Summer is a time when many IT and game development companies seize the opportunity to enhance employee morale, build stronger teams, and add some excitement to the work routine. Here’s a comprehensive list of common summer practices that these companies engage in:
1. Company-Wide Summer Breaks
Some companies opt for a collective summer break, closing offices for a week or two. This approach allows all employees to take time off simultaneously, ensuring that everyone returns refreshed and ready to dive back into work without the distraction of ongoing projects.
2. Corporate Outdoor Retreats (Team Building)
One of the most popular summer activities is organizing outdoor retreats. These can include:
- Forest or Lake Team Building: Involving team games, sports competitions, picnics, and other outdoor activities that encourage collaboration and camaraderie.
- Hiking Trips: For those who love active recreation, companies may arrange overnight hikes, providing a chance to connect with nature and each other.
- Outdoor Barbecues: Often held on weekends or after work, these events offer a relaxed atmosphere for employees to socialize.
3. Corporate Travel
Some companies take their employees on trips, either abroad or within the country. These trips can range from a few days in a vibrant city, a resort getaway, or a visit to a theme park. Such events not only allow employees to unwind but also help them get to know each other better in a more relaxed setting.
4. Summer Festivals and Parties
Summer parties are typically held outdoors and can include:
- Live Music Performances: Featuring local bands or DJs to create a festive atmosphere.
- Street Food Festivals: Where local restaurants or food trucks offer a variety of dishes.
- Rooftop Parties: Especially popular in cities with great views and pleasant summer weather.
5. Family-Friendly Events
For employees with children, companies often organize:
- Family Days: When employees can bring their children to the office. These days are filled with games, workshops, and other child-friendly activities.
- Summer Camps: Some companies go the extra mile by organizing corporate summer camps where employees’ children can enjoy supervised activities.
6. Summer Charity Events
Many companies use the summer as an opportunity to give back to the community through:
- Fundraising Drives: Collecting money or goods for orphanages, shelters, or other charitable organizations.
- Volunteer Programs: Employees can participate in volunteer activities such as beach cleanups, tree planting, or helping vulnerable populations.
- Charity Sports Events: Organizing runs, bike races, or other sports competitions where the proceeds go to charity.
7. Summer Learning Programs and Workshops
For those focused on personal and professional development, companies might offer:
- Summer Intensives and Courses: Covering topics like programming, design, or management to help employees enhance their skills.
- Outdoor Workshops: Educational sessions on team building, leadership, or creativity, often held in scenic outdoor settings.
8. Health and Sports Days
Summer is the perfect time for companies to promote health and wellness through:
- Outdoor Yoga or Fitness Sessions: Typically held in parks, these sessions can be in the early morning or evening.
- Sports Tournaments: Including soccer, volleyball, tennis, or other team sports that foster a competitive but fun spirit.
- Group Runs or Bike Rides: Encouraging employees to improve their physical fitness while enjoying the company of colleagues.
9. Office Events with a Summer Theme
Even if employees remain in the office, companies can still create a summer vibe by organizing:
- Summer Office Parties: Featuring decorations, games, and contests like a workspace decorating competition.
- Ice Cream Day: A day when employees are treated to free ice cream, creating a fun and refreshing break from work.
- Summer Quests and Games: Office-wide treasure hunts or scavenger hunts that add an element of playfulness to the workplace.
These activities not only boost morale and create a positive work environment but also strengthen team cohesion, which is crucial for the success of any company.
Summer at AXLEBOLT is a big celebration — our company’s anniversary. We traditionally gather all our employees in one location for a large event that combines various activities — team building, creativity, passive and active recreation, sports, intellectual games, quests, fun, and dancing till we drop. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to meet each other in person.
We also hold a sports marathon with a well-being program in the summer. For two weeks, our employees compete in teams, earn points, and participate in challenges. The excitement is incredible!
Among our smaller traditions is Children’s Day for the AxleKids club (employees’ children). The kids receive gifts from the company and can participate in a quest/games at the office.
We also celebrate professional holidays for our backend developers, sysadmins, and game designers.
We love hosting celebrations often to maintain a creative atmosphere and create opportunities for informal team communication.
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