Turn nightmares into micro-moments
A clear sign of health for any company is the ability to create memories that unite staff and strengthens internal relationships. It can be done in many ways, in staged or natural setups. The staged ones, such as events or company trips, can be beneficial, but often the we-must-get-to-know-each-other-on-a-deeper-level-events cause anxiety and stress to a great number of employees because they are out of their comfort zone and unable to behave naturally.
So why not leverage the natural everyday workspace flow by turning daily activities into micro-moments?
As an example, let's take moving office. There's no way around it. It has to be done, and no one likes it. During this time it is often challenging for the employees to reach their goals and focus on their actual to-do-lists, because they have to sit on a cardboard box with their laptop on the top of the lap, as their desk is taken apart and moved, or they have to dismantle their desk themselves, all the while worrying about their other deadlines.
The alternative is making it an official event. An end of an era but the start of another kind of thing. A DJ, burgers, mocktails - or cocktails if you want. An event that not only lets people know they're included but also fills them with motivation for what's to come.
A change of location is always a serious matter - especially when it's a location where people spend so much time.
Instead of keeping the team out of the equation, involve everyone in the decision-making so that each person feels a sense of ownership around the situation. It can really be make-or-break for the future spirit of the company, so see it as an investment, bring that expense into the budget, and have faith in the fact that employees will give make up for hours lost during the move.
Relocating is a great opportunity to make everyone feel special. So ask each employee what they would appreciate in order to land safely in the new workspace, instead of just presuming that the entire bunch would be satisfied with a new desk lamp or a mouse pad.
We thrive when we feel seen and heard as individuals so let everyone be a part of it all - and reap the benefits after.