“What do you love most about your job?” 💬 I’ve asked this question of many of my colleagues over the years. It's no coincidence that the most common answer I get is “I love the people.”
Employees who feel connected with one another are less likely to feel isolated at work, and more likely to feel empowered, valued, driven, and motivated. In fact, one study even found that employee networking can reduce the likelihood of turnover by 140%.
To improve your organization’s employee engagement efforts, providing networking opportunities is a must. Check out this list of my favorite networking activity examples to help people in your organization build relationships with one another.
Internal networking is the process of establishing interpersonal connections within the workplace. This is typically done through planned social events and employee engagement activities between colleagues. Some internal networking event ideas include:
Internal networking events aren’t just fun; they’re also a great excuse to help employees interact in ways they may not be able to during a busy workday. These events can help employees build interpersonal connections with people both inside and outside their immediate departments.
These informal employee gatherings create a relaxed atmosphere, making it easier for employees to engage in authentic conversations and discover common interests outside of work-related tasks. As a result, employees feel more connected, valued, and motivated, ultimately leading to a positive work environment and improved overall job satisfaction.
Your team can also consider hosting an employee retreat to allow team members to tap into creativity and productivity in a fresh, relaxing environment.
On August 17, the pc/nametag team gathers for "National Badge Ribbon Day" festivities.
Meeting new people can be daunting, especially for new employees who are not yet acquainted with other people in the workplace. Give employees the chance to meet new people by randomly assigning pairs of participants every two weeks or once a month.
Employees who sign up for this activity can sit down for coffee, have lunch, or take a lunchtime walk to catch up. “Buddy” meetings can also take place in groups for those who prefer a larger gathering.
The relaxed setting of a coffee chat, lunch, or a leisurely lunchtime walk provides a casual and friendly atmosphere for employees to get to know each other on a personal level. You'll also help build bridges across different departments and promote a sense of camaraderie throughout the organization.
In the age of remote working, office chat tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams have quickly become the backbone of employee interactions in the workplace. Take full advantage of these tools by creating groups and networking channels for employees to use.
This way, they have a dedicated space to ask questions, create discussions, share information, and post useful content for others to see. Team channels are great for non-work-related discussions too! Many employees find joy in connecting with others over shared passions and interests.
Looking for a way to help employees learn more about their fields and sharpen their skills? Start a book club that revolves around professional development books and skill-building. This way, employees have an outlet for discussing new ideas and improving current processes in their departments.
A book club is also a great way to get employees who share common interests together for meaningful conversation and continuous learning. Plus, they’re easy to do, whether in person or virtually!
External networking is the process of developing interpersonal connections with people outside your immediate work environment. This type of networking often happens among people who share similar interests, job roles, or industries. External networking is an ideal way to gather advice and share support, both inside and outside the workplace. Some ideas for external networking include:
Facebook and LinkedIn groups provide a place for professionals in the same industry or with similar interests to share their insights and experiences, ask for guidance, and build valuable connections with one another.
When creating a group, focus on a topic that many people in your industry care about. Keep the conversation educational in nature and encourage group members to post their insights on discussion threads. This networking strategy can also help your organization build credibility and trust with consumers.
Establishing connections with other business professionals can be as simple as attending a local industry-related event, gathering, or class. Many of these events are free or low-cost and allow employees to learn new information, meet like-minded individuals, and jumpstart their professional creativity.
Finding local industry events for employees to attend is easier than you think. Here are some steps to help you find networking events for employees.
Once you find potential events, assess their relevance, value, and potential employee benefits. Consider factors like the event's agenda, speakers, topics covered, location, and cost.
Depending on your company's resources and policies, you can encourage employees to attend these events, either by providing financial support or flexible work arrangements to accommodate their participation.
Hosting a professional happy hour can be a great bonding experience not only for your employees but also for other business professionals in your community. This is an opportunity for people to gather, relieve stress, and “talk shop” without the dynamics of work getting in the way of being able to connect with one other. Done right, a happy hour can be a real crowd-pleaser and connect individuals in a more relaxed environment.
Looking to get creative with your professional happy hour? Send attendees a “virtual happy hour kit” in the mail. This way, they’ll have everything they need to unwind after a long day of meetings and enjoy time chatting with other business professionals.Offering employees the option to sign up for a conference can be a game-changer for their professional growth and networking opportunities. Conferences provide a unique platform for employees to immerse themselves in their industry, gain valuable insights from experts, and expand their knowledge base.
Attending these events also allows employees to stay aware of cutting-edge trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in their field. As conference enthusiasts ourselves, we love that events have the power to foster a sense of community among attendees, as they get to meet and interact with like-minded individuals who share their passion for the industry.
By empowering employees to participate in these enriching experiences, organizations can ultimately foster a more knowledgeable, motivated, and competitive workforce. Want to convince your boss to let you attend an event? Utilize our free conference justification letter to get started.
Networking initiatives will look different from one organization to another depending on your goals Depending on your budget and needs. The main goal is to make resources available to help employees feel connected — both with one another and with individuals outside your organization.
The pc/nametag team is passionate about helping professionals learn, grow, and share big ideas. If you enjoyed this article, don't miss out on our other great career development blogs below!