In today’s fast-paced corporate world, stress levels and the feeling of being overwhelmed at work can be common. It’s exactly why the need to step away from the high-energy and deadline-driven work environment is more important than ever. This does not necessarily mean that everyone takes individual holidays, however, the rise in corporate retreats has provided companies with the opportunity to offer their employees a break that can also enhance bonds and cohesion between colleagues and departments.

With ideas for corporate retreats being plentiful, the more difficult parts of the planning process come down to factors such as location, accommodation, transport, and itinerary. So whether the option for you is to book a serviced apartment and have a memorable overnight stay somewhere, or something more lowkey that requires less amounts of detailed planning, this guide will provide you with the information you need to plan the perfect retreat for your employees.

To understand the details of how to create the perfect corporate retreat, it is first important to know why they are so beneficial.

Benefits

There are several advantages, most importantly they provide a break from the daily routine and offer the chance for colleagues to bond in a relaxing, positive environment. Used as a time to reflect, collaborate and build relationships – corporate retreats place an emphasis on improving morale and promoting creativity.

Through the use of teambuilding exercises, people are encouraged to interact and bond with their teammates in the hopes that this will translate back into the workplace, where creativity and productivity will increase.

What to expect if you’re new to corporate retreats

Being new to an experience can be difficult, you’re not sure what to expect and are unsure whether it’ll be something you enjoy. When it comes to corporate retreats, expect a work focused experience that goes far beyond that of an office setting. These retreats can be from anywhere off-site adventures to virtual gatherings that are aimed at connecting members of a company and fostering team unity.

This could be from events such as trips away, golf days or more work orientated activities like workshops that are tailored towards team building and improving communication.

How to create the perfect corporate retreat

So, you now know why you’re going and understand the corporate retreat is aimed at helping the employees of the company – but now you need the correct steps and details to help craft a memorable and useful experience. 

The important first steps that need to be decided are the simplest ones that help outline the smaller and more intricate details of the trip:

Money, itinerary, transport & destination

These factors are all things that should be set before moving any further with the retreat. Agreeing a budget will allow you to stick to a certain cost, meaning that you can plan further for any activities, and have somewhat of a safety net should you run into any unexpected costs. Similarly, setting transport plans and knowing the destination will allow for other aspects of the trip to fall into place because the bigger factors of the retreat are already taken care of.

When it comes to an itinerary for corporate retreats, spontaneous is not usually the way to go. Although surprises and the fun of finding things to do can be somewhat exciting, having activities, excursions and outings booked will save the group a lot of stress and hassle. Therefore, drafting a detailed itinerary before departing for the retreat allows people to follow a basic timetable and have a complete understanding of what the plans are. After all, you don’t people to be stressed about plans on a trip built to relax employees.

Accommodation

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of a retreat is the place you stay. Accommodation should be suitable for all team members, comfortable and convenient for the plans on the itinerary.

Certain requirements should also be checked before booking a place, such as parking access, disabled access, public transport links and types of amenities close by. 

Consideration must be made as to what type of accommodation is best suited for the retreat and group as a whole. Are individual hotel rooms ideal for team building, probably not. Opting for something like a serviced apartment or similar not only provides a comfortable space, but also one that creates a homely and relaxed environment. Not only does this offer a completely different atmosphere to that of an office, but it allows colleagues to be closer and interact more frequently, which is something that should help foster better relationships.

Focus on communication and feedback

A lot can be missed in the excitement of planning and executing a corporate retreat, but it’s essential to remember why you’re there in the first place. Maintaining consistent and clear communication allows all those on the trip to stay informed. Using different platforms such as WhatsApp groups also allows quick updates to be made throughout the process, allowing the team to connect in one place.

When it comes to feedback, it may be considered one of, if not the most important aspect of the trip itself. Understanding what has worked, what impact it has had on individuals and teams, whether people found the retreat beneficial or not – all questions that should be asked after the event. Not only will this highlight the memorable aspects of the trip, but it also invites participants to engage and be vocal about what areas of the trip went well and what needs improvement.

Overall, a well-executed corporate retreat should be beneficial for all and tailored to creating a memorable and productive experience. Whether this includes various mentally stimulating activities that are made to help improve teamwork, or more simple virtual gatherings that emphasise the need for better communication, ensuring a retreat that is built specifically for your team and its members is the key to a successful corporate retreat experience.