Gearing up for the big game? Rounding up the others? Then you know that planning an epic party requires thoughtful preparation. While you can’t control the game's outcome, you can create a setting that invites celebration and camaraderie. The same is true for your workplace culture. If you want to increase engagement, try taking a similar approach.
And because a 7-layer dip is almost always a winner at these kinds of parties, let’s think about this one layer at a time.
First, make people feel included.
With a rising focus on retaining employees, some company leaders are looking for new ways to build environments where people love to work. Planning a Super Bowl bash can help us consider how we bring people together—and ways to make working together more fun.
So, where do you start? Consider the guest list. Who should be there, and who’s missing? You want to ensure your gathering and your workplace feel welcoming and inclusive. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are closely linked with creative thinking and positive company cultures. But how far do your DEI efforts go? When was the last time you evaluated your recruiting strategy through this lens? Who are you inviting to join your team, and are your hiring practices aligned with your DEI goals?
Then make sure employees have an opportunity to get involved.
Once you have your guest list down, you’ll want to ask for help or ideas. Gathering input from your team members is one important way to make sure they feel seen, heard, and valued. Increasingly, employees want to flex more agency, which can include being part of decision-making—on a personal and company-wide level. That may mean allowing them to set their own schedule, but it can also involve opportunities to determine where your organization is heading.
Next, think of the space and the venue.
Are you going to be hosting in your home? Have you ensured there are seats for everyone and that your space is accessible to all? When it comes to your workplace, in addition to making sure you comply with the law, you’ll also want to make accessibility a priority, starting with your first interaction with potential employees. Looking for ways to make your career site or job portal more accessible can help you avoid excluding valuable people from entering your talent pipeline in the first place. The same goes for the physical environment and technology at your office. Remember, you want people to feel invited and welcome.
Don’t forget the game itself.
It sounds pretty basic, but you’ll want to ensure everyone has a clear vantage point to take in the action. Your guests need to see what’s happening on the screen, and the same idea applies at the office. How do you get people interested in progress or challenges when they don’t have a chance to see them? How do you get employees more invested in shared goals? Creating greater transparency can help drive engagement and boost job satisfaction. Make sure employees know how their work impacts the big picture and build a process for sharing your organization’s goals, strategies, challenges, and opportunities.
Now to the meat of it…
You want your guests to get along and have a great time, right? How does a group with different backgrounds and interests become a cohesive, engaged team? Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, believes that a strong team has fueled his success. His approach to cultivating effective teamwork is ensuring every individual is in a position to thrive. Take the time to help each team member identify their potential and match their strengths with their job duties. Clear communication is key to working together and making progress as a unit. So are acknowledgment and recognition. Lewis says that if you’re a leader, you need to be conscious of the energy you bring to work because it’s contagious: “If one of your team members is empowered to be the best they can be, they’re encouraging the person next to them.”
Amplify voices.
You want people to get into the game, right? You want people to feel comfortable showing their enthusiasm and speaking up. The same goes for strong teamwork. Leaders must be open to feedback and create a safe space for team members to voice ideas and concerns. An open, honest, and transparent culture is critical for engaging your people. Everyone needs to feel included, informed, valued, and heard.
Finishing touches.
How do you set the tone? Put on some music, bring out some snacks, and encourage conversation. If your organization uses a physical office, think about how you can make it a more exciting space for employees. Maybe breakrooms can become headquarters for book exchanges. Or maybe you could consider a pet-friendly day of the week. If your workspace is primarily virtual, think of games (with prizes!) that could help your teams get together online. Some primarily remote companies are offering meal delivery vouchers as a workplace perk. Opportunities to learn and grow, such as a MasterClass at Work membership, are another increasingly popular and joy-inducing perk. Spend time brainstorming ways to help your teams experience more moments of fun and connection. Most importantly, make efforts to help employees bring their authentic selves to the office, whether they’re working remotely or at a desk right next to you.
MasterClass at Work
MasterClass at Work is the learning platform that helps you unlock your employees’ full potential and inspires a learning lifestyle in everyone. From negotiation to mindfulness to baking—these are just a few activities your teams can explore.