By Claire Stern
While the hybrid work norm poses challenges to the built-in socialization of the traditional office, it also offers an opportunity for managers to rethink and promote creative team building that translates to this new era of working.
Upcoming summertime travel and flexible work arrangements can make it harder for employees to connect. Fortunately, the solution for improving team bonding in a hybrid space during the warmer months can be as simple as creating moments of uplift with Starbucks Cards in bulk. Whether your team is remote or in-person, customers can seamlessly order and send custom digital and physical cards that come in an array of thoughtful designs in quantities of 15 or more—a simple way to show employee appreciation.
Ahead are three meaningful ways to build a successful hybrid team culture this summer season with Starbucks Cards.
Spending time with your team shouldn’t be relegated to brainstorms and teamwide meetings. Getting together outside of the office—especially outdoors—is a great way to improve moods, reduce stress and build a better team to boot.
To do that, managers can invest in getting their team together for a summer retreat or one-day offsite that could include hiking, games and workshops. Leaders can prepare tech and video conferencing for more seamless hybrid participation during group exercises (for example, using speakers and wide-angle camera attachments on-site to better include remote attendees), and games can be played on laptops so everyone is on the same platform. Tip: Hiring a facilitator can ensure all team members are fully present, prevent any lags and keep the group on schedule. Include a gift bag with a Starbucks Card that can be given in-person or sent to virtual participants as a token of gratitude or as a prize during games where several winners receive a card.
As summertime weather ramps up, hybrid team managers can help teams cool off and connect wherever they are. With Starbucks Cards, managers can schedule digital card delivery throughout the summer and encourage team members to set up virtual or in-person coffee chats with their coworkers (whichever the format, meeting outside is a plus!).
Leaders who make a concerted effort to foster these connections should see a pay-off: research shows that positive social relationships in the workplace ultimately increase productivity, improve collaboration and reduce stress.
Delivery of Starbucks eGifts can be scheduled up to 28 days in advance, and volume discounts are offered on a per-order basis. For an extra touch, cards can be customized with your company logo for an added fee.
Mental health and team building go hand in hand—and even in this hybrid work era, summer is the perfect time for leaders to get their teams outside to recharge and connect. Research indicates that those who exercise on a regular basis have reduced anxiety and better emotional wellbeing. Equally, the benefits of teams spending time in nature abound, from improving cognitive functioning, boosting connections and driving personal and team growth.
Plan an outdoor team-building exercise that increases endorphins and deepens bonds in the process, like a yoga class led by a private instructor at a park near the office and stream the class on video conferencing for those working from home.
To celebrate the summer season, top off the experience with a Starbucks Card featuring a custom message of appreciation for the whole team. They can grab their go-to Starbucks drink post-workout or treat themselves on a Summer Friday and beyond.