- 35% of Brits say they avoid going to workplace parties as they are boring and feel like a waste of their time
- 20% agree that the events hosted by their place of work are not inclusive of different faiths, genders, identities or pregnant people
- 35% feel that the parties and events put on by their workplace are reflective of how valued they are by their employer
- 18% of Brits say their workplace has a boozy culture that they and their colleagues aren’t always willing to take part in, and a further 29% agree they don’t enjoy their workplace events at
- 32% concur they would feel more engaged with their workplace if more was invested in social events
Hugo Campbell, co-founder of Togather, discusses how workplace events play an essential role in fostering a productive working environment
Hi British Guild of Beer Writers,
I hope you’re well. Please do let me know if you would like to speak with the co-founder of Togather, Hugo Campbell.
As firms incentivise returning to the office, workplace culture has experienced a fundamental change. As a result, productivity is taking a big hit, with a Gallup poll showing that only 10% of the British workforce currently feel engaged. In an insightful study, Togather – the UK’s leading events marketplace – unveils what truly makes employees happy in a rapidly evolving corporate landscape. Togather’s study outlines that beyond remuneration and career progression, the social culture that is created in a workplace holds the most weight in determining employee engagement. The proprietary statistics reveal that 35% of the UK workforce say the events put on by their workplace reflect exactly how valued they feel by their employers. Currently, the majority of workplaces fall into the culture of Friday night drinks and other similar social formats, but sentiments around these events are shifting, as research from the events organiser found that 35% of the British workforce find their workplace socials boring.
There is an increasing responsibility bestowed upon business owners to create an enticing and productive workplace culture for employees heading back into the office – with productivity and engagement at risk, evidenced by research from McKinsey revealing that more British employees are leaving their jobs than ever before. Togather’s landmark study places a direct focus on the role of work events in this complex dynamic to one that is shown to be more important than ever. Looking into how workplace socials need to evolve past the traditional pub-trip to become cornerstones of company culture. Today’s study highlights that 32% of the nation agrees that increased investment in workplace events would cultivate sustained employee engagement.
Key stats
- 35% of Brits say they avoid going to workplace parties as they are boring and feel like a waste of their time
- 20% agree that the events hosted by their place of work are not inclusive of different faiths, genders, identities or pregnant people
- 35% feel that the parties and events put on by their workplace are reflective of how valued they are by their employer
- 18% of Brits say their workplace has a boozy culture that they and their colleagues aren’t always willing to take part in, and a further 29% agree they don’t enjoy their workplace events at
- 32% concur they would feel more engaged with their workplace if more was invested in social events
Corporate event spend is on the rise, but are businesses investing appropriately?
The ICE annual report announced that spending on events within the corporate sector is expected to rise by as much as 83% in 2023, yet the question remains on how this money is being invested. Research by Just Eat for Business found that 82% of British workers demand more team-building Therefore, investment into corporate social events needs to not only be for fun events, but constructive, team-building activities amidst increased discourse around employee engagement and wellbeing to curate a positive and committed workforce.
Exploring how events promote relationship-building above free lunches and after-work pints, Togather’s data has found that although 20% of employees say that the traditional Thursday/Friday evening trips to the pub are the staple of their social calendar, sentiments around these gatherings are shifting.
Reimagining the office party to reflect engagement and empowerment is essential in today’s environment. Togather’s data unveils the intrinsic link between employee satisfaction and employee engagement, marking events at the helm of that dynamic. Reflecting this, the data shows that 28% of UK employees say that their fondest memories come from workplace events.
Beyond pay-rises and workplace flexibility: how can employers show employee appreciation?
Research from Togather reveals that 51% of Brits prioritise working for a company whose values are aligned with theirs. Alongside benefits such as inflation-linked pay-rises, mental health support and workplace flexibility, corporate events and team-building activities can play a pivotal role in supporting workplace culture and nurturing talent. Yet with new data by Togather revealing a third of Brits (32%) would feel more engaged with their workplace if greater time and resources were invested into social events, elevating already existing ways of rewarding teams is now essential.
The study from Togather found that the value of corporate activities can last way beyond the event’s last song, as 16% of the nation was more inclined to stay with their workplace because of the events they hosted and the lasting memories these events hold. As employers incentivise a return to office working, employees are looking for genuine connection with their place of work and their peers. As found in Togather’s data, almost a quarter of Brits who work remotely (24%) would be in favour of coming into the office if their employer hosted a greater number of great social events. As hybrid working poses the risk of employees feeling disconnected from their workplaces, employee engagement is now more pertinent than ever.
With employee engagement being inherently linked to productivity – leading to a 21% increase in profitability according to Gallup’s Business Journal – Togather argues that money alone can’t buy employee loyalty as employers must now host events that genuinely reflect the value they place on their staff.
A party for everyone: How do workplace socials reflect the face of the UK workforce
From rolling out flexible working policies to promoting diversity in recruitment, many businesses across the UK are driving inclusivity forward. Extending to workplace events, Togather’s research shows that 20% of the nation finds their workplace social events exclusionary and inconsiderate of different faiths, genders, and identities.
Shifting the office party away from just festive holidays, alcohol-heavy venues and beige buffets, Togather advises creating events that reflect the individuality of the team. Accounting for Britain’s diversity of faiths, dietary requirements and ethical choices, the traditional post-work drinks may now be obsolete – with the research further revealing that 18% of Brits say their workplace has a boozy culture that they and their colleagues aren’t always willing to take part in, and a further 29% agree they don’t enjoy their workplace events at all.
One way to add flair to work events is by involving unique and independent vendors, going beyond your locals to introduce employees to different offerings. This could add a new dimension to office lunches, with research from Togather showing that 62% of the workforce say they would much rather eat really tasty food at work events, rather than drink copious amounts of alcohol.
Events in the hybrid era keep the ‘best work-friend’ alive
As organisations navigate the complexities of the hybrid work model, data by Togather reveals that 38% of staff say the biggest downside of remote working is that they have no relationship with their colleagues. Workplace friendships not only provide a sense of belonging but also have a direct correlation with employee satisfaction and success. This comes after a study by Officevibe which found that 70% of employees believe having friends at work is the most crucial element for a happy working life.
Despite the significance of employers nurturing office BFFs, Togather reveals over 1 in 3 (34%) of workers feel that their employer invests less in work events and parties now that they have a hybrid working model. Events play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between remote and in-person employees, enabling workers to forge genuine connections beyond their daily work-related tasks. By prioritising corporate events and recognising the impact of workplace relationships, Togather argues that employers can create an emotionally fulfilling work environment that uplifts employee well-being, fosters collaboration and fuels organisational success.
Hugo Campbell, co-founder of Togather, comments on the essential role that workplace events hold in fostering productive office environments:
“Workplace events have evolved way beyond get-togethers; they are now recognised as crucial for fostering a productive workforce. Our data shows that one in three employees would feel significantly more engaged with their workplace if social events received more investment. However, it is disheartening to discover that 35% of employees actively avoid attending their current workplace parties due to finding them dull and unproductive.
“This places the onus on business owners to create workplace events that are truly captivating and inclusive, reflecting the value they place on their employees. It is no longer sufficient to rely on beige buffets, standard holiday celebrations, or the usual Friday night trips to the pub. Instead, businesses must provide meaningful experiences that genuinely demonstrate appreciation for their staff.
“By doing so, businesses can cultivate a working environment that thrives on genuine connections and shared moments. At Togather, we understand the importance of these experiences, which is why we provide a platform that supports businesses in hosting events that create lasting memories and connect people through extraordinary experiences. We want to transform workplace events into occasions that truly engage employees, fostering a positive and productive work culture”.
About Togather:
Togather, formerly known as Feast It, is an event marketplace that connects people through extraordinary experiences. Through a curated network of suppliers, the platform offers exceptional food, drink, entertainment, and event services for weddings, corporate functions, festivals, and private parties. With a user-friendly platform, clients can effortlessly browse and book top-notch chefs, food trucks, photographers, videographers and florists.
Contact:
Ingrid Walker
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0207 183 3189
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