More Than a Perk:
Our Annual Team Trip
Last week we embarked on a cruise to the Bahamas for the annual Footers’ Family Vacation with 35 of our team members. Best or worst idea ever? You decide:
Footers Family Vacation aboard the Norwegian Aqua Cruise Ship
This was our ninth year organizing a trip for our employees. A portion of the trip is subsidized by the company based on each individual’s tenure. It is one of the perks to working at Footers Catering. I continue to be humbled that our team members care about each other so much that they pay to go on vacation together.
A company vacation is not right for all organizations. It is a significant expense for us each year and there are complexities that come with having 40 employees on vacation at the same time. We often get asked why we do it. Here are the two reasons this has become an annual tradition:
1) Improved communication and patience.
There is something about sitting around a pool in a tropical location that makes it a bit easier to open up. Each year I’m inspired by the conversations that take place. Department lines disappear and you see chefs connecting with sales team members, warehouse employees getting to know the servers, and people that work in the office spending time with people who work at events. Our bonds that form on this trip transcend our time together. Knowing each other on a personal level, we are more patient with one another at work, which leads to stronger working relationships throughout the year.
2) Organic team-building through new, fun experiences.
Over our nine trips, there have been many “firsts” for our team members: First time out of the country, first time at an all-inclusive resort, the first time seeing the ocean, or flying on an airplane. And this year it was the first cruise for almost half of our team. Part of our mission statement is to “provide exceptional experiences” and that is not limited to our clients and their guests. To provide an awesome and fun experience for our team members is really special. When we are exposed to new things or unique situations, it broadens our perspective and gives us the opportunity to be more creative and innovative. Our team always comes back with ideas and inspiration that directly and indirectly impact their job. Even if it’s not a “first”, everyone still returns with the strengthened bonds of having experienced something unique and fun together.
The Footers’ Family Vacation is one way we bring our team closer together, reinvigorate our people, and inspire creative problem solving. While a company vacation is not right for most companies, every company can establish fun experiences and traditions to build your MIBE culture and sense of team.
If you lead a team, what is one new experience or tradition you could offer your team this year to build your MIBE culture and sense of team? Comment on this post, I’d love to hear your ideas!
Keep MIBE-ing!
Anthony Lambatos
Founder, MIBE
Hospitality Culture Training
Owner, Footers Catering
P.S. Want to infuse more purpose into your work? Learn how at our MIBE Heart Leadership Workshop in August.
