Why corporate events matter more than ever in hybrid work environments

How hybrid work has changed the role of corporate events

When teams spent more time in the office, relationships developed naturally through everyday contact. People spoke before meetings, caught up over lunch and got to know colleagues outside their immediate team.

Hybrid working means some of those conversations now happen less often. Teams may stay in regular contact through calls, emails and messages, but there are fewer opportunities for people to connect informally.

One of the main benefits of corporate events is that they give colleagues time to catch up, meet people from across the business and build relationships that can make day-to-day communication easier.

Why are corporate events important for hybrid teams?

Hybrid working can leave people with fewer opportunities to spend time with colleagues outside their usual circle. Corporate events bring the wider business together, giving people time to talk, share ideas and get to know one another better.

This can be especially useful for new starters and teams that do not meet regularly in person. It also gives employees a clearer sense of the organisation as a whole. 

Shared experiences can help people feel more involved in the business and more comfortable working with colleagues across different departments, with 83% of employees saying that a company’s approach to supporting workplace friendships would influence their decision to stay with an employer.

Choosing the right event format

The most useful format depends on the reason for bringing people together.

A full-company gathering works well when the aim is to connect different departments, share updates or recognise progress. It gives employees the chance to spend time with people beyond their usual circle and feel part of the organisation as a whole.

Smaller team days allow for more focused conversations. They can include planning sessions, workshops or time to work through a particular challenge without the distractions of the working day. Away days are also a good opportunity to include hybrid team building activities, particularly when a team has grown, changed or spent a long period working remotely.

The day does not need to be filled with activities from start to finish. A clear plan, a useful session and enough time for people to talk will often work better than an overpacked schedule. Food and informal breaks also matter, as these are usually the moments when conversations happen more naturally.

Regent’s Events offers a flexible setting for team building days, with indoor spaces, outdoor breakout areas and five acres of private gardens within Regent’s Park. This gives organisers more flexibility when planning a day around the size of the group and what they want to achieve.

Making the journey worthwhile

When people are travelling from home or further afield, the day needs to feel worth their time. A balanced schedule helps make the event more enjoyable, while leaving enough space for colleagues to catch up between sessions.

The venue can make this easier. Regent’s Events offers a central London setting within Regent’s Park, with Baker Street Station and Regent’s Park Station both within walking distance. Indoor and outdoor spaces can be used for workshops, presentations, meals and informal conversations, allowing the day to flow naturally without guests needing to move between venues.

A worthwhile investment in your team

Corporate events require budget and time away from everyday work, so they need to serve a clear purpose. In a hybrid environment, they can support retention by helping employees feel more involved in the organisation and giving teams time to build stronger relationships.

As working patterns continue to change, bringing people together in person can form an important part of the employee experience. Positive workplace relationships are directly linked to higher employee engagement and lower intentions to leave, and a well-planned event gives colleagues the chance to recognise progress, spend time together and return to work with a stronger sense of the people around them.

For organisations planning a company gathering, away day or team-building event, Regent’s Events offers a central London location with flexible spaces and an experienced team to help coordinate the day. Explore Regent’s Events’ corporate event spaces and start planning a day that works for your team.