Michael Schmidt, Jules Parris, and Katie-Beth Vornberger connect at JMP Reunion 2025The recent JMP Reunion was a resounding success, and one theme echoed repeatedly: the immense value of face-to-face interaction. Many of you shared that your favorite part of the Reunion was the opportunity to connect with colleagues in person, strengthening bonds and fostering a deeper sense of community.
While our flexible remote work policy offers incredible benefits, we also know that regular in-person interactions with colleagues are vital for building rapport, sparking creativity, and fostering a strong company culture. It's about more than just work; it's about building genuine connections that make our collective efforts more impactful and enjoyable.
That's why we're encouraging everyone, especially those within a one-hour commute of a JMP office, to make an effort to meet with colleagues in person at least once a month. Think of it as an investment in your relationships and our shared success.
Ideas for in-person connections
We want to make this as easy and enjoyable as possible. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Grab lunch: Meet up with colleagues for lunch. It's a great way to catch up, discuss projects, or simply enjoy some casual conversation.
- Form an alliance: Create your own informal group for regular meetups. These smaller, consistent gatherings can be incredibly effective for building strong internal networks.
- Connect with international colleagues: If you're traveling or have colleagues in other regions, make an effort to connect. Tatjana Keller (@tkeller), for example, is a fantastic resource for understanding what's happening in our European offices, while YanYing Chan (@YanYing_C) in Kuala Lumpur can offer valuable insights into our operations in Asia.
JMP staff spent time together during a run in Berlin.Don’t know who’s in your area, or an area you may be traveling to? You can access a list of all JMP employees in Workday. Export the list to JMP or Excel, and then filter it by location.
Why in-person matters
This isn't just about fostering a sense of community; it also has a tangible impact on our work. As a recent Harvard Business Review podcast highlighted, to fix broken work systems, you often need to reset and rebuild connections.
Just like the podcast suggests, stepping away from purely virtual interactions and intentionally creating opportunities for in-person engagement can lead to fresh perspectives, more innovative solutions, and a stronger, more cohesive team.
Real-life ways JMP staff are connecting
Asia
Fostering connection among distributed teams thrives on intentional, yet optional, in-person gatherings. Yan Ying, who has teammates across the globe, says attending large events like Reunion or Discovery Summits are valuable for face-to-face time. Beyond major events, encourage smaller, informal meetups, emphasizing that their purpose is a genuine connection rather than an obligation.
To spark enthusiasm, Yan Ying says to consider themed office days, such as a Bring Your Favorite Snack to Share event, to create a relaxed atmosphere for casual conversation and bonding. These small, voluntary efforts can significantly boost team energy and deepen relationships in ways virtual interactions can't fully replicate.
Europe
Groups in Germany, the UK, and France are actively fostering connections among their JMP colleagues. In Germany, the team gathers weekly on Wednesdays at the SAS Heidelberg office, often in the cafe or, during summer, the beer garden. While optional, these casual meetups have become very popular, with attendance ranging from two to 15 people.
Tatjana suggests creating a Teams chat to help coordinate these gatherings. The German team also holds quarterly Collaboration Days, especially around holidays and in the spring.
Meanwhile, colleagues in France, the Netherlands, and Denmark are encouraged to meet once a quarter, with the three employees in Italy joining them for the closest holiday gathering.
JMP staff in Utah meet regularly for food and fellowship.U.S. regional
In the U.S., JMP teams in Utah and Colorado are also making time for local get-togethers. The Utah group, consisting of Lauren Aldrich (@LaurenAldrich), Jed Campbell (@Jed_Campbell), Sarah Gilyard (@SarahGilyard), Donny Kopp (@DonnyKopp), and Jason Wiggins (@Jason_Wiggins), aims to meet at least quarterly. Their next outing, on June 28, will be at a Szechuan restaurant, a local favorite for Chinese immigrants and expats, where they'll enjoy family-style cuisine.
Meanwhile, colleagues in Denver – Pete Hersh (@Peter_Hersh), Chris Kirchberg (@Chris_Kirchberg), Dara Hammond (@dara_hammond), and Clark Ledbetter (@Clark_Ledbetter) – prefer more adventurous "shenanigans," from axe throwing to go-karting.
Let's carry the energy and camaraderie from JMP Reunion forward. Take the initiative to schedule monthly meetups. You'll be amazed at the difference a little face-to-face time can make.
Cary
Staff in Cary are treated to a coffee cart at SAS world headquarters once a month. It’s a good time for everyone to get together over a cup of joe! If you work in the Cary office or are within reasonable driving distance, make a point to meet up with your team or other JMP colleagues on these days! Contact Beth Evans (@BethEvans) to be added to the invitation list if you are not already on it.
