3 offsite and retreat trends you should know

Planning

Oct 7

Planning

3 offsite and retreat trends you should know

BoomPop Team · 10/7/2022

Three people checking their Itinerary Planner

Company retreats are evolving. Stay ahead of the pack by planning an offsite that blends work with play and rethinks how to inspire teams.

In a post-pandemic world, forming strong connections with your team is more important than ever. Company retreats were once a welcome, albeit optional, addition to work culture. Now, with more people working remote, they are a necessity.

Consider new hires who may be coming into a fully remote environment—networking and creating meaningful connections can be difficult without face-to-face interaction. Forbes has found that 81% of corporate millennials consider in-person communication to be vital to their success.

Not only do company offsites succeed in creating new relationships (and strengthening current ones), they also inspire new ideas that will help a company succeed. About 34% of workers have claimed getting their most creative ideas while on a company retreat. Company retreats have been so successful in forming bonds and promoting innovation, that some companies are considering purchasing destinations to provide offsites throughout the year.

But you don’t need to own a beachside condo to reap the benefits of an exciting company retreat. Planning an offsite based on real, current trends in the corporate landscape today can place you ahead of the game.

Offsites are the new office

Low office occupancy and remote work mean small talk in the hallways is no longer the go-to for building rapport with teammates. As we shift from fully in-person work to remote and distributed teams, company offsites are becoming the new office space. Having frequent in-person retreats at a different location each time creates variety and excitement, while also allowing teams to connect. According to TravelPerk, around 40% of Gen-X would turn down a job if it didn’t include travel.

Thanks to increased flexibility in the way we work, workcations are the newest trend allowing team members to explore the world while still on the clock. Workcationers spending extended periods of time in different cities experience massive benefits from the simple disruption in their routine. Why not take advantage of your team’s innate desire to travel by facilitating a fun, unique experience at a company offsite?

Some experiences simply can’t occur behind cubicle walls. Unite your teams on the beach, or in a bustling city. Build memories with team building activities, from exploring the outdoors to trivia night at the bar. Popular offsite ideas include an extended stay in Williamsburg, New York or the Aspen Meadows Resort in Colorado.

Blending work and play

We asked BoomPop clients what the goal of their company offsite was, and 58% said a combination of work and fun. A company retreat is important for building relationships, but it’s also a great way to boost productivity and have important discussions. How companies are navigating this balancing act is what differentiates between a successful company culture and a wrought one.

A company offsite balances work with leisure by providing structured time for business-related meetings, while filling in the gaps with exploration and discovery. Gone are the days of a boring presentation and forced interaction. An effective retreat empowers teams to choose experiences that invigorate and excite them, whether that is a group kayaking trip or a sunrise hike.

If planning an offsite is totally new to you, we’ve outlined some challenges to consider.

Refocusing on human wellbeing

Companies are taking an active approach to improving the mental wellbeing of their teams with offsites. Gallup discovered that nearly two-thirds of full-time staff experience burnout. But burnout and stress can be prevented. Offsites are an integral part of wellness programs because they place physical activity, mindfulness workshops, and team building opportunities at the forefront.

The top 2 struggles with remote work cited from Buffer are not being able to disconnect from work, and loneliness. For distributed teams, coming together is an important part of combating isolation. By participating in wellness workshops, teams can learn how to better meet their own needs and recognize when their peers need a little extra assistance. Teams can leave a wellness retreat with stronger self-care practices that lead to better communication, time management, and coping skills.

Offsites are dynamic and ever-changing, just like our teams. Become a leader in creating a positive company culture by planning an offsite that fits your team perfectly.