Corporate Retreats: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Plan a Successful Team Offsite

One of the many reasons remote and hybrid companies host regular offsites is to improve employee engagement, alignment, and retention.

There are many corporate retreat types, tips, and templates out there, which means that you can get creative and organize a unique experience event for your employees anytime of the year, anywhere, and on any budget.

The bad news is—corporate retreat planning may be overwhelming at times. It takes an exhausting amount of hours to plan an offsite; budgets can get out of control if you don’t know how to stay organized or know your ability to negotiate given your team size; and stress can be high during the final days of planning.

Worry not—we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll walk you through creative corporate retreat ideas, show you how to plan a successful event, highlight the key benefits, and explain how it can help boost employee morale

What is a Corporate Retreat?

Organized by CEOs and team leaders with the help of their People Leaders (Chiefs of Staff, Executive Assistants, folks in HR, etc), corporate retreats (or offsite events) are gatherings that bring together either your entire team or a large portion of the team for deep, meaningful, in-person connection.

The type of corporate retreats we recommend to our clients last 2 nights, 3 days typically, but sometimes extend up to a week. The duration of an offsite typically depends on the company’s working environment (are you remote, hybrid, or office-first), budget, and frequency of corporate retreats (ie do you only have one offsite per year, or do you meet more regularly like once per quarter).

It also depends on the purpose of the retreat, which in itself is affected by the company’s needs.

However, corporate retreats are not always break-oriented. Some of them, like leadership retreats or sales kickoffs, can be centered on work and productivity. But generally, in corporate retreat planning, organizers aim to find a balance between work and leisure. After all, such events should be enjoyable for the entire team, offering major benefits like improved team cohesion and enhanced motivation.

To support this balance, platforms like Offsite offer tools and resources that make it easier to plan retreats that are both productive and enjoyable, helping teams get the most value out of their time away from the office.

Definition and Purpose

A company retreat is a gathering of employees outside of the regular work environment, designed to promote team building, professional development, and relaxation. The purpose of a company retreat can vary depending on the organization’s goals and objectives, but common purposes include improving communication and collaboration, boosting employee and team morale, and fostering a sense of community and teamwork among employees. A well-planned company retreat can have a significant impact on company culture and can be a valuable investment in the company’s future success.

Why Do Companies Organize Retreats?

Corporate retreats are organized by companies for various reasons.

To start with, employers aim to boost team productivity. This is where retreats such as conferences, seminars, hackathons, and so on come into play. The main focus of such gatherings is learning new things, generating new ideas, and developing skills that can be applied not only at work but also outside of it.

Additionally, employees want to have fun and disconnect from the hectic (and often stressful) day-to-day work. Game nights, go-karting, escape rooms, paintball, and other similar team building activities are fun to include in your corporate retreats and help your employees bond with their teammates. Needless to say, this is quite valuable when it comes to building interpersonal relationships within the company.

Finally, companies organize retreats because of the benefits they provide for employees’ physical and mental health.

Sports such as golf, skiing, and hiking encourage physical activity, while other activities like spending time at the beach or hosting a karaoke night are more about fun and relaxation. All this helps the team feel more relaxed and energized. Moreover, such activities also lower stress and anxiety and give people a chance to rid themselves of negative energy.

Benefits of Doing a Corporate Retreat

Speaking of benefits, here are a couple more advantages of organizing corporate retreats.

#1. Promoting Employee Engagement

Corporate retreats give employees a sense of recognition. When employees take part in such events, they feel more valued.

This is crucial because most employees quit when they’re not appreciated. On the other hand, those whose work is appreciated tend to do even better at their jobs.

#2. Strengthening Team Cohesion through Team Building

Each solid team needs inner cohesion to thrive and prosper. And, well, there’s no better way to develop it than by organizing events that will help employees become closer and strengthen relationships. For this reason, corporate retreats create stronger work connections and a sense of unity among team members.

Building deeper relationships also promotes better teamwork and more effective conflict resolution. On top of that, employee coordination improves, and there are fewer arguments among the staff members.

#3. Improving Communication

Effective communication is important in any workplace because misunderstandings make it harder for people to work together and get things done.

Building relationships with one another is a necessary component of communication because it fosters a positive company culture and productive work environment.

#4. Rebuilding Trust

Another crucial component of every workplace is trust—any working environment becomes challenging and unpleasant without it.

Due to their relaxing nature, corporate retreats are helpful for developing trust among new and existing employees and reestablishing lost trust that resulted from continuous misunderstandings.

Employers can accomplish this by planning retreats that incorporate team-building exercises. Without some level of mutual trust, no team can complete a challenge successfully.

#5. Boost Employee Morale

Last but not least, corporate retreats can boost team morale. This includes gains in self-assurance, enthusiasm, and general discipline, all of which can be achieved through participating in various challenging yet fun activities.

The quality time spent with fellow co-workers has the same effect on employees. Face-to-face or one-on-one interactions enhance their engagement and appreciation, which only improves the team’s attitudes toward their employment.

Fun Activities To Consider During Your Next Corporate Retreat

Now that we have covered the basics of corporate retreats and why you and your team may benefit from a regular cadence of offsites, it is time to move on to the fun things you can arrange for your team during your next company retreat!

Consider incorporating activities that promote social interaction and teamwork. Board games are an excellent option for encouraging collaboration, communication, and friendly competition among participants.

#1 - Take Your Team To The Beach

Especially for corporate retreats scheduled during the summer, a beach outing can offer a refreshing break—providing your team with a chance to cool off and recharge after a long day of strategic planning You and your team can take advantage of the sun, swim in the sea or ocean, play volleyball or handball, and generally have fun while at the beach

#2. Consider Other Outdoor Activities

Depending on where you're hosting your corporate retreat, you might consider team building activities outdoors—such as water sports like kayaking, or bringing your team out on a boat for half the day.

Hiking is another popular option for teams that enjoy physical activity and are looking to spend meaningful time outdoors immersed in nature.

Not only do you get to unplug from technology and your busy schedules, but you also get to take in the lovely surroundings together!

Finally, scavenger hunts can be organized to explore a new city's art and culture, while encouraging collaboration by dividing your team into smaller groups tasked with discovering local hidden gems.

#3. Organize A Tour

Corporate retreats frequently include tours, where you and your team can enjoy unique shared experiences facilitated by an expert.

Bike tours and walking tours can be great for exercise, as well as taking in a new city that employees at your company might not have experienced previously.

While sightseeing, you can endlessly talk about various topics (both work and personal) which can help bring your team together.

Perhaps a few folks from your group may abstain from alcohol, in certain locations a wine tour or brewery tour can be quite popular.

At the end of the day, any “unique shared experience” will allow your team to decompress after the more work-centric portions of your corporate retreat agenda, and provide space for memory-making during your offsites.

#4. Make It A Friendly Competition with Escape Rooms

Is there anything more fun than organizing some friendly competitions that bring everyone into the same room?

Let’s face it, winning appeals to everyone. However, success is not everything. Sometimes the journey is more important than the destination, and this is precisely the kind of principle that these competition retreats will nurture.

Some examples of the events from this category you can organize would be a go-karting challenge, a golf or ping-pong tournament, or a hackathon.

In either case, besides enjoying themselves, your team members will be able to show off their skills at managing competition in a friendly setting.

#5. Share Meals

Breaking bread with your colleagues is one of those activities that does not require much preparation or organization. After all, you have to eat!

Sharing meals with your colleagues is quite intimate, and allows your team to discuss and potentially showcase their cultural and ethnic backgrounds, their preferences, and their approaches when it comes to cooking and consuming. While you should offer some free time for attendees of your corporate retreat to eat meals on their own, do be sure to schedule various meals shared together by your employees.

#6 - Work Out As A Team

Remote teams can benefit from wellness and relaxation activities like morning yoga classes scheduled at many hotels and resorts, like the ones in Offsite’s curated marketplace. If you are looking for an activity that encourages both mental and physical well-being and provides opportunities for interpersonal interaction, a group class could be a great activity to start your days.

Group yoga classes are believed to boost motivation and energy. They enable you to establish a consistent routine that will only strengthen your team’s self-care practices at home. You’ll leave a morning workout energized to have a productive day during your corporate retreat.

#7. Create Art Together

Making art is a lot of fun, especially when you do it with other people.

The process can be a sort of therapy where everyone is free to paint or draw whatever they like, and the atmosphere is laid-back enough for casual conversations.

The usual painting on a canvas or sketching on paper that is taught in art classes is not the only option. You can always partake in activities such as team building murals, ceramics, sculpture, splash art, and others. Order materials for your team in advance, and when you need an activity to boost creativity, offer relaxation, or round out a packed agenda in a cost-effective way at an upcoming corporate retreat, making art together is a great choice.

Professional Development Opportunities

A company retreat can provide a range of professional development opportunities for employees, including training sessions, workshops, and networking events. These opportunities can help employees develop new skills, share knowledge and expertise, and build relationships with colleagues from different departments and levels of the organization. Some popular professional development activities for company retreats include leadership activities and development programs, team-building exercises, and industry-specific training sessions. By providing these opportunities, companies can demonstrate their commitment to employee growth and development, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and retention.

How Often Should Your Company Organize Offsites?

There is no right or wrong answer when deciding how many company retreats you should organize annually.

Some companies decide to hold such an event once a year, while others prefer to organize one every other month.

The frequency of work retreats is influenced by different factors, with budget being the most important one. You cannot organize a retreat if your company's funds don't allow it. The season and the activities you plan on engaging in are also important unless you find corporate retreat locations that can satisfy your demands at any time of the year.

Moreover, the number of attendees, as well as their availability, may also influence how frequently the company organizes such retreats.

How to Organize a Corporate Retreat

Here are some suggestions that can help you ease the retreat planning process:

• Ask for input. When planning a corporate retreat, it is strongly advised that you consult your team leads. Not only can they suggest unique and engaging activity ideas, but they can also ensure the retreat is thoughtfully aligned with the business topics and goals that attendees want to address during work sessions.
• Create backup plans. You can never be too sure. Backup and contingency planning are essential since you never know when your preferred location may become unavailable or when a special guest might have to cancel. Weather can also be unpredictable depending on where you go and what time of year you’re having an offsite.
• Make it balanced. Each corporate retreat has a unique goal, but it’s always a good idea to mix work and fun. You don’t want to gather your team only to give them additional work. Even if productivity is your main goal, make sure to add some fun staff retreat activities into the mix.
• Let it be optional. Even though a corporate retreat’s purpose is to bring everyone together, you should always make it optional. The very last thing you want is to force your staff to join you in a social setting.

Step 1: Choose a Location and Venue

Choosing the perfect team corporate location and venue for a company retreat is crucial to its success. The location should be easily accessible, provide a comfortable and relaxing environment, and offer a range of amenities and activities to suit different interests and needs. 

Some popular corporate retreat offsite venues include resorts, conference centers, and outdoor venues such as national parks or beaches. When selecting a venue, consider factors such as the number of attendees, the purpose of the retreat, and the budget. It’s also important to ensure that the venue is accessible and inclusive for all employees, including those with disabilities.

Best Practices for a Corporate Retreat

To ensure the success of a corporate retreat, it’s essential to follow best practices in planning and execution. Here are some tips to consider:

• Define clear goals and objectives for the retreat
• Choose a location and venue that meets the needs and preferences of employees
• Plan a range of activities and events to suit different interests and needs
• Ensure that the retreat is inclusive and accessible for all employees
• Communicate clearly with employees about the purpose, agenda, and expectations of the retreat
• Provide opportunities for feedback and evaluation to improve future retreats

By following these best practices, companies can create a positive and productive experience for employees, which can lead to improved morale, productivity, and job satisfaction.

Communicate the Plan and Expectations

Effective communication is critical to the success of a company retreat. It’s essential to communicate clearly with employees the purpose, agenda, and expectations of the retreat, as well as any logistical details such as transportation, accommodations, and meals. This can be done through a variety of channels, including email, intranet, or team meetings. It’s also important to provide opportunities for employees to ask questions and provide feedback, which can help to build trust and engagement. By communicating effectively, companies can ensure that employees are well-prepared and excited for the retreat, which can lead to a more positive and productive experience.

How to Evaluate the Results of a Corporate Retreat

Suppose that you organize a company retreat, and it goes incredibly well.

You are now determined to improve upon or maintain the quality of all upcoming retreats, but how do you accomplish that?

In this situation, experience alone is insufficient—what really works is sending feedback forms to your team before and after each offsite to evaluate and improve team dynamics.

Create a survey and send it out to all attendees before and after a corporate retreat. In advance, they can let you know what type of sessions and activities they’d like you to plan for them. Afterwards, they can think back on their experience and offer suggestions on potential changes or enhancements. Use the post-retreat feedback to determine what worked, what didn’t, and how to make improvements for future retreats.

In addition to receiving comments and suggestions, you should acknowledge the others who participated in the planning process with you. Not only is it appropriate to show that you appreciate them, but doing so will also increase the likelihood of them helping you out again in the future.

Offsite Can Help You Organize a Corporate Retreat

Once you are aware of how much time and work goes into planning a successful corporate retreat, you may want to use some help. Offsite is here to assist you in taking on this path by yourself!

We can organize everything for your next corporate retreat, from venue selection to agenda creation, activity and event planning, travel, and collecting feedback before and after the event. All you need to do is tell us about your goals, interests, budget, expected number of attendees, and any preferred seasons or locations.

Our team does the rest!

In Summary (Corporate Retreat FAQs):

#1. What happens at corporate retreats?

A lot can happen during corporate retreats—it all depends on the preferred type of working sessions and activities. Organize a mix of work and play, and you'll be sure to not only achieve greater strategic alignment, creativity, and decision-making from your corporate retreat, but you'll leave your team energized for the months to come (and looking forward to your next offsite).

#2. What is the purpose of a corporate retreat?

Depending on the goals of the company, corporate retreats may aim to bring the team together to work on solving pressing problems, develop certain professional skills, or foster a stronger sense of unity and connectivity.

All of these can be included in an agenda for your next offsite, if you plan accordingly. Most companies simply wish to boost employee engagement, retention, and alignment, which is difficult at a remote or hybrid company. Thankfully, offsites and corporate retreats provide one solution to this problem.

#3. Are corporate retreats expensive?

Although the costs can be considerable, they don't have to be colossal—again, everything varies based on your budget. Naturally, it will cost a lot of money if you want your team to stay in a luxury villa for an extended period of time, but there are always less expensive options.

For instance, activities like volunteering or hosting a game night don't cost as much as other activities, yet can be just as rewarding and fun.

We'd argue that remote and hybrid companies ultimately spend less planning offsites than they would on office space, but accomplish most of the same benefits the old “business culture” model encouraged in regards to collaboration, fun at work, and productivity.

Corporate retreats are indeed important for enhancing skills, promoting physical and mental well-being, and—of course—having fun.

When planning a corporate retreat for your company, it is a good idea to consider your goals, preferences, budget, and team's availability.

The bottom line is that organizing a corporate retreat may not be the easiest thing to do, but the outcomes are almost always valuable. So don't think twice—start planning your next corporate retreat now!