September 26, 2025
Beyond the Away Day: How to Build Culture All Year Round
When people think “company culture,” their minds often jump straight to the annual away day or maybe the obligatory Christmas party. Sure, those moments are fun, but if that’s the only time your team feels connected, you’re missing a trick.
Culture isn’t a one-off event—it’s the sum of every interaction, every experience, and every moment that makes people feel like they belong. And research backs this up: Gallup found that companies with high employee engagement enjoy 21% higher profitability and 41% lower absenteeism. That’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s a business superpower.
So, how do you move beyond the occasional away day and make culture a year-round thing? Let’s dive in.
1. Culture Lives in the Small Moments
Culture isn’t only about grand gestures, it’s the little things that count. A shout-out in a meeting, a thoughtful email, or a high-five for a job well done can all add up.
Insight: Harvard Business Review found that employees who feel appreciated are more productive, more loyal, and more engaged.
Takeaway: Think “micro-experiences.” Small, intentional actions—recognition, collaboration, or even fun little rituals—can make your team feel genuinely valued every single day.
2. Personalisation is the Secret Sauce
One-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it anymore. People respond best when experiences feel tailored to their interests, roles, and personalities.
Insight: McKinsey shows that personalised experiences lead to higher engagement and retention. People don’t just want to attend events—they want to feel seen.
Pro tip: Use surveys, feedback, or even informal chats to design experiences that feel relevant. Personalisation doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to feel thoughtful.
3. Hybrid and Inclusive = The New Normal
With hybrid and remote working sticking around, culture can’t live solely in the office or at physical events. Inclusion matters more than ever.
Insight: Our research shows 63% of employees prefer hybrid events—where virtual and in-person options blend seamlessly.
Takeaway: Mix it up: combine live workshops, virtual sessions, and small local hubs so everyone feels part of the action. Culture is about connection, and everyone should feel connected—no matter where they are.
4. Purpose Makes People Tick
Today’s teams want more than perks—they want meaning. Experiences that make a difference—through sustainability, charity, or community impact—hit harder than any prize or trophy.
Insight: PwC reports that employees who feel their work has purpose are 42% more likely to stay.
Idea: Volunteering, sustainability challenges, or skill-based community projects can turn culture into something that’s genuinely memorable. It’s about doing good while feeling good—together.
5. Measure, Learn, Repeat
Culture isn’t static. To keep it alive, you need to check in, measure, and tweak. Participation rates, engagement scores, and feedback tell you what’s working and what’s not.
Insight: Gallup notes that data-driven engagement initiatives see higher adoption and stronger alignment with company values.
Takeaway: Treat culture like a living experiment—observe, iterate, and celebrate what works.
Making Culture a Year-Round Thing
The best workplaces know that culture isn’t built in a single day, it’s a continuous journey. Thoughtful, consistent experiences create teams that feel connected, motivated, and proud to be part of something bigger.
Big events like away days still have a place, they’re the cherry on top—but the magic happens in the everyday experiences, the shared moments, and the purpose-driven activities that make employees feel seen, included, and valued all year round.
Culture isn’t built in a day. Get in touch to explore how experiences big or small can inspire, connect, and engage your team all year round, beyond the traditional away day.
