What is a cohesion seminar and how do you organize it?

The cohesion seminar is a privileged moment in the life of a company to unite teams, strengthen internal communication and unite around common objectives. It is often organized to mark the start of a new year, at the end of a crisis or after a reorganization.

In this article, we will see how to effectively organize this corporate event by taking into account its specificities: definition of objectives, activities promoting cohesion, choosing a seminar room adapted, etc.

What is a cohesion seminar?

A cohesion seminar is a professional event organized by a company mainly with the aim of strengthen relationships between each member of the team.

It generally combines sessions of collective work, of team building activities And convivial moments informal.

Who is this type of seminar for?

• aux tidings teams, who need to create relationships;
• aux existing teams, to boost motivation, ease tensions or deal with changes;
• or even the whole of a venture, as part of a major reorganization project or a merger, for example.

The team building seminar is based on a simple idea: employees who know, respect and appreciate each other work better together.

What are the objectives of the cohesion seminar?

A cohesion seminar can meet several objectives depending on the context of the company.

1. Strengthen team cohesion

That is, of course, the main objective. The challenge of this seminar is to succeed in transforming a group of individuals into a real team moving in the same direction.

Collaborative activities and informal discussions are ideal for building cohesion. Participants get to know each other better and to work together in a climate of trust.

Example: to organize an original cohesion seminar, a company chooses a theatrical improvisation workshop that improves the listening and responsiveness of its teams.

2. Motivate and (re) mobilize employees

A cohesion seminar is also an excellent way to Reviving motivation after an intense period, a reorganization or a major project. It helps to reinforce a sense of belonging to the company.

3. Building a new team

This professional event allows recently expanded or reorganized teams to create relationships more quickly.

Newcomers discover corporate values and culture and get to know their colleagues. For existing employees, it's an easier way to deal with change.

4. Improving collective intelligence

By working on cohesion, communication and trust, the company indirectly promotes the performance of the team, and therefore of the company.

A cohesive team is more agile and more effective in the face of challenges.

5. Encourage internal communication

This type of seminar also allowsimprove communication within a team, but also between departments.

Indeed, outside the usual hierarchical framework, barriers fall and speech is more easily freed. Employees are generally more comfortable sharing ideas, challenges, and successes in a caring atmosphere.

Likewise, communication is often simpler outside the work environment usual.

The spaces offered by Formeret offer an ideal setting for organizing a memorable cohesion seminar:

• Optimal learning conditions with flexible and comfortable rooms;
• Customized support and a dedicated technical team;
• Friendly and atypical spaces (rooftop, glass roof, vaulted cellar...;) for moments of break, workshops or team building activities;
• Additional services: reception, catering, reproduction...

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Activities adapted to a cohesion seminar

The success of a cohesion and motivation seminar is largely based on choice of activities. These must be adapted to the profile of the participants, to the objectives set and to the culture of the company.

1. Collaborative activities

Designed to strengthen relationships, a collaborative activity promotes cooperation and communication. It makes it possible to approach teamwork in a fun and stimulating way.

These can be:

• Escape games life-size or in a room;
• Role playing or problem solving workshops groups;
• Artistic creation workshops (fresco, team movie...) which also stimulate creativity;
• Culinary challenges.

Example: A company has its regional directors cook together around an imposed menu: “local and sustainable cuisine”. Laughter and creativity do the rest!

2. Sports or nature activities

Sports experiences are perfect for working on self-improvement, solidarity and even stress management during an outdoor cohesion seminar.

• Hiking or orienteering in the middle of nature;
• Multi-activity challenge/ Olympiads (canoeing, mountain biking, archery, slackline, etc.);
• Treasure hunt as a team;
• Outdoor survival or adventure workshops.

Example: for a cohesion seminar in Paris, many outdoor options are possible. This can be a connected treasure hunt in Montmartre, an orienteering race in Buttes-Chaumont, a multi-activity challenge in the Bois de Boulogne, etc.

3. Personal development workshops

Depending on the objectives, a cohesion seminar can also include moments of reflection.

• Coaching sessions on communication, listening or even leadership;
• Yoga or meditation workshops for stress management;
• Emotional intelligence workshops, etc.

These quiet times reinforce self-knowledge and the quality of relationships within the team.

4. Cultural and solidarity activities

The quest for meaning at work and corporate values are becoming more and more important for employees.

The seminar is also an opportunity to anchor these values and to give meaning with activities such as:

• Volunteer actions (waste collection, renovation of a public place, assistance to an association);
• CSR workshops or climate fresco, to raise awareness while federating;
• The discovery of local heritage (visits, craft workshops, tastings).

Example: a large company brought its employees together for a day of renovation in a 20th century school. The operation reinforced a sense of purpose and pride in belonging.

What is the ideal format for a cohesion seminar?

The choice of location

The space chosen plays a key role in Success of the seminar.

The ideal is to choose a location Out of the office to create a break with the daily work environment. This must offer a framework that allows both To promote disconnection And of stimulate exchanges.

For the seminar rooms, make sure that they are adapted to the number of participants, flexible and well equipped.

The ideal duration

Depending on the objectives to be achieved, the seminar can last half a day, a day, or, more frequently, two or three days.

• 1/2 day or 1 day : this short format is generally focused on one main activity (ideal for small teams).
• 2 days/1 night : the residential seminar is the most common format. It allows you to alternate work, fun activities and a friendly evening.
• 3 days or more : for large-scale seminars or in-depth transformation projects.

Which season should you prefer?

The season will also influence the participants' experience. Each time of the year has its advantages.

• The spring and The beginning of autumn are the most popular seasons: the temperatures are pleasant and conducive to the organization of outdoor activities.
• Summer is also ideal for outdoor activities — but watch out for the heat and vacation periods.
• Winter lends itself well to indoor seminars or mountain escapes.

Advice: choose the location of the seminar according to the season. In spring and summer, choose places with nice outdoor spaces. In autumn and winter, turn to warm and bright rooms.

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The keys to a successful organization

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Whatever the type of seminar (training seminar, integration seminar, back-to-school seminar, etc.), the success of this event is based on careful preparation and a good understanding of the expectations of the participants.

1. Set clear goals

First of all, it is necessary to identify the “why” of the seminar:

• Strengthening cohesion after a merger?
• Integrate new collaborators?
• Improving communication between departments?

The choices of location, activities and format will result from this first step.

2. Involve participants in advance

To guarantee the support of your employees, it may be a good idea to consult them before you start organizing:

• via a questionnaire;
• collective brainstorming;
• or a joint preparation committee (HR + employees).

This makes it possible to avoid the “imposed seminar” effect and to create a feeling of belonging from the start of the project.

3. Maintaining the balance between work and relaxation

A cohesion seminar is not only a moment of leisure: it must combining reflection and conviviality.

So plan on:

• working hours or thematic workshops;
• free and festive moments to promote informal exchanges.

Example: a morning of workshops on internal communication followed by a lunch on the Seine and an artistic activity in the afternoon.

Strengthen the relationships between your teams by using Formeret

At Formeret, specialists in room rental in Paris and events for businesses, we provide unique places for organize your cohesion seminar in Paris in optimal conditions.

• An inspiring setting : our three addresses offer friendly spaces to organize your workshops or informal moments (cocktails, dinners, breaks...).
• Modular and comfortable rooms : all our rooms are equipped to offer comfort and efficiency. Fully modular, they allow you to meet all your needs.
• Modern equipment : high speed Wi-Fi, touch screens, microphones, air conditioning...
• Tailor-made support : our experts advise you on your entire project, from the definition of your objectives to the follow-up on the big day and the management of unforeseen events.

• Accessibility : our three spaces are ideally located in the heart of Paris, close to public transport.
• Additional services and benefits : reception, catering, staff, IT... Choose a turnkey service to offer a professional and quality event to your employees.

Conclusion

This event is much more than just a friendly break.

Organizing a successful cohesion seminar also means investing in well-being of your employees And the collective performance. This team seminar is an essential tool for federate, inspire and unite employees.

By calling on specialists, like Formeret, you are putting all the chances on your side to offer a memorable experience to your teams.

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