Camping Experience Or Hackathon

When companies plan corporate events to boost team spirit and encourage fresh ideas, they often consider camping trips and hackathons. However, it’s essential to understand the differences between these two options, especially when it comes to how comfortable employees will feel. In this article, we’ll discuss why a hackathon can often be a better and more comfortable choice than a camping trip.

Camping Challenges

For many people, spending a night under the stars sounds magical, but as a corporate event, the reality can be quite different. Camping often means sharing tents, which isn’t comfortable for everyone. Not all employees are happy sharing close quarters with their co-workers, leading to awkwardness and discomfort. There are practical issues too. Some colleagues might have allergies to things like pollen or bug bites, making camping pretty unpleasant. And then there’s the issue of accessibility for those with mobility issues, as campsites aren’t always easy to navigate. These factors can make camping trips less inclusive, leaving some employees feeling uneasy.

Hackathon Benefits

Hackathons are a different kind of event that’s more inclusive for everyone. They usually take place indoors in comfortable spaces, reducing the chances of allergy issues and making sure everyone has easy access. They also don’t require overnight stays and if so, the organisers take care of the participants’ staying, so there’s no worry about sharing personal space. These events naturally promote mingling and teamwork in a way that camping trips often don’t. Hackathons are designed to include everyone, regardless of their skillset or background, making sure every employee feels like they belong.

Gaining New Skillset

One major benefit of hackathons is the learning opportunity they provide. Companies can design the event to focus on specific skills, giving employees the chance to grow. This isn’t as easy to achieve on a camping trip, where the focus is more on physical activities. Hackathons encourage employees from different departments to interact and learn from each other. This helps build connections that benefit the company in the long run, creating a strong sense of teamwork. These events have another big plus: they encourage innovation. By bringing together employees from different areas of the company, they can generate new ideas that might not come up otherwise. This is particularly helpful when a company is looking to develop new products or services. The hackathon setup lets employees brainstorm and test ideas on the spot, with prizes often motivating even more creativity.

Motivation

Hackathons have a unique way of inspiring people through their competitive atmosphere, filled with challenges and exciting, field-specific prizes like Airtags or subscriptions. They are designed to motivate employees to give it their all, especially when there’s a clear target to reach. The joy of winning does goodies for team morale, creating a palpable sense of achievement. Even those who don’t come out on top often leave with a sense of pride in their efforts, knowing they did the best they could.
On the other hand, camping trips may not have the same clear objectives that hackathons do, which means they can’t quite deliver the same sense of accomplishment. While they certainly have their own charm and sense of community, a chance to have a laugh, they don’t provide that goal-oriented motivation that a hackathon does. 

Conclusion

When planning a corporate event, it’s crucial to consider what your employees will enjoy and feel comfortable with. While camping trips can offer a break from the office and a chance to enjoy nature, they aren’t always suitable for everyone. Allergies, physical limitations, and personal comfort levels can all make camping trips less appealing. Hackathons have a structured environment where employees can collaborate, learn new skills, and develop fresh ideas. Their inclusivity makes them a better fit for diverse teams, and their competitive element can build strong team spirit. Ultimately, both experiences have their benefits, but if you want an event that will truly spark team spirit and drive performance, a hackathon is your go-to. In the end, the best corporate events are those that bring people together in a meaningful way.