As the summer season begins to wind down, it’s an ideal time to start planning late summer employee engagement events. With the sun still shining and the spirit of summer in the air, there’s no better way to boost team morale and foster a sense of togetherness than by organizing fun and creative workshops. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of gathering your team together at the end of the summer and delve into the specific advantages of hosting creativity and nature-based workshops at this time of year.
Celebrating the End of Summer
The end of summer is a bittersweet moment for many, as it marks the transition from long, sunny days to the cooler months ahead. This transition can sometimes bring about a sense of melancholy or a drop in employee morale. However, employee engagement coordinators and HR managers can turn this transition into an opportunity for celebration and bonding.
Gathering your team at the end of the summer provides an occasion to celebrate the hard work and achievements of the past months. It allows employees to reflect on their accomplishments and acknowledge the contributions of their colleagues. Recognizing these efforts not only boosts morale but also reinforces a sense of belonging and camaraderie among team members.
The Importance of Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is a crucial aspect of organizational success. Engaged employees are more productive, motivated, and committed to their work. They are also more likely to stay with the company longer, reducing turnover and the associated costs. Therefore, investing in employee engagement activities, especially at the end of the summer, is a strategic decision that pays off in the long run.
Late summer engagement events provide an opportunity for employees to connect on a personal level, fostering a sense of community within the workplace. These events can also help employees recharge their batteries and return to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Engaged employees are more likely to go the extra mile for their company, leading to improved performance and overall business success.
Creativity and Connection: The Benefits of Workshops
What is the best approach to a late summer event? The pros at Garden Streets believe the best way to celebrate the end of the summer season is to embrace creativity and nature. Before the leaves begin to fall and we all move into the coziness of autumn – let’s enjoy plants and the vibrant greens of summer one last time! Below, find our favorite recommendations for a late-summer event.
- “Paint and Plant” Workshops
“Paint and Plant” workshops combine artistic expression with the therapeutic benefits of gardening. Participants can unleash their creativity by painting pots and then plant their favorite flowers or succulents in them. These workshops promote team bonding through shared creative experiences and provide a sense of accomplishment as participants watch their plants grow over time.
- Herb Garden Workshops
Herb garden workshops allow employees to learn about and cultivate herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint. These workshops not only provide a relaxing and educational experience but also encourage healthy habits by incorporating fresh herbs into the kitchen. This is a great event whether your office prefers plants or food!
- Kokedama Workshops
Kokedama, a traditional Japanese gardening technique, involves creating beautiful hanging moss ball plants. These workshops offer a unique and meditative experience, allowing employees to practice mindfulness while crafting their kokedama. Hanging these elegant creations in the office can contribute to a calming atmosphere, reducing stress and increasing well-being.
- Succulent Terrarium Workshops
Succulent terrarium workshops are a trendy and eco-friendly way to engage employees. Participants can design and create their mini ecosystems using succulents, rocks, and glass containers. These low-maintenance terrariums bring a touch of nature to the workplace, enhancing employee well-being by fostering a connection with the natural world. If you’re guilty of murdering a few houseplants, succulent terrariums can be a great low maintenance and low stakes way to learn how to care for a plant.
The Wellness Benefits of Creativity and Nature
Engaging in creative activities like painting and gardening has well-documented wellness benefits. These activities reduce stress, increase focus, and promote a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Incorporating plants into the workplace also has significant advantages for employee well-being.
Plants not only improve air quality but also contribute to a calming atmosphere that can help reduce anxiety and enhance creativity. Taking care of plants requires mindfulness and patience, helping employees disconnect from the demands of work and recharge their mental batteries.
Late summer employee engagement events are an excellent way to celebrate the end of summer and boost team morale. Creative workshops such as “Paint and Plant,” Herb Garden, Kokedama, and Succulent Terrarium workshops provide unique opportunities for employees to connect, relax, and enhance their well-being. Investing in employee engagement not only improves team dynamics but also leads to greater productivity and commitment, making it a win-win for both employees and the organization. So, as summer comes to a close, don’t miss the chance to make the most of it by planning these engaging and enriching activities for your team.
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