By now, most of us have adjusted to working remotely in the time of COVID.

We’ve mastered share screen on Zoom, learned to snack while on mute, and figured out how to still get work done despite the at-home distractions, but what’s truly missing is the team-like camaraderie and social connection that come from being in a shared workspace with coworkers.

Though continuing to promote company culture can be difficult to navigate when employees are remote, the current global crisis presents one of the most important times to encourage a safe, relaxed space for workers to unwind, bond, and continue connecting through the power of shared experiences.

In a time of social isolation, we’re seeing more and more companies interested in booking our Online Cooking Classes as a virtual team-building activity. These private, interactive classes give teams the opportunity and space to connect in a non-work setting, share a fun experience, and try something new together — even if it’s from the safety of your own kitchens.

Team-Building During COVID: Bridging the Divide in Work From Home

Equinox Business Law Group, a law firm based in Bellevue, Washington, joined us for a private asparagus risotto class taught by Gaia in Florence.

CEO & Managing Attorney, Michelle Bomberger says she was looking for an activity that would bridge the divide that comes with working from home. “Our team is accustomed to being in the office together, collaborating and sharing our work and personal activities,” she says. “Working remotely really limits the amount of ‘fun’ time, and this class provided some time to try something new together.”

Ingredients photographed by participant, Ashley Wong

Bomberger requested a new recipe specifically for her private class, one that could be made gluten and dairy free, to accommodate for the dietary restrictions in their group. Gaia found the substitutions that would still make this recipe a success even without the dairy that usually goes into the dish.

The number one rule to cooking risotto? “Never leave the risotto alone,” Gaia instructed. “This risotto is your best friend now.”

Their hard work paid off in the end: “The finished product was delicious — definitely my favorite part!” Bomberger says, “Both experienced and inexperienced cooks in the group raved about how unique the experience was — having a chef who was actually in Italy teaching the class!”

Finished product photographed by participant, Ashley Wong

During introductions, many from the group admitted to not cooking on their own much, but they followed along as Gaia gave directions, and looked pretty proud of the final result.

A Forbes article about the importance of team building encourages trying activities beyond a company picnic or virtual happy hour, ones that include some form of learning and challenge to maximize growth and bonding: “It turns out that happiness and learning are tied very closely together. Trying new things with your staff can generate good vibes among employees, which in turn benefits the business itself. Choosing something unique and slightly outside of people’s comfort zones can encourage them to come together in new ways.”

Bomberger and her team found this to be true for themselves, “The fact that each person came to the class with some apprehension, not knowing exactly what to expect, made it a great team-building experience,” says Bomberger. “It gave us an opportunity to all share a kitchen together (but apart) and with the added benefit of having a greater community impact.”

Virtual Team-Building that Gives Back

The greater community impact Bomberger mentions is the support for the chefs of our classes. For each class, our chefs receive 50% of the proceeds that have been instrumental in getting them through a difficult time when they have been unable to work due to quarantine, some without knowledge of when they may receive a paycheck again.

In a time of social distancing and isolation, virtual team-building can make a big difference for your remote office culture, but also has the potential to make a difference to those suffering the effects of COVID-19 on their communities.

Bomberger and her team agree, “It was truly rewarding for us to share this experience together as a team during this time.”

If you’re interested in booking a private cooking class for your team, fill out an inquiry form or email us to set up a time and class that works for you.

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