Considering all the changes in the way we work today, it’s surprising that 63% of UK employees say their work parties are pretty much the same every year - and over a quarter of workplaces don’t have any work social events whatsoever.

 

 

63%

 

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say the work parties are pretty much the same every year

(This increases to 40% in the public sector – an interesting discovery despite the recent headlines around certain cheese and wine parties!)






 

 

 

 

Offering work social and team bonding activities is an excellent way to foster an environment of collaboration, communication and show appreciation for your staff. People are keen to reconnect with their colleagues now more of us are following a flexible model, working both at home and in the office. We also found 78% of employees actually really enjoy spending time with their colleagues and a close-knit team is more motivated during the week.

Sheridan Roberts, HeadBox Head of Events


 

What are your work parties like? Industry breakdown

They are the same every year

They vary slightly

1. Insurance & pensions (35%)

1. Information research & analysis (66%)

2. Accountancy, banking & finance (33%)

2. Business & management (63%)

3. IT (23%)

3. Creative arts & design (60%)

4. Retail (23%)

4. Energy & utilities (56%)

5. Teaching & education (22%)

5. Charity & voluntary work (55%)

0%


10%


20%


30%


0%


20%


40%


60%


We do something different every year

We don’t have work parties

1. Property & construction (15%)

1. Transport & logistics (54%)

2. Creative arts & design (15%)

2. Public services & admin (40%)

3. Energy and utilities (15%)

3. Healthcare (30%)

4. IT (15%)

4. Teaching (28%)

5. Retail (13%)

5. Engineering (27%)

0%


5%


10%


15%


0%


15%


30%


45%


60%


So, what’s to be done? Well, why not start by making up for the cancelled 2021 Christmas do with a Jubilee summer party? To make it as inclusive and sustainable as possible, plan carefully and empathetically. Take your employees’ lifestyles and opinions into consideration and maximise the enjoyment they receive.

Before you start planning, check out what the employees of the UK told us about their work parties today. Do you spot your industry below? Let us know what you think @HeadBox…






 

 

In conclusion

The breakdown

Gen Z v Boomers

 

Are Millennials as eco-conscious as we think? Do Gen Zs hate their boss, and are Boomers up for some wacky team bonding activities? Read on and find out!


 

 

Sustainability

Food

Team-bonding time

 

54% of Gen Z would like their work events to be more environmentally-friendly…


… and so would 39% of Boomers


… even more so than Millennials (1 in 5).

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It looks like Gen Z are choosing more sustainable companies to work for, as just 4% of Gen-Z feel that their company doesn’t consider sustainability at all.

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However, over a quarter of those aged 45-64 feel their company completely ignores sustainability.

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Across the board, almost a quarter say their events are somewhat eco-friendly, but could be better.

 

34% of Gen-Z and Boomers alike want to see vegan options at work meetings and events.


37% of Gen-Z and 37% of Boomers want locally sourced food.


Millennials are fond of interactive food stations e.g. donut walls, make your own cocktail, and a quarter are keen to see street food served at events.

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89% of Gen-Z like spending time with some or all of their colleagues…


… but 30% would rather not spend time with the boss


A quarter of Gen-X don’t like spending time with any of their colleagues!


Over a third of Millennials like spending time with all their colleagues, including their boss

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Over 65s are the most likely age-group to choose circus training as a team-bonding activity (14%)

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A quarter of Millennials are keen to do an escape room with their work team

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35 to 44 most likely to want a classic night out in a club (29%)… their partying days aren’t over yet!

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Food brings people together. No matter your age, everyone loves a meal out in a restaurant – the most popular choice across the board.

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We are in extraordinary times. The impact of COVID-19 has rapidly sped up the widespread adoption of new digital technologies and transformed the event sector. After years of on and off lockdowns, amazing venues have opened their doors, and the opportunities to connect with family, friends and colleagues in meaningful ways are finally back.


If there’s one lesson to be learned from these event trend takeaways, it’s that across all age ranges and industries, people are looking for new and innovative event ideas to be embraced at work and in everyday life.

We hope you can take some inspiration from these trends to take with you while planning the rest of your 2022 meetings and events.

* Data collected from survey of 2,028 UK adults aged 18+ by 72 Point Ltd on behalf of HeadBox in March 2022

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