In the age of hybrid working and increasing costs, UK workplaces are adopting a new approach to staff parties by organizing family-focused team events, aiming to cultivate a sense of community and unity in the workplace.
While remote working may have made offices quieter, it hasn’t slowed down the organization of team-building events for employees. According to a recent survey conducted by Poptop, the number of workplace parties is on the rise, with more UK businesses opting for smaller, family-oriented work events instead of the extravagant corporate parties of the past.
Changing Trends in Corporate Parties
Poptop, a leading online party planning platform in the UK, surveyed 370 business clients to assess the shifting trends in corporate party planning in light of the hybrid-working boom and the cost of living crisis. Surprisingly, the survey revealed a significant 48% increase in staff gatherings and parties compared to 2019. Importantly, the types of parties being planned are also changing, with a substantial 57% increase in new “family-friendly” corporate events.
These smaller, cost-conscious work gatherings invite team members to bring their partners and children to enjoy the festivities. This marks a departure from the traditional alcohol-fueled Christmas events that were once synonymous with 21st-century workplace culture. The shift in tone is evident in the categories of party services chosen by corporate bookers. Buffet catering and bartender bookings have declined by 40% compared to 2019, while corporate food services such as barbecues have increased by 60%. Family activity bookings, including magicians and children’s entertainers, have seen an astounding 100% increase since 2019. What is driving this significant cultural shift?
The Rise of Hybrid Working
The answer lies partly in the ongoing transition to remote and hybrid working. According to the Office of National Statistics, 44% of UK workers now report some level of hybrid working. While the benefits of hybrid models can be numerous, it presents a potential challenge for HR departments to maintain team connections, which were once crucial for workplace culture. Fostering personal connections among employees and bringing teams together regularly have become vital for productivity and overall business success.
With the shift to hybrid working, the workplace mindset is changing accordingly. “The office” is becoming less like a separate environment and more integrated with family life as workspaces extend into homes. Consequently, workers desire to introduce elements of their home life into the office. Family-friendly workplace events offer a novel solution that bridges these previously distinct worlds. Additionally, as family costs rise, companies can provide employees with a cost-effective way to entertain their entire families.
Benefits for Businesses
These new family-oriented events also offer benefits to businesses. They are easier to budget compared to traditional corporate events, as they often take place at the office or nearby parks and outdoor spaces, reducing venue hire costs. Consequently, team gatherings can be organized more frequently, with multiple Poptop clients reporting planned corporate events every few months, as opposed to just once or twice a year.
“We have observed a significant change in party planning patterns post-COVID, not only among private bookers but also corporate parties and gatherings. With a large proportion of people working remotely or in a hybrid model, bringing staff together frequently has become essential, and more HR departments are beginning to realize this. At the same time, the shift in work-life balance is encouraging companies to arrange more family-friendly gatherings, making them more accessible for people with children,” explained Eugene Shestopal, CEO of Poptop.
About Poptop
Poptop is a platform that helps people elevate their parties to the next level. It inspires party planners with extraordinary services and experiences from some of the UK’s best event suppliers. Their unique “Live Pricing & Availability” technology simplifies party planning, removing the stress and creating a seamless booking experience. Poptop has facilitated over 85,000 events, establishing itself as one of the largest party planning platforms in the UK.
For more information, visit: https://www.poptop.uk.com/
