Adam Simpson, director of marketing and US sales, etc.venues, shares some key findings from his session at International Confex 2023.
“Covid-19 has forced a radical shift in working habits – mostly for the better”; this headline from a recent article in The Economist captures what most of us have observed and experienced.
Hybrid working has brought with it many challenges and changes, notably to the role and organisation of internal meetings and events.
I recently discussed this very topic at International Confex 2023, alongside panellists, Adele Garrick, manager of events and thought leadership at Mastercard and Carla Hallmark-Jones, head of events at NESTA.
Here are some of the key takeaways:
Communication
We’ve all realised that technology can create new challenges. While some people are clearly better than others at communicating via screens, the panel agreed that there are steps that can be address the potential issues.
They include; allowing 15 minutes before the start to test cameras, broadcast signals and sound; having a moderator in each room to ensure that everyone in the room or online has a fair chance to contribute; and using polls at various points, either in person or online, to gauge levels of agreement.
Co-ordination
Being in the office and catching up with colleagues is much easier in-person, but it’s often not possible now. Hybrid working has made collaboration more difficult and the co-ordination of diaries more important and challenging.
At the same time, finding space in the office for a meeting is also a greater challenge as both large and smaller companies try and reduce their office footprints.
Connections
We know that building professional networks is important, but it’s much more difficult when many activities are no longer in-person.
Graduate inductions and on-boarding are a good example. At etc.venues, we host around 6,000 graduate starters each year and the in-person element allows them to make valuable connections that will serve them through their career. At the same time, they settle better into the organisation, helping with retention.
Hallmark-Jones added that new starters coming into the office two days a week miss out on all that is otherwise “acquired by osmosis” and asking questions. Employers are having to adjust to the fact that when staff are only in the office two days a week, there is more social networking before meetings or work activities start.
Creativity
In-person problem solving and brainstorming works best in an in-person environment, as there’s a more fluid discussion and greater spontaneity. Garrick said that there is “no replacement” for having people in a room together.
At etc.venues, we have created dedicated spaces for these types of events, incorporating elements that help encourage alternative thinking. We are also being asked for more different room layouts.
Culture
Creating a positive company culture has come to the fore recently. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said that, from a culture point of view, “in-person is the way forward”.
Event planners now have a key role in creating the events, more townhalls and team meetings, that convey the company’s culture. Gaining senior management buy-in is essential for these events.
It’s clear that hybrid working has changed the way we communicate, connect and build a company culture and has helped to generate a new appreciation of co-ordination and creativity.
