What’s better—the flexibility of remote work or the warmth of in-person collaboration? These days, work takes on a lot of different forms, and we think that versatility is much needed. Independent work and face-to-face meetings both offer benefits to support a balanced life. So whether you’re one of the 12.7% of remote full-time employees or one of the millions of self-employed who may work from home, planning the occasional in-person event can help you have the best of both worlds.
What remote work is missing
Working independently has a lot of benefits for individuals that we appreciate, like flexibility of time and workspace. People save time and money without the daily commute, all while reducing carbon emissions from a daily commute. Caretakers can have more wiggle room for school pickup or appointments, and people can make time for midday workouts or healthy lunches. And remote work can be a helpful alternative for neurodivergent folks with high sensitivities, since it lets them control their environment and minimize sensory distractions.
But it’s essential to schedule time for human connection too, whether that’s collaborating, co-working, or brainstorming together. And when it comes to meetings, the majority of people prefer in-person engagements over virtual conferences.
In-person connection is so valuable, both personally and professionally. It has the capacity to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build a sense of community within a team. And research shows that feeling connected to others can significantly influence a person’s overall physical health. Even if remote or independent work is your norm, there might be serious benefits in planning in-person work or social events to bring people together in an intentional way.
Ways to gather
There are lots of things that could bring people in your work world together: conferences, brainstorming sessions, work happy hour, team building. We’ve seen teams bond through company photoshoots or gather at an off-site event space to enjoy catered breakfast and engaging guest speakers.
As a local event space in Cincinnati, it’s fun to see how folks get creative in the ways they bring people together. One great example is Socials by MANMAN, where creative entrepreneurs and small businesses come together to show off their skills and mingle in a casual setting. People who might otherwise work alone or remotely have a comfortable space where they can build both personal and professional connections.
Leaders and organizers might want to offer optional in-person gatherings where teams and collaborators can meet face-to-face. Some teams plan for monthly or quarterly meetings, which helps foster a positive company culture even when people are usually working from home.
Hosting an in-person event as a small business owner or creative is also an opportunity to boost your brand awareness and show people what your business values. By choosing a venue that aligns with your mission and priorities, you show potential clients and collaborators what matters most to you. We love seeing how groups find ways to engage with the community around them when hosting events at the Annex of Oakley, whether it’s through local catering or a group hike in one of Cincinnati’s parks.
Your goal for face-to-face connection will depend on your wants and needs. So get creative and think outside the box. The most important thing is that you stay mindful of your goals and create the gathering that feels most authentic to you and your team.
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