Distance. The physical space in between us became very significant in stopping the spread of COVID-19. As a result, we had to learn to integrate distancing into how we work, socialise, and interact.

In a stressful time when human connections matter a lot, physically staying away from each other was challenging.  The internet closed a huge gap but more than 2 years into the pandemic, we had to find ways to improvise.

Remote work system

Although remote work was a rising trend and was already foreseen to be the future system of work, companies and organisations were forced to adopt this system due to the pandemic. Employers and employees had to navigate the challenges to cope with this hastened transition. 

Psychological challenges

Where most of us were able to quickly develop the digital skills needed for a successful remote work setup, coping with the stress, uncertainty, isolation, loneliness, and burnout brought about by working-from-home was trickier to address. 

A worrisome finding by the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) in an online survey of 1,000 remote workers between March 26 and April 5, 2021 states:

“The majority of employees working from home say they experienced negative mental health impacts, including isolation, loneliness, and difficulty getting away from work at the end of the day.”

We now miss our daily commute to and from work. Commuting served as a natural barrier between work and home, a chance to stretch, to get some fresh air and sun, to align and refresh our thoughts for work and our personal lives. 

Photo by: Eutah Mizushima

Not to mention the simple coffee breaks, camaraderie, and other personal interactions at work. That simple and routinary stuff that we overlooked before pandemic but was actually beneficial to us. 

And then there was the stress of the pandemic itself where many had been infected and/or with family and loved ones lost; the health, financial, and uncertainty of the future. On normal work days where we tend to ease our tensions by sharing personal problems with close colleagues, we are left to deal with our troubles, distanced.

Because of these prevalent issues, there is more pressure on companies to create programs and incentives and new ways to support their employees’ mental health. 

Corporate Events

Pre pandemic, these events were held at least once a year.  At the height of COVID-19, we improvised and sustained with virtual events.

Now, as the covid situation continues to change and with most of us now able to adapt to this ever-shifting tide, companies, and businesses are looking into holding more in-person corporate events. 

Benefits of in-person events

No matter what the type, corporate events have this common benefits:

• To introduce and reconnect. For employees who were hired during the pandemic, corporate events are the best and probably the only way to meet colleagues in person. And too, a great opportunity to see and hang out with old buds at work.
• Foster teamwork and company culture. A day or a weekend of chat, fun games, laughter cultivates belongingness that is essential for:
  • Boosting morale and cooperation 
  • Motivation and reinforcement
  • Effective communication
  • Improving mental health
  • Build confidence
• Stimulate creativeness. Ideas and interests spike up just by being around people who are working together towards the same goals. Increased productivity is expected as a result.
• Fun!

At your service!

Taking the whole company/ team out to a location is a lot to organise. In this pandemic where in-person bonding is seldom and precious, we should ensure a smooth running of events.

Touring Monkeys has years of experience in the outdoor event industry and handles any kind of corporate event. We have trusted partners and venues at amazing locations all over Switzerland and Europe.

We have been distanced for so long.  That is why we ensure that your team’s time together is meaningful and unforgettable.