Building Social Connections That Soar to New Heights: An Inside Look at Our Team’s Latest Hangout
At Golden Software, we thrive as a remote team—but that doesn’t mean we pass up opportunities to connect face-to-face. In fact, we plan times to do so! Whether it’s coming together for an all-hands meeting to reflect on our wins and future goals or diving into a business masterclass to sharpen our customer focus, each in-person gathering plays an important role in helping us grow. But some of our favorite get-togethers are the ones where the only agenda is to deepen our social connections—and we got the chance to do just that during our latest in-person hangout in Denver.
Why Social Connection Matters And Why We Prioritize It
We’ll be the first to admit it: we genuinely enjoy connecting with one another. That’s a big reason we intentionally plan gatherings focused solely on fostering and maintaining our relationships. But it’s more than just fun for us. There’s real value in it. Teams who feel connected tend to work better together, remain engaged, and show up for each other in meaningful ways—and research continues to back this up. Here are just a few of the benefits that come from fostering genuine social connections on a team.
1. Lower Stress Levels
Strong social ties help people navigate stress more effectively. Just ask author Shawn Achor, who’s known for his work on the link between happiness and success. He found through his research that individuals who lean into their relationships during stressful times are more resilient. In the workplace, this translates into teams that are better equipped to handle challenges, avoid burnout, and stay focused even when pressure is high.
2. Happier Employees
Happiness might sound like a bonus, but it’s actually a major contributor to health and productivity. Annie McKee, author of How To Be Happy At Work, emphasizes that forming friendships at work—whether with teammates or leaders—is one of the best ways to feel happy and fulfilled. And it makes sense: when employees feel supported and connected to their peers, they’re more motivated, optimistic, and energized in their day-to-day work.
3. Stronger Engagement and Loyalty
People who have strong bonds with their coworkers and leaders care more—not just about their own success but about their team’s. Positive relationships create a foundation of trust and respect, which fuels engagement and long-lasting relationships. If you have a connected team, they’ll go the extra mile for each other, stay loyal to the company, and take steps to see the business succeed long-term.
Flying High Together: Highlights from Our April Team Gathering
So, what did we do in Denver to strengthen our social connections and see all the benefits that come with it? From friendly competition to adrenaline-pumping adventures like indoor skydiving, we spent time laughing, bonding, and stepping out of our comfort zones together. Here’s a look at some of the activities we enjoyed—and a few snapshots to remember the fun.
🪂 Indoor skydiving: We started our day with an adrenaline rush as we dived into an indoor skydiving experience. It was a fun way to feel the rush of flight while staying safely grounded.
✈️ Museum Group Tour: Next, we touched down at the Wings Over the Rockies Museum for a tour of aviation history. Our team is a naturally curious bunch, so exploring this museum was a welcome activity!
Top Golf After Party: Suggested by our Netsuite Administrator Eric Shultz, our team had an impromptu After Party at Top Golf to have fun and spark our competitive spirit. Although it was a cloudy, misty day, our team still managed to score some holes!
Investing in Connection, Elevating Our Culture
Our Denver gathering was more than just an excuse to have fun (though we did plenty of that!). It was a way to reinforce the social connections that make us better collaborators and happier team members. From indoor skydiving to exploring a museum, every moment gave us a chance to reconnect, recharge, and remember why we love working together. And as we return to our virtual offices across the country, we carry that energy with us—ready to build, create, and innovate with even stronger bonds.
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