3 team offsite basics to know before you start planning
3 team offsite basics to know before you start planning
BoomPop Team · 5/12/2022
Planning your next company offsite or retreat? Here are a few tips to ensure that the experience is everything your team is hoping for.
Whether your team is fully remote, hybrid, or starting to meet again in person, a company offsite is a great way to build community and deepen social connections. Offsites can reinvigorate collaborative partnerships between co-workers and infuse a culture of creativity and fun into your workplace. But getting there requires a lot of time and effort—so we’re here to help.
Below, you’ll find some basics to keep in mind before you book your first flight or lock down an agenda.
Consider preferences and inclusivity when planning
Tailoring your event to your team’s wants and needs is as simple as asking. Of course, there can be a huge variety of preferences within one group, but spotting trends and acting accordingly can help.
For example, if you know there are a number of non-drinkers, it’s probably best not to host a wine tasting. Instead, you can choose activities that are more workshop and game-based. By collecting feedback and adjusting to what you find, you can find a way to accommodate any array of employee preferences.
Getting a sense of whether your team would rather chill out at a nice restaurant or head to a scenic trail before booking an event will not only help ensure a more fun experience, but will show you really care about curating something that is relevant and accessible to the people on your team.
Plan thoroughly and well in advance
Logistics can sometimes be the primary element that determines whether your offsite is memorable for the right reasons. Especially when travel is involved, its easy for details to get lost, miscommunicated, or simply become overwhelming for attendees.
Sometimes things simply have to come together at the last minute, but the more you can avoid rushing, the better. Giving yourself enough time to plan something effective helps make sure the impact of the event will be as positive as possible. When thousands of dollars in travel, food, and activities are involved, it’s important to get the most you can out of an offsite.
Planning thoroughly and giving yourself enough time to hammer out the details also shows attendees you value their presence and their time, and have deeply considered the kind of experience they’ll have. That means they’re more likely to remember the event positively, connect with their team, and enthusiastically attend future experiences.
Remember your goals
With many teams still working remotely, it can be hugely beneficial to carve time out of the usual routine to get to know colleagues in real life. Even though remote teams can be highly productive, there’s something to be said for the way communicating in person helps us to understand one another on a different level. Clearer communication and healthier team culture is one of the most significant benefits of offering an in person retreat.
When choosing an event, ask yourself what your goals are with a team retreat. Do you want to allot time for group and personal reflection? Allow space for team members to connect one-on-one? Or simply have some fun together as a group? Just making time for people to connect without a distinct goal can really serve to bolster a sense of community and remind employees that they are appreciated.
Start planning today
Creating the perfect event doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Our experts can help at every stage of planning, from finding the perfect venues and activities to managing relationships with vendors on the day-of. Get started now!
