“I hate seminars”: what if we reinvented the experience?

There are two types of people in the world of work:

• Those who are looking forward to this annual meeting (yes, it exists),
• And those who sigh at the simple reading of “business seminar” in their agenda.

If you are an employee who falls into the second category, rest assured: you are not alone. And what you hate is probably not tutti seminars... but rather some well-known and unfortunately all too common pitfalls.

If you are an employer, let's see why these events have such a bad reputation... and how to turn them into real useful and enjoyable moments for all participants.

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Why do some employees hate seminars?

A business seminar is supposed to unite, inspire, motivate. But in practice, it can quickly turn into a logistical and psychological nightmare.

So, if some employees say they hate these professional events, this is often a way to express a very real discomfort.

The most common reasons include the following:

• A sense of obligation : for some employees, it is difficult to be enthusiastic while feeling forced, even when it comes to leisure activities. This is one of the first obstacles to the mandatory business seminar.
• The impression of wasting time : many working seminars and incentives are criticized for not really providing concrete solutions to fundamental problems or important issues.
• A gap between expectations and reality : if the difference is too big between what is announced about the program and objectives of the conference and the reality, this can create a feeling of distrust in the company.
• The fear of “awkward team building” : depending on their personality, some employees may feel uncomfortable at the idea of participating in the activities offered with their colleagues (example: treasure hunt, karaoke, sports activities, theater, Olympiads, etc.), while others may find it childish.

Thus, when employees do not like to attend a seminar, it is often because Tired of the same repeated mistakes at each event.

As a result, the rally turns into a bad time to spend instead of uniting the teams.

What makes a seminar boring: common mistakes to avoid

A poorly thought-out seminar can quickly seem like a (too) long meeting in disguise. Some pitfalls are absolutely to be avoided in organizing motivational or work seminars.

Some of the most common mistakes include:

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Endless presentations

This type of meeting must be dynamic, lively, collaborative. It shouldn't sound like an 8-hour college conference. However, this is often the case.

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A lack of participation

When employees are spectators instead of actors, boredom sets in quickly. Moreover, this error often goes hand in hand with the previous one. Even during work sessions, it is essential to offer an interactive environment.

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Poor preparation

Equipment that does not work, rain that comes during an outdoor activity without a plan B, an animator who recites his speech without playfulness... The course of the seminar can face numerous unforeseen events.

Good preparation involves some anticipation to avoid losing the interest and enthusiasm of employees. To do this, do not hesitate to surround yourself with professional service providers.

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A program that is too rigid

An agenda that is too strict (and too busy) leaves little room for spontaneity and for natural and informal exchanges between colleagues.

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A poor balance between work sessions, fun activities and free time

If we often repeat that the distribution between work meetings And the team-building activities must be balanced, we must not forget the importance of Break time (and that should go beyond a simple coffee break, especially for multi-day events).

Many leisure activities, no matter how fun they are, remain imposed and may not appeal to all employees. Free time is essential to breathe and avoid fatigue.

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What are the consequences of a failed professional seminar?

A boring or poorly organized seminar can have the opposite effect to the one you are looking for:

• Demotivation : instead of strengthening ties within the team and creating a good group dynamic, a tedious event will on the contrary tire and demotivate the participants.
• Cynicism : employees can associate a failed professional event with a waste of time.
• Poor internal image : managers can lose credibility if they organize useless seminars.

In other words: a poorly thought-out professional event can be costly for the company... not only financially.

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How to reinvent the business seminar experience?

Despite everything, the expectations of employees are indeed there: according to a recent YouGov - Comet Meetings study, 59% of employees want more moments of cohesion outside the work environment.

So, before condemning the experience forever, know that there are a thousand ways to transform a classical colloquium into a real one memorable experience. To do this, it is necessary to get out of the classical codes and completely rethink the event.

Here are some concrete ideas.

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Giving meaning to the event

This type of professional association should certainly not be an excuse to check an “HR box”.

For him to make an impression, he must answer a real question:” What is the aim of this seminar? Why are we together? ”

Here are some tips to make your events meaningful again:

• Linking content to real business challenges : digital transformation, new projects, strategic vision, etc.
• Show the concrete impact on the daily life of teams : explain how the decisions discussed will be translated into practice.
• Valuing collective successes : sharing past successes and thanking, or even rewarding, employees.
• Looking to the future : provide a clear perspective that motivates and inspires.

When participants understand wherefore They are there and What is the point, it is easier to make this event a motivating stage that is an integral part of the company's life.

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Creating a story and a common thread

A successful seminar should resemble a story that all participants experience together.

To do this, you can for example choose:

• One thematic (innovation, future of the company...);
• One collective challenge (solving a mission, achieving a common objective...);
• One Storytelling visual and interactive that sets the pace.

Setting a narrative framework helps make the event more memorable and engaging.

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Choosing an inspiring location

Above all, the choice of location should not be overlooked.

Forget windowless seminar rooms and soulless reception rooms. A group of professionals is much more effective in a atypical location and friendly.

The working environment has a direct impact on the atmosphere and the state of mind of the participants. It can boost the productivity, the creativity And the motivation.

With its three event spaces in Paris, all with a professional and unique setting, the Formeret group offers you real settings to bring your events to life.

All our rooms are modular and equipped according to your needs, offering you an ideal place to promote swaps, the concentration and Make an impression.

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Use innovative and original formats

To avoid boredom, feel free to vary your approaches:

• Flash conferences (10-15 minutes max, TEDx type);
• World Café : a creative process in the form of exchanges in small groups, reproducing the atmosphere of a café. The idea is to discuss a topic in a group and to change tables at regular intervals.
• Escape game : solve a puzzle together to strengthen cohesion in a friendly atmosphere.
• Practical workshops : prototyping, targeted role-playing games, simulations...

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Listening to and involving participants

A successful seminar starts even before the event.

Consider including employees in the organization through:

• Sending a surveying to identify expectations and desires and everyone;
• One collaborative choice certain activities in organizing a vote;

When employees feel listened to and see that their opinions are really taken into account, joining the project is much easier. It also reinforces a sense of belonging.

Finally, don't forget to collect their Feedback after the seminar to improve the next ones.

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Integrate digital technology intelligently

Digital solutions can enrich a meeting (provided that all the equipment is well tested beforehand to ensure its proper functioning):

• Live survey tools (Mentimeter, Horn).
• Interactive quizzes to boost presentations.
• Collaborative digital wall to share ideas and photos.

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This type of digital tools is of course essential in the organization of an online seminar, but they can also be used in person during work sessions.

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Integrate wellness and relaxation activities

A seminar should not only be intellectual. And this also applies to fun activities that often require logic, reflection or teamwork (e.g. riddles, quizzes, escape games, etc.).

The moments of “breathing” make it possible to better assimilate messages, to strengthen relationships and team spirit more easily, without any pressure.

It can be:

• Yoga, meditation, outdoor walking
• Cooking or tasting workshops
• Light collaborative games (without making you uncomfortable)

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In short : to reinvent a seminar, try to create a tailor-made, participative and inspiring experience.

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Best practices to remember for a successful seminar

To never hear “I hate seminars” again, remember these few golden rules:

• Consult the teams in advance to know their expectations.
• Pick a suitable location and inspiring.
• Avoid information overload.
• Alternate working time and convivial moments.
• Create a Narrative thread (a theme, a story, a mission).
• Collect a Sincere feedback after the event.

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Conclusion

The seminar is not condemned to be a chore for employees. With a little creativity, listening and audacity, it can become an effective lever for cohesiveness, of motivation And of performances.

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Are you looking for an exceptional setting to organize a seminar? The Formeret teams, specialists in room rental in Paris, put their expertise at the service of your professional events.

In addition to modular meeting rooms and pleasant, all of which benefit from daylight, we provide you with unusual spaces (rooftop, glass roof, courtyard...) to plan your cohesion activities and/or your cocktails and receptions.

We also offer a wide range of additional services for a turnkey experience : reception, quality audiovisual equipment, catering... Contact us to find the ideal place among our three Parisian spaces.

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