All Hands

All Hands refers to a meeting or gathering of all employees or members of an organization or a specific department within that organization. It is often used to disseminate important information, share updates on the company's performance, introduce new initiatives, foster a sense of community, or allow for open dialogue and question-and-answer sessions between leadership and staff.

The term likely originates from nautical terminology, where "all hands on deck" signifies a call for all crew members to report to their stations immediately, typically in response to an emergency or urgent situation. In a corporate context, the "all hands" meeting serves a similar purpose of bringing everyone together for a common objective, though generally in a more planned and less urgent manner.

All hands meetings can take various formats, including in-person gatherings, virtual meetings conducted via video conferencing, or a combination of both (hybrid meetings). The frequency of all hands meetings can vary depending on the organization's needs, ranging from weekly or monthly updates to quarterly or annual general meetings. Effective all hands meetings typically involve a structured agenda, clear and concise communication, and opportunities for audience participation.

While "all hands" primarily describes a formal gathering, the term can also informally refer to a collaborative effort requiring the participation of everyone involved in a project or task. In this sense, it emphasizes teamwork and shared responsibility.