The past 15 years have witnessed a remarkable rise in remote work, with an increasing number of individuals and organizations embracing flexible work arrangements, amplified by the advancements in technology and inftrastructure. According to a study by FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics, remote work has grown by 159% since 2005, highlighting the significant shift towards remote work practices and the growing acceptance of what is now being dubbed “the future of work”.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to adopt remote work practices to maintain social distancing guidelines. As a result, remote work has seen an even more explosive growth in recent times.
This shift towards remote work has brought about a new trend: Onsite is the new offsite.
Here are just a couple of benefits of bringing your distributed team together IRL for a few days:
Face-to-Face Interaction
Onsites provide an invaluable opportunity for team members who typically work remotely or in different locations to come together and meet face-to-face. Direct personal interactions foster stronger connections, build trust, and enhance communication among team members. This face-to-face time can significantly improve working relationships and promote a sense of camaraderie within the team.
Team Building and Bonding
Onsites offer dedicated time for team building activities and exercises that help strengthen the bonds among team members. Engaging in team-building activities, such as group challenges, games, or problem-solving exercises, helps break down barriers, improve collaboration, and promote a positive team culture. These activities allow team members to get to know each other on a deeper level, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Not to mention allowing space for those spontaneous magical moments of human connection.
Alignment and Motivation
Offsites provide an ideal setting for aligning team goals and boosting motivation, helping increase employee engagement. For disengaged employees, there is an 37% increase in absenteeism and a 18% dip in productivity, which can be offset by bringing the team together to align on company goals and boost team spirit.
Skill Development and Learning
Offsites offer an opportunity for skill development and learning through workshops, training sessions, or presentations. Bringing in external experts or utilizing internal expertise within the team, offsites can provide valuable learning experiences and knowledge sharing. This enables team members to enhance their professional skills, learn new techniques, and stay up-to-date with industry trends, contributing to their individual growth and the overall capabilities of the team.
