Did you know that a corporate retreat can not only boost employee productivity, but morale as well?
When organized in a thoughtful manner, corporate retreats can encourage collaboration, while rewarding your team for their hard work.
What are the key benefits of hosting a corporate retreat? What is the best way to plan a retreat? Continue reading to learn more.
Benefits of Corporate Retreats
Before planning a corporate retreat, it is important to reflect on the goals of the retreat. Why are you hosting a retreat? What do you hope to accomplish by planning a retreat for your team members?
As suggested above, corporate retreats have attractive benefits that can help take your business to the next level. It all starts with your employees.
Retreats are designed to provide an opportunity for your employees to grow as professionals. More so, retreats serve as enjoyable motivators. They are meant to be fun and social engagements.
From scavenger hunts to mind games, entertaining activities can teach your employees more about teamwork, strategy, and critical thinking. Not only can retreats help with mastering essential skills, but can also encourage your team members to think more creatively.
As an example, you plan an activity in which you ask your employees to gather in small teams and dream up the next big project for your company (on the condition that money is not an object). The task excites your team and encourages them to think out of the box.
This, in turn, lets them think innovatively without the fear of failure or judgment. Not only does the activity boost employee creativity, but it also may present some great ideas to consider exploring!
If there are certain skills you wish to address in a corporate retreat, be sure to plan activities accordingly. A company event planner can help you select activities that highlight these skills in an engaging and enjoyable way.
Determine Who Will Be Attending
When planning a corporate retreat, one of the first tasks to consider is determining who will be attending. Depending on the size of your company, you may wish to invite your whole team, or just a department (ex. marketing, finance, etc). Some companies may plan retreats that are strictly for company executives or leaders, such as Apple’s Top 100 retreats under co-founder Steve Jobs.
Determining who will be attending is dependent on the goals of the retreat. If a specific department in your company has been performing well but could use some motivation, a retreat could be the perfect opportunity to show that you care.
Knowing how many individuals are invited to attend is essential before selecting a location for the retreat.
Be Creative with the Location
Location matters. One of the most fun aspects of planning a corporate retreat is selecting a thoughtful location.
Whether you want to host the retreat nearby your headquarters or out of state, there are plenty of options to consider. Some retreats may be held at major houses or compounds that offer seclusion. While others are hosted at hotels in major cities.
Considering the time of year is a thoughtful perspective to selecting a location. If it is summertime, your employees may appreciate having quick access to a pool or beach.
On the other hand, if it is winter, your employees may love attending a retreat in snowy mountain terrain. During meeting breaks, they can enjoy snowboarding or skiing on the slopes!
As with every key decision regarding the retreat, selecting a location is ultimately dependent on retreat goals. A private environment may be the perfect place for your employees to socialize, grow, and have fun.
Plan Transportation Needs
While selecting a location is a critical step in the corporate retreat planning process, it is equally important to plan for transportation needs.
Depending on the location you choose, you may need to fly your employees to the retreat. Book tickets well in advance and see if you can get a bulk discount.
A common retreat transportation method is bus charters. Buses can transport your team to the retreat location and to any off-site events. The benefits of charting a bus include that it is convenient, safe, and cost-effective.
Retreats Should Reflect Company Culture
Retreats are enjoyable getaways, but they still are business trips. Throughout the planning stages of a retreat, it is essential that all activities reflect your company’s culture.
A retreat is an opportunity to have your team members practice company values. Through the various activities you plan, you can encourage your team members to embrace company goals.
You may wish to have a dress code for certain events or meals and that is more than okay. Additionally, when creating banners or any other materials for the retreat, be sure that they reflect company branding.
Staying true to company culture is imperative for a retreat to prove successful.
Retreats Should Not Only Address Skills, But Encourage Fellowship
Fellowship is a common retreat goal and for great reason. One of the best results of a successful corporate retreat is that your employees bonded and build friendships.
Collaboration is far more effective when team members work well together and care about each other. Retreats are all about providing a safe and fun space for employees to get to know each other better.
Plan an Engaging Corporate Retreat Today
If you are seeking to plan a corporate retreat, Total Events DFW is here to help!
As an experienced company event planner, we have helped many companies plan thoughtful and fun retreats. Our team desires to make your vision a reality. We will guide you throughout the planning process and help you create the ultimate retreat for your team.
To learn more about us and our event planning services, please contact a member of our team today. We look forward to serving you!