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Going away with the company team can be a great way to reconnect, get to know each other better, and develop creative solutions for business challenges. But how do you plan a successful business retreat?
Planning and executing a successful company retreat requires thoughtful preparation. This ensures all the benefits of the retreat and that everyone has a good time and returns to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Even the most productive employees need time away from the office to relax. This is a time to recharge and connect with their colleagues. A corporate retreat can help create a culture rich in collaboration and trust.
In the following article, we'll look at useful tips for organizing company retreats to ensure that all attendees have an enjoyable experience, no matter how large or small the team is.
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Expert tips for a successful business retreat
Whether you are organizing a corporate retreat for the first time or planning another one, you must keep a few key points in mind.
The following tips will help you create a corporate retreat that everyone will remember:
1. Choose locations with strong wifi
You would be surprised to see how many Airbnbs and hotels in the US still only have average WiFi. Make sure to have someone run a WiFi test before you show up.
100 Mbps is the bare minimum for ten people. If you travel abroad, keep this in mind: 100% of the retreats we did in Costa Rica and Mexico had WiFi issues.
Most of the tourist accommodations are not ready to host companies yet. This can complicate team-building activities or corporate training sessions.
2. One bedroom per person
You may like your colleagues, but you probably don’t want to share a bedroom or bed with them. This is not a friends' gathering.
Everybody has different levels of expected privacy. You need to meet everybody’s requirements for privacy if you want people to come to your company retreats again.
Corporate retreats with quality accommodations can often be more expensive. But if you want your team to feel comfortable and productive, it is worth the extra investment.
3. Set company retreat goals
Before the company retreat, set clear expectations and objectives. You should also have a plan for how your team will achieve the company retreat goals.
You will have a successful retreat if everyone knows why they are attending and what is expected of them. It is also important to set realistic and achievable goals.
You should align the company retreat goals with the company’s overall objectives. If your company is launching a new product, the retreat should focus on achieving this goal.
4. Get everyone involved in the company retreat planning process
Inviting team members to be part of the planning process ensures everyone has a say in the retreat's activities. Make sure to allow each team member to share their ideas and opinions.
Team members feel appreciated and connected when involved in the process. This creates a sense of ownership and commitment to the retreat's success.
While involving everyone in the process is essential, having one person lead the planning is also good. They can ensure everything is on track and everyone's ideas are considered.
5. Don’t book something too isolated
You want an exciting and special location to motivate your team. It should be close to civilization but should allow for some much-needed distraction.
At the same time, the retreat venue should have enough distance from everyday life but should also allow everyone to come, even if they fly internationally. That way, team members can focus on company culture, team-building exercises, and corporate training sessions.
Locations close to nature and with various activities are great for team building. You can plan hikes, beach trips, or wine tastings. This will help team members connect.
6. High level of services onsite
A retreat is for working and team bonding. You don’t want to spend hours at the grocery store or preparing meals. Prioritize quality time with your colleagues and delegate tasks, as catering, to local actors onsite.
7. Activities are where the magic happens.
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Employee bonding happens during team activities. This is the part they will remember and tell stories about. Make sure to choose activities that please everyone. You can even have them vote on activities ahead of time. Prioritize social-group activities, where people will have the most fun. If you choose something intense, such as an extreme sport, make sure to have an easier Plan B option as well.
8. Invest in good food
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Company retreats are an excellent time to enjoy food together and build relationships. You don’t need a Michelin-star chef, but you should invest in good quality food.
This is especially true if you are in a remote location with limited food options. Good quality food can make company retreats more enjoyable and help people connect and relax.
Your team will appreciate your effort in providing them with good food. It is also a nice gesture that can help create a positive company retreat experience.
9. Assign roles
Assigning roles at the company retreat helps keep everyone organized. You can assign team members to various tasks, such as organizing team-building exercises or leading corporate training sessions.
This helps ensure that everyone feels they are contributing to the retreat's success. It also helps keep team members accountable for their role in the company retreat.
Assigned leaders should be knowledgeable about their topic and skilled at facilitating group activities.
10. Get feedback for your company retreats
After the company retreat, get feedback from your team to understand what worked and what didn’t. Ask them open-ended questions about their experience at the retreat and how it helped them grow professionally.
The feedback will help you evaluate the retreat's success and plan future company retreats better. You can also use it to identify areas of improvement for future team-building activities.
Feedback is an essential part of remote company culture. A remote company should also have a remote feedback system to ensure team members feel included in the company’s feedback culture.
11. Incorporate company history & culture
Remind team members of your company history and values through storytelling, games, and other activities. This will help team members appreciate the company culture more and make them feel connected to each other.
You can also use this time to remind team members of the company’s successes and challenges. This will help them understand the company’s journey and its next steps.
Takeaway: Make your next company retreat successful with these tips
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Planning a successful company retreat doesn’t have to be challenging. You can make your next company retreat a fun and productive experience with the tips outlined above.
At TeamOut, we handle every aspect of your retreat, from venue selection to transportation and activities. Visit our website today to book your next company retreat.
FAQ
What is a business retreat?
A business retreat is a company-sponsored event that takes place away from the office. It is often held at a corporate retreat center or resort.
The event aims to build team camaraderie, foster collaboration, and introduce new ideas. It can also be an opportunity to create a corporate culture based on shared values and ideology.
How to organize a business retreat?
The key to organizing a successful company retreat is having a clear action plan and following through on it. You must plan for the agenda, food, activities, and accommodations.
The agenda should include team-building activities that encourage communication and collaboration. You should tailor these activities to the team's needs and interests.
You should also plan for corporate training sessions focusing on the company's core values and objectives. These sessions allow team members to discuss their vision and strategies for the future.
Finally, your plan should include realistic goals and expectations for the retreat. Make sure to factor in additional time for meals, breaks, and leisure activities to help everyone relax and unwind.
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