Planning a ramen cooking class team offsite can be an exciting but daunting task for executive assistants and team managers. It also presents the challenge of pinpointing the perfect day and time to unite everyone for this culinary adventure.
Assess Your Team's Weekly Schedule
Selecting the optimal day of the week for your team offsite demands a thoughtful examination of various factors, including company culture, travel arrangements, and team preferences.
Before solidifying the date and time, delve into your team's typical schedule. Are there weekdays that typically offer a calmer atmosphere, fostering better team engagement? For teams operating under a hybrid work model, consider the appeal of scheduling the offsite on transitional days like Mondays or Fridays, balancing remote and in-office work.
Additionally, account for any remote employees who may need to travel for the event, ensuring their seamless integration into the planning process.
Traditionally, Fridays have been the go-to choice for team offsites, encapsulating the celebratory spirit as the workweek draws to a close. However, post-pandemic, Thursdays have emerged as a popular alternative, catering to the growing trend of remote work on Fridays. This shift accommodates remote employees' potential travel needs, allowing them to return home on Fridays.
Midweek options such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays present enticing opportunities to break the monotony and infuse the week with energy. Yet, be mindful of potential conflicts with office obligations, as these days tend to be busy with client calls and project deadlines.
Based on our experience hosting ramen making classes, we've observed that now Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically boast the highest attendance rates.
Morning, Afternoon, or Evening?
After determining the ideal day, the next step is to navigate the timing of your offsite ramen event. Each time slot—morning, afternoon, or evening—presents distinct advantages.
Morning: Commencing the day with a cooking class at 9 or 10 a.m. sets a positive tone, fostering creativity and collaboration. Participants dive into hands-on activities, invigorated and ready to conquer the day ahead.
Afternoon: Opting for an afternoon session provides an ideal mid-day respite, allowing team members to unwind after completing morning tasks. It minimizes disruptions to family commitments in the evenings, ensuring everyone's participation.
Evening: For those seeking a more relaxed and social ambiance, an evening cooking class offers the perfect setting. Team members come together after work hours, sharing laughs and creating lasting memories. However, be mindful of potential scheduling conflicts due to personal commitments.
Based on our observations, mid morning sessions typically garner the highest attendance, followed by early afternoons and early evenings for smaller <20 groups. However, for larger >20 groups, early evenings/late afternoons garner the highest attendance, followed by mid mornings and early afternoons.
Consider Individual Preferences
In selecting the day and time for your cooking class team offsite, prioritize accommodating the preferences and schedules of your team members. Employ strategies such as polls or surveys to gather feedback, ensuring maximum participation and enjoyment.
In Conclusion
Determining the ideal day and time for a cooking class team offsite isn't a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It requires careful consideration of your team's dynamics, schedules, and preferences. Whether you opt for a Friday morning, a midweek afternoon, or a leisurely evening gathering, prioritize creating an environment where everyone can bond over the shared experience of crafting delicious noodles.
Once you have selected a date agreeable with your team, you can check real time availability with The Story of Ramen calendar / schedule using our private booking tool here.
So, mark your calendars and prepare for a culinary adventure that will leave your team feeling inspired, connected, and well-fed!
 | Manville Chan is the Founder and Chief Experience Officer at The Story of Ramen. |