Businesses need to encourage more in person meetings and conferences to help improve productivity and employee well-being.

That’s the view according to the boss of one of the South West’s leading four-star hotels who says workers have got too used to working from home and that using video links to keep in touch with colleagues and is detrimental to business and personal performance.

Gareth Ireland, general manager at Cadbury House in Congresbury, North Somerset said:

“It’s been a turbulent ride for many operators since covid.

“Post pandemic there was a boom for stays and dining out but was followed by a slow down in meeting and events as businesses integrated the like of Teams and Zoom as a means to meet. The pandemic got people comfortable using video streaming, which was great, but I believe there is still some over reliance on this form of interaction.

“Thankfully, over the last twelve months, we’ve started to see a slow shift back to meetings in person, team buildings and general gatherings for businesses, but there’s still a long way to go.

“There are plenty of reasons why personal interaction is good. It can help build stronger relationships with colleagues and clients and let people feel more connected with their colleagues and the business they work for.

“It also allows for a deeper level of understanding of the goals and objectives of a business and gives employees a proper sense of belonging.

“Work from home is a key part of how people operate now and will be here to stay which I think is great on many levels and offers many benefits to both businesses and the employee. But there just needs to be a healthy balance with working from home, time in the office and time together offsite for developing those working relationships.”

With a range of spaces ideal for smaller, intimate meetings to larger conferences of up to 400 people, Gareth and his team are gearing up for what they hope will be a busy 2025.

Gareth added:

“Getting your team out and about is not only enjoyable but can be inspiring. And depending on where you arrange your meeting or event, means your team can visit a new place.

“Against the backdrop of the 18th century house, we’ve got an impressive range of suites that are designed to cater to a variety of events, including product launches, exhibitions, business meetings, and team-building exercises.

“There is also plenty of on-site parking here at Cadbury so those who have to drive can do so without worrying about where they’ll leave the car.

“As we gear up for 2025 we are certainly seeing more enquiries for these sort of meetings, pulling teams and people together and long may that continue.”

For further information please visit https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/