Thanks to remote and hybrid work policies, your team is spread across the world and still delivering great work. It’s time to celebrate these wins! Why not host a virtual cooking class to engage your team, boost morale, and create some memories.
Your first step is to find a date & time that works for your group. Consider sending out a survey or posting the question in a central location, like a Slack channel. Make sure to avoid holidays or cultural celebrations during which some team members may be fasting, out-of-office, or restricting their diets in some way.
The host of your virtual cooking class sets the tone of the entire experience, so choose wisely! Lay out your criteria before doing research. Do you want to work with a professional chef, a baker, or someone from a specific background? Do your research to make sure you hire a creative culinary mind who aligns with your values and needs. The right partner will keep your team engaged throughout.
Your menu should be easy to prepare and accommodate different skill levels. Decide if you want to make breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert for your team-building activity. Take this opportunity to explore culturally diverse cuisines that celebrate your team’s diversity. And keep it simple – a simple dish can still taste delicious and will also make sure no one gets left behind in the kitchen, including that team member who rarely uses their stove!
Conduct a team survey to ensure you are not accidentally excluding members of your team with their dietary restrictions. Simple data collection tools, like Google Forms, can help! Starting from a common ground will make your coworkers feel seen and respected.
If you’re working with a chef, they’ll help you prepare a list of ingredients that you’ll need to get started. If you’d like to deliver these ingredients to your team members, be sure to plan ahead. Typically, cooking class hosts will need at least 2 weeks of advance notice to ship items directly to event attendees.
Use internal workplace channels to build excitement or gather a small group and answer any pressing questions beforehand. Build excitement by posting on Slack, making an announcement during All Hands Meetings, or sending a company-wide calendar invite.
Here are 5 virtual cooking classes you can host for your next team building celebration:
Explore our virtual and in-person cooking classes, mixology experiences and more — all hosted by Black chefs and culinary creators.
