What kind of company retreat does your team need?
What kind of company retreat does your team need?
BoomPop Team · 10/14/2020
Every team is unique. Plan a company retreat that fits yours perfectly.
It’s no surprise that 67% of teams believe that burnout is on the rise post-pandemic. Hard work, whether conducted remotely or in the office, can take a toll on even the most productive team members. And for those who fall into the remote work category, loneliness is on the rise. The solution? Meaningful in person connection that makes a lasting impact.
Company retreats bring teams together, and when teams are happier, businesses flourish. Planning the best possible offsite for your team means taking into consideration what would truly excite, inspire, and connect them. If it’s your first time planning an offsite, we’ll clue you in on the best ways to make a memorable experience for your team.
Know your team’s personality
Understanding your team is the key to creating the best offsite experience, from choosing the perfect venue to scheduling the most interesting activities. If the majority of your team is based in a smaller town, maybe what they’re craving is a trip to the big city. An offsite in New York City is going to offer different attractions than an offsite in the Napa Valley vineyards, so it’s important to choose wisely. Your team is likely made up of people with diverse interests and tastes. Foodies will delight in a food truck tour in Austin, Texas, while those on a self-care journey may be looking for yoga on the beach and drinks at sunset.
If you’re wondering what to do at an offsite, find a common thread that connects your team, such as a love for the outdoors. Host your offsite somewhere they can hike and connect with nature. Ask your team if they prefer a rock climbing session or a long canoe ride across a lake. Or for the team that thrives indoors, consider booking museum tours or a cooking class.
Remember, it’s useful to conduct a company survey to figure out what your team would like to experience at an offsite. Your survey can help make big decisions such as the location of the offsite, but it can also help make smaller decisions, such as dinner preferences.
Think about your company culture
Fostering a company culture based on positivity and growth is a continuous endeavor. If your team is struggling with communication, a company offsite is a great way to start building deeper connections. Offsites provide the space for open-ended conversation and team-building, whereas the daily grind may not. A retreat is also the perfect backdrop for booking a motivational speaker to teach your team about collaboration and perseverance.
If your team is remote or distributed, collaboration may be an area that needs strengthening. At an offsite, teams can learn to work together by taking part in challenges or competitive games, such as escape rooms or city-wide scavenger hunts.
Check in on the culture surrounding mental health support at your company. A shocking 80% of workers said that they would switch jobs if there were greater mental health benefits. An offsite can offer not only in-person connection, but also mindfulness workshops, yoga classes, and meditation breaks. Shaping your company culture around meaningful experiences improves the wellbeing of your team, and in turn, improves the wellbeing of your company.
Identify work goals
While offsites are definitely a place for fun and relaxation, it’s also important to balance work with play. Focusing on goals for your team to accomplish will help you plan your offsite better.
Are you hosting an offsite so your team can attempt to solve an organizational problem? Or maybe it’s time to simplify workflows or develop new strategies. Whatever it is your company needs to accomplish, make sure your goals are carefully and clearly outlined. Address these goals at the beginning of the offsite so that everyone is on the same page, and revisit them frequently.
The kind of offsite that will fit your team best will make time for these goals while also taking advantage of the new environment. Let your offsite destination work for you, not against you. If you’re attempting to solve issues or garner inspiration, choose a relaxing mountainside retreat, or a quiet beach town, where you can ruminate and explore. End your evenings with long walks to decompress. The benefits of a team offsite are long lasting, so make sure your team makes the most of it.
The easiest way to avoid a boring company retreat is to craft an experience that you know your team will love. If you’re ready to plan your first offsite, we’ve compiled 3 key points for creating a successful offsite agenda. Don’t wait until the last minute to book; get started today.
Featured resources
8 Steps for Planning Your Company Retreat
A resource for new organizers on creating fun, productive, and successful corporate events.
