Offsite meetings are becoming essential as companies debate the future of hybrid working
Hybrid working is having its moment, with many companies adopting the approach to provide greater flexibility for employees. This, however, isn’t without its problems, as businesses miss certain benefits of office-based teams where employees create strong working relationships and can collaborate easily and quickly in-person.
There is a simple solution, though. Offsite meetings provide all the above benefits while maintaining the flexibility employees love. In fact, the change of scene will spark creativity and boost morale, proving it a reliable investment for your businesses’ future.
Boost productivity and collaboration
Meetings conducted away from usual workspaces can increase productivity and encourage fresh perspectives. The change of scenery can help to breathe new life into discussions, stimulate creativity, and inspire innovative solutions via face-to-face collaboration.
Accommodating all budgets and requirements, our corporate meeting rooms come in many shapes and sizes, but all come with unparalleled digital capabilities and our team of AV and hospitality experts to look after you. We have intimate spaces such as the Appleton or Bell for small meetings of up to 10 people, or if you need larger capacities - why not try our larger rooms such as the Flowers, Lovelace or Haslett, able to accommodate up to 120 people depending on your required layout.
IET members can arrange informal colleague get-togethers in our Faraday Centre which overlooks the North Embankment and Waterloo Bridge. The modern, comfortable space is available for them to visit up to twice a week and host a maximum of three visitors. It has various seating nooks and also houses the Knowledge Centre and Library, allowing you to carry out research during your stay. The Faraday Kitchen also allows for those in a grip of productivity to continue meetings over a working lunch, or pause for nutritious options that help boost energy levels.
If you’re not an IET member but still want to enjoy this fantastic and versatile space – don’t worry! You can book it after hours when it transforms into the Faraday Lounge, to be booked in conjunction with our Turing Lecture Theatre.
Unparalleled AV technology and support
For high-focus meetings, our soundproofed boardrooms provide the perfect setting, equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology. For example, our Wedmore Boardroom can seat up to 26 people and has state-of-the-art video conferencing technology with wall-mounted flat-screen displays surrounding the room – meaning that no matter where you sit, you have the best seat in the room. Our in-house AV team is on hand for all audio-visual needs, ensuring the focus is solely on the agenda and not on trying to get the technology to work. Our Maxwell Library (with two private riverside balconies) offers an alternative but equally great choice for a mixed meeting and networking event.
Strengthen teams with teambuilding
Offsite meetings present a chance to build stronger teams and by bringing the team together in a neutral and relaxed environment, colleagues have the chance to connect on a personal level to strengthen working relationships.
If you’re looking to go one step further and include some teambuilding activities, we use a fantastic supplier who offers various choices, including pizza making (and eating) or yoga in the Riverside Room (and for an additional wow factor you can include the Johnson Roof Terrace - offering panoramic views of the River Thames and the South Bank).
Accessible for all
Hybrid and remote teams by their nature are often made up of employees from all over the country, which can pose a real issue when searching for a venue that’s easily accessible for everyone. Conveniently, we’re a short distance from London Charing Cross and a short public transport or taxi journey from Waterloo station, both of which have quick connections to international stations.
We use what3words to provide guests with an exact location of the accessible, step-free entrance: ///actual.almost.fantastic, and we have a number of procedures in place once you reach the venue to make access as easy as possible in terms of mobility, hearing, and visual aid. You can find out more by downloading our Accessibility Guide.
As the hybrid working model continues to evolve, the significance of offsite meetings cannot be overstated. They provide a space for enhanced productivity, meaningful collaborations, and the strengthening of team bonds.
Add to the mix great catering, inspiring settings, and state-of-the-art technology with unparallelled AV support and offsite meetings become an excellent business investment.
