional gatherings. She writes, “Gathering matters because it’s through gathering that we create a sense of belonging, foster collaboration, and drive change.” As we plan our summit, we are using Parker’s ideas to make sure our event is meaningful.

Why It Matters

In the hybrid work era, intentional gatherings are crucial for building culture. They help align teams, share vision, deepen trust, and celebrate successes. According to the PwC survey, 84% of employees think in-person interactions are vital for maintaining company culture.

But hybrid work also has challenges. Misaligned expectations, communication gaps, and feeling isolated can get in the way. The BBC story says it’s crucial to address these potential problems by creating spaces where everyone feels connected. A Forbes article points out that hybrid work could cause as many problems as it solves, so we need to handle these issues carefully.

Effective Gathering Strategies

To make our company summit a success, we will focus on these strategies:

1. Purposeful Agenda: Aligning sessions with goals and making sure every activity has a clear purpose.
2. Inclusive Design: Creating an environment where we value everyone’s voice.
3. Engaging Activities: Using interactive sessions, team-building exercises, and social events to build connections.
4. Reflective Practices: Giving opportunities for reflection and feedback to improve gatherings every year.

We need to be as thoughtful with virtual gatherings. In a LinkedIn piece, Racepoint Global’s Amy Palladino talks about aligning company culture with virtual and hybrid work. She says, “Creating intentional virtual experiences that reflect our values and mission can bridge the gap between remote and in-person interactions, ensuring our culture stays strong.” For more insights, read her article: “Aligning Culture in Our Virtual Reality.”

Final Thoughts

As you gather your employees, remember that the goal is to connect, inspire, and innovate. Let’s use the power of intentional gatherings to build a stronger, more united culture.

Have questions about making the most of an upcoming summit or how to leverage gatherings to strengthen culture? Reach out. These are conversations that matter.

Bob Osmond, president, Racepoint Global