We speak to Meena Chander, founder of This Is Us Conference

While it is well-known that corporate events play an important role in networking, collaborating and enhancing a business’s reputation, there is also a lesser-known advantage which is the positive effect it has on employee engagement and business prosperity.

According to a Qualtrics report, ‘State of Play 2018: Employee Engagement in the UK’, it indicated that only 48% of employees in the UK feel engaged at work.

Another report by the CIPD, levied that several systematic reviews and meta-analyses provided evidence of the relationship between engagement and performance.

These findings clearly indicate that for businesses to succeed, they must use tools such as corporate events, to secure employee engagement. This, in turn, improves performance and job satisfaction and, when delivering positive employee relations, has the potential to lead to enhanced business outcomes, better health and well-being.[1]

Here, Meena Chander, founder of This Is Us Conference and Awards, shares her thoughts on the valuable role corporate events play in employee engagement, and business growth and why they should be considered a key priority:

What are some of the main benefits for businesses, in attending events?

‘Business conferences are a great way of improving employee engagement and recognising the achievements of attendees. These events provide attendees with ways to empower the team, increase their visibility, highlight their worth, and improve communication.

In fact, there are so many benefits – from improving and honing skills and increasing employee engagement and value, to enhancing business reputation and much more.’

What can employees gain from corporate events?

‘Providing a change to an employee’s business routine, including a change of scenery, allows employees to offer open and honest dialogue and learn expert insight in an educational setting. This provides them with the tools and resources needed, to really understand business objectives and succeed in their own personal goals.

In D&I for instance, conferences can discuss lots of topics such as allyship, mental health and well-being, and unity. For example, ‘This is Us’ will explain D&I’s importance to business delegates and explain ways in which it can boost employee morale, and visibility, resolve any alienation issues and provide and promote a healthy, happy, and inclusive workplace.

With D&I, there can be areas of hesitation and uncertainty, especially when we talk about uncomfortable topics such as unconscious bias, and prejudices and knowing what protocols and actions to take when problems arise. These events promote a relaxed, non-judgemental way of discussing this information. It allows us to learn and share with each other, and follow the right procedures, with confidence.”

What do corporate events consist of?

‘Corporate events vary but they often contain key speakers, who provide their expertise, and opinion and share life/business experience. This allows attendees to gain first-hand experience and education from real people.

They often use workshops and discussions which offer an open, collaborative setting to work together and learn from each other. Communication is key, and these talks allow attendees to work together and share ways for improvement.

They may also contain awards or ceremonies which acknowledge and reward the achievements of employees and businesses.’

Why should businesses enter awards?

‘So many reasons! Every company loves to be recognised for doing something well, and awards are a great way of giving employees and businesses that ‘pat on the back’ for a job well done.

In corporate events, these awards recognise the change-makers of the industry and reward them for their services. It is a fantastic feeling to be able to stand in front of other like-minded businesses, accepting an award for your achievements and it is an even better feeling when you take this back to the team!

Winning a business award shows others that your company is excelling in this area and sets you apart from others in the industry. It also enhances your reputation and overall, is just a complete morale boost, to keep you and your team motivated!’

What corporate events should businesses attend?

‘It is always best to attend lots of different events with various topics, as this allows you to explore a range of subjects and address issues and areas of uncertainty, while answering employee questions.

The events can improve certain areas of concern for the business or be used to educate new starters.’

Why should businesses attend corporate events?

‘Business leaders are always searching for the ‘next best achievement’, whether that’s industry acknowledgement, improving skills, etc and that’s exactly what corporate events are all about!

It’s a celebration of businesses and their teams, providing them with the necessary skills and insight for improvement, and for acknowledging their achievements.

Ultimately, business conferences allow delegates to take the skills and information they’ve learned, back to their team members to make positive change and help the company grow.’