Elevator ELEVATOR’S 2022 TRIP
Like many other companies, we’ve had to reimagine our work model and what the future of office work looks like. At ELEVATOR, we’re embracing a remote-first work model, and reserving future on-site team meetings exclusively for collaboration and team-building. Whilst remote-work offers an abundance of benefits for both companies and teams, it can never fully replace in-person collaboration and camaraderie. In April 2022, we coordinated our first collective team meeting. Coming together from across 4 different provinces, our team gathered at the Drake Hotel in Toronto. For most, it was the first time meeting in person after more than a year of working together.
This meeting gave us an opportunity to come out of our personal bubbles and merge into an extensive collaborative one. There’s a certain connection and energy that cannot be replicated via video chat. With laptops closed, cell phones silenced, we had the opportunity for better discussions because there are less distractions. We were able to reflect on our mission and purpose and then return the drawing board to strategize how to elevate our clients & our team. We dove deep into matters like the Right to Disconnect. With teams working remotely, the blurred boundaries between work and home-life can lead to stress and burnout, so it is critical to establish policies and encourage a healthy work culture. Another piece that came out of our session was the comeback of our blog! The team at ELEVATOR are messaging experts and with there being so many benefits to blogging, what better way to flex our skills/ we strategize a system to keep it thriving.
Coming together allows us to build camaraderie and understand one another on a more personal level. Creating team building experiences virtually has its challenges and limitations, so we were eager to take advantage of this time together and do something fun! In the spirit of exploring, we put on our detective hats and went on a scavenger hunt organized by Urban Capers. The hidden treasure was the connection between all of us that echoed throughout the Distillery District.
In person gatherings are so valuable for remote teams. For us, though we have now returned to the four corners of the country, we are better connected. We have fresh ideas that we’re executing and a synchronized vision and purpose for the work we do. We asked the team to share their feedback and here’s what they had to say:
TESTIMONIES
Why would you say that team building activities are essential for a team / our team?
“In turn allowing space for a much more uplifting, encouraging, nourishing and open environment for everyone to feel comfortable expressing themselves and interacting with one another. It allows the team to really feel more like a family rather than a bunch of coworkers.”
“Team building exercises are essential because they allow and encourage team members to come together to interact on more personal levels through these shared experiences.”
“When we take time to collaborate in person, we have better personal relationships that can lead to increased communication, motivation and collaboration.“
What surprised you the most during our trip / meeting?
“Interacting in person really brought into perspective how different it can be, especially energetically. It definitely allowed everyone to feel more free and comfortable to express themselves and share their life stories/experiences.”
“The ease. The naturally ‘click’ that seemed to occur and led to beautifully, big creative ideas regarding the business.”
“This in turn allowed us all to feel more comfortable with each other and get to know each other on broader/deeper aspects of each other’s lives. (As well what kind of work is put in on the other side of the team. Hearing the PR side really gave insight into how much work is put in from just our team and what they have to go through on a daily/weekly basis)”
What’s your biggest takeaway from this meeting?
“Leaving this trip I felt inspired, motivated, and excited about the new opportunities to come. I had a great time with the team, and learned first hand what ELEVATOR is all about. I felt like a valued member of the team, and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to begin my career in PR at ELEVATOR.”
“ I firmly believe that we’ve got the best team in the history of the company – truly supportive, kind, super-smart and committed to the success of each other and ELEVATOR.”
“Our team trip further confirmed what a special group of people we have working at ELEVATOR and how honored and lucky I feel to be a part of this team.”