As the humidity in Omaha rises and Q2 nears its close, it can only mean one thing: Time for all-hands!
Our quarterly, in-person all-hands aren’t just for bringing everyone into the office. They’re also a time to pause and evaluate what the team needs for success throughout the rest of the year. The top agenda items for June? Reflection, fun and time for team building.
While these weeks are typically jam-packed, this gathering had fewer all-company meetings — leaving more time for impromptu connection through lunches, coffee dates, walks and more.
Day 1.
Our time together started on a sweet note with pastries from Reis’ Bakery. After we had our coffee and carbs plated, we gathered together for a workshop with our team coach, Nicole Paul. The session focused on emotional intelligence, Emergenetics® and leadership styles.
Workshops like these are important to us because we care a lot about the people we work with. We want to collaborate in ways that feel good for everyone and lead to smart, strategic solutions. After spending nearly two hours reviewing our thinking and behavioral preferences, we left with a renewed focus on how to best show up for each other and make the best work possible.
Day 2.
Tuesday began with a favorite all-hands tradition: an open tab at our neighbor, Roast Coffee. With cold brew, croissants and chai in hand, we gathered for the second session of Allyship at Work.
This free, self-facilitated program was developed by Lean In to help teams deepen commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace. Through a mix of individual activities, breakout sessions and large group discussions, we learned ways to turn allyship into real actions that advocate for our teammates, clients and community. Once the morning workshop was complete, the afternoon was open for team lunches, brainstorms and client calls.
Day 3.
We are passionate about giving back. So passionate that often our give-back events turn into friendly competitions. Wednesday was no different. We gathered at Food Bank for the Heartland to do good and beat any previous volunteer records.
During our two-and-a-half hours there, we repackaged 3,440 pounds of food for families, children, seniors and veterans across Nebraska and western Iowa.
After breaking the latest record (and a sweat), we returned to Aksarben for lunch at the Inner Rail before getting back to work for the afternoon.
Our group time together came to a close with an after-hours excursion to The Bohemian Gardens. We enjoyed live music, Via Farina pizza, each other’s company and a beautiful evening.
Well, for a few hours before an unexpected storm brought us inside to safely watch the hail. Once the storm subsided, a few team members went to Beercade to end the night with skeeball, pinball and even more friendly competition.
Interested in joining the fun? Head to our careers page to learn more about becoming part of team E&S and see any open positions.