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How to Build Belonging in Hybrid Teams (Without Forcing People Back to the Office)
Rethinking connection in the age of flexible work
Let’s cut to the chase: hybrid working isn’t going anywhere, and that’s a good thing. Employees are healthier, more productive, and are finally getting a grip on work-life balance. But while we’ve gained freedom, we’ve lost something too: belonging.
Only one in four employees feels strongly connected to their company’s culture. Meanwhile, remote and hybrid workers are significantly more likely to report workplace isolation than their in-office peers.
So, what do we do? Drag people back to their desks and hope the office coffee machine builds culture? (Spoiler: it won’t.)
The answer lies in moments that matter, well-designed corporate events, creative experiences, and thoughtful incentives that bring people together on their terms. As an event agency, we’re seeing a huge shift: the companies that win are the ones investing in building community.
Events are the new heartbeat of culture
Workplace culture used to revolve around location. Now, it’s about intention. Culture isn’t what happens by accident in the office kitchen; it’s built deliberately, through shared experiences that make people feel seen, valued, and connected.
In-person and hybrid events are powerful tools for this. They offer what daily Zoom calls can’t: emotional resonance, surprise, serendipity, and real human connection.
85% of UK employees say they perform better when they feel a sense of community with their colleagues.
From global conferences to micro-experiences like creative team days or volunteering incentives, events provide the spark and momentum that remote workflows often lack.
Belonging starts with purpose, not proximity
You don’t have to be in the same room to feel part of something, but you do need a shared sense of purpose. That’s what drives true belonging.
Many workers today feel undervalued or disconnected from their company’s mission. According to Randstad, 41% of UK employees say they’d quit if their employer didn’t offer development opportunities.
That’s a massive opportunity for events to step in. Think leadership summits that showcase your impact. Interactive sessions that let employees shape strategy. Recognition moments that spotlight unsung heroes.
Pro tip: Combine professional development with immersive formats, masterclasses or fireside panels, to energise and unite hybrid teams.
Events that work for people (not against their calendars)
If you want hybrid workers to show up, you have to respect their time. The most successful events don’t just feel purposeful; they fit seamlessly into people’s lives.
That means:
- Hosting events during working hours, not after.
- Providing hybrid or on-demand options.
- Curating smaller, localised moments that reduce travel.
- Designing agendas with breaks, wellness, and social time baked in.
And here’s the kicker: people will show up if they feel it’s worth it. 2 in 5 people are willing to pay extra to attend events that help them build community. Imagine what they'll do for one run by a company that truly values them.
So, how do you build belonging?
Here’s the short version:
- Don’t mandate office days. Create meaningful reasons to connect.
- Don’t default to tired formats. Design with purpose, people, and play in mind.
- Don’t focus only on big moments. Momentum comes from consistent, thoughtful touchpoints.
Whether it’s a values-driven incentive trip, a hybrid strategy summit, or an informal local meetup, the goal is the same: make people feel like they belong to something that matters.
Final thought
Belonging isn’t about where people sit. It’s about how they feel. If your team is spread out, don’t pull them back in; pull them together, with experiences that energise, connect, and inspire.
At First Event, we specialise in building that momentum, one unforgettable moment at a time.
