Organizing and hosting a company retreat is something more and more business owners are doing, and it’s proving to make a big difference (for the better!!) If you’re considering organizing a company retreat, read on for why we think it’s a great idea and for our expert advice on how to make it a successful endeavor that’s worth your effort.

Company retreats build team cohesion, which ultimately impacts not only day-to-day life at the office but the entire business culture and reputation. On a retreat, employees can connect as people instead of as coworkers because the pressure of an office setting is removed. Company-wide retreats also improve communication because the division between departments is broken down, and open dialogue/collaboration is encouraged and supported.

Retreats create a boost to overall company morale in many ways. Hosting a retreat shows appreciation for employees’ hard work and will re-energize the team and morale through relaxation and fun. A retreat also encourages strategic thinking by offering time away from the daily office grind. This environmental change facilitates brainstorming/innovation and allows the focus to shift to big-picture goals. These goals and innovation strengthen your company’s culture by reinforcing values, creating shared experiences, and promoting inclusivity & belonging. Companies with this culture are sure to have a bright future on the horizon.

You want to start with a clear goal for the retreat. What is your focus? Team bonding to improve relationships? Strategy planning for the future? Simply celebrating past success? Know your primary hope in hosting the retreat so the rest of your planning is working toward that goal. Set a realistic budget that is sure to include:

• Travel
• Lodging
• Food
• Activities
• Materials
• Speaker & venue expenses

Once you have a budget in mind, you need to determine a location to host the retreat. You want to consider the proximity to your team (especially if you have employees that work remotely) and ensure your venue fits into the budget. Choose a place that fosters focus but will also allow your employees the opportunity to relax. Options can include:

• A nature retreat
• A resort
• A rental house

With the location set, it’s time to plan the retreat agenda. Include a mix of fun team-building activities, presentations/speakers, and downtime (games, massages, social events, etc.) Include an opportunity to highlight team or individual wins, but do avoid over-scheduling. You want to leave room in the game plan for spontaneity, conversations, and relaxation.

It would be a nice gesture to include your team in the planning process by surveying what they would like to see or do during the retreat. If you get company input, make sure to involve multiple representatives from each department so everyone’s ideas are heard.

One of the most beneficial aspects of a company retreat is the teambuilding opportunities. Teambuilding activity examples include escape rooms, cooking classes, or “cookoffs”. Avoid overly physical or competitive activities so that you don’t alienate people from participating – offer options for both introverts and extroverts. Depending on the retreat location, group hiking, outdoor activities, or volunteering locally are also great options to foster community and strengthen teams.

Other things to consider when agenda planning are any potential food restrictions, mobility needs, or cultural sensitivities. You want everyone to want to participate and do so comfortably. Make an itinerary to distribute to everyone beforehand, so they know exactly what to expect (and what to bring along!) Make sure to include the times for arrival/departure, activities, breaks, meals, etc.

Delegating and preparing are important steps of the company retreat “Before”. To reduce your stress before and during the retreat, you may consider establishing a coordinator (either someone internal or a hired professional). If planning the retreat entirely yourself, consider delegating tasks/responsibilities to others on your team. Someone could handle logistics such as transportation, food, and lodging. Another may take responsibility for hiring speakers or coordinating events/outings. You may delegate someone to physically get the items and set up retreat activities, etc. Also consider assigning someone (whether internal or an outside professional) to get photos and/or video of the retreat. These will hopefully capture great memories that can be shared with the team and appreciated afterward!

Prepare any presentations (PowerPoint), handouts, or discussion prompts ahead of time for the work-related/strategy planning sessions. Consider branded materials/goodies that employees can take home with them after the retreat as a nice bonus.

You should also always follow up with team members after the retreat. Send a thank-you to everyone who participated, whether that be via a note, gift, or video recap. Collect feedback from participants to help improve future retreats and be sure to follow through, in a timely manner, on any action items discussed at the retreat.

If planning a company retreat is on your agenda but your internal processes feel too cluttered to tackle it effectively, we’re here to help. Our inbox is always open, and we’d love to streamline your systems and workflow so you can concentrate fully on creating the retreat you envision. A good leader is someone who knows how to prioritize both their time and the people working tirelessly behind the scenes for them. Show those people that you see, appreciate, and respect them with a company retreat that will do nothing but further your company’s success.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Tonia