Are events meeting employee values in 2025?

In the evolving corporate landscape of 2025, organisations are rethinking how they engage employees through events. While events are a powerful tool for fostering connection and alignment, there is growing evidence that many corporate gatherings - especially those concentrated in metropolitan hubs like London - are falling short and hitting below expectations. This disconnect raises critical questions about the purpose, location, and design of these events.

The Problem: city-centric events and employee disconnect

Corporate events have traditionally been held in major cities, driven by logistical convenience and prestige. However, this city-centric approach often overlooks the changing priorities of employees, who increasingly value sustainability, health & wellbeing, and purpose-driven engagement. A study found that 87% of U.S. employees prioritise working for organisations that share their values (BizPlanr). So what are some of these key trends?

• Alcohol consumption is plummeting: 68% of 25-34 year olds plan to "reduce or completely stop drinking" in the next year (Aviva, 2024).

• Adventure travel is booming: the global adventure tourism market size was valued at $324.9 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 19.5% during this period (Allied Market Research, 2024).

• “Eco-anxiety” is rising: Over three-quarters of adults in the UK worry about climate change, with concerns over “what we are leaving our younger generations to cope with” (Office for National Statistics, 2021).

Why employee values matter

It makes logical sense that employees would be more actively engaged in their business if their employer sought to cater for some of the aforementioned trends within working hours. But what are the benefits of doing so? We believe that aligning employee values with organisational practices (or what HBR call “purpose congruence”) is a strategic imperative. Companies that fail to meet these expectations risk disengagement and turnover. For example, Gartner found that when employees feel their values align with their company’s mission, organisations see up to a 22% improvement in employee performance and a 9% boost in revenue goal achievement.

We believe that the best way to integrate present-day employee values into your business is through nature-based events.

Below, we share our top five considerations for your next corporate event:

1. Consider diversifying your event calendar with one that is nature-based

Rather than concentrating events in the same cities, companies should explore regional hubs or smaller venues closer that mix things up. With nearly three-quarters of corporate events currently held in tier 1 cities, decentralising event locations offers an opportunity to create something unique. At Climate Pursuits, we work with an almost limitless number of inspiring, nature-based locations.

2. Embed sustainability & align with ESG goals

Sustainability can, and should, be at the core of event planning. The ‘table-stakes’ of sustainable venues and merchandise is good, but we believe organisations can take it a step further by creating climate & nature impact on-site through outdoor activities and volunteering.

3. Integrate communities & local businesses

Events can serve as platforms for meaningful community engagement. For example, how about partnering with local nonprofits for volunteer activities, or hosting workshops that include local perspectives on your business’s challenges. These initiatives not only enhance employee engagement, but also strengthen the company’s social impact.

4. Get people outdoors

There is nothing that builds camaraderie more than sharing outdoor experiences. From walks to kayaking, come rain or come shine, research shows that being side-by-side fosters far better conversation and social cohesion. We hear this time and time again with our clients who opt for kayaking as an activity too!

5. Integrate health & wellness

Incorporating wellness activities - such as mindfulness sessions, gong baths or outdoor experiences - can make events more rewarding and reflective of employee priorities.

Our conclusion

In 2025, thriving organisations will be those that align their businesses - including events - with the evolving values of their workforce. Moving away from city-centric models toward decentralised, purpose-driven gatherings is not just an operational choice but a strategic one. By prioritising our top-five considerations companies can foster deeper connections with their employees while driving long-term success.