Group Getaway: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Company Retreat
There’s no better way to show appreciation to your employees than planning a company retreat. But if you don’t know where to start, click here to find out.
There are many reasons to plan a corporate retreat. It’s a time to get away from the office to work on creating stronger bonds between employees.
A business retreat is also a great way to build trust within a company. And it’s also just a nice way to show your employees how much you appreciate them.
But you can’t just book hotel rooms and call it a day. Without a formal plan, you won’t gain the benefits of a company retreat.
To help you and your employees get the most out of your time together, keep reading. We’re sharing with you the ultimate guide to planning a company retreat.
Create an Agenda for Your Company Retreat
Prepare and hand out the agenda before you head out on your business retreat. The agenda will help everyone plan accordingly.
Not only will they be able to pack essential items to help them participate in the planned events, it also helps everyone mentally prepare.
However, don’t have every minute planned. This agenda should be less structured than a day at the office since you are here to actually have some fun.
Allow for changes and adaptations so everyone gets the most out of it they possibly can.
Use Corporate Retreat Ideas That Help Introverts Feel Comfortable
Remember that not everyone is a leader. Some people are introverts and don’t always feel comfortable in large group settings.
In fact, if done incorrectly, your corporate retreat can end up exhausting the introverts while invigorating the extroverts. This isn’t what you want to achieve.
Instead, plan games and events that both introverts and extroverts can play. Extroverts can shout out answers while introverts write them down.
Make sure there’s plenty of downtimes so introverts can rest up while extroverts can gather together.
Make Sure Everyone Has Transportation
Not everyone owns a car or has their own form of transportation. Perhaps employees share one car and a spouse needs it to shuttle the kids around.
One way to ensure everyone comes on your business retreat is to help plan travel arrangements ahead of time. You can hire shuttle vans or buses to pick up everyone to travel together.
The bus ride can be filled with lots of fun activities or you can even take the time for everyone to share their own company retreat ideas. You can even give a prize to the person who comes up with the best event idea.
Click here to learn more about making corporate travel arrangements.
Be Aware of Food, Alcohol, and Physical Limitations
A corporate retreat to wine country sounds amazing. And there are plenty of breweries you can visit as well.
But before you book any excursions, make sure no employee is struggling with alcohol addiction or simply chooses to be a teetotaler. Otherwise, it’s not a fun or fair trip for them.
Another issue you may have to watch out for is with food. Many people are on special diets which may make it difficult for them to find food during your retreat.
Then there are those people who physically can’t do certain activities.
Try to make sure your food menus include plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables and that you address any food allergies anyone may have.
For those who can’t be around alcohol or who have a physical ailment making it difficult to participate in certain activities, try to find alternative activities during those times.
Create a Budget
To plan a fun corporate retreat, plan on spending a minimum of $500 per person per night. That should include the hotel stay, meeting space, food and beverages, transportation, and a few other things.
If you’re booking your stay at a hotel then don’t forget to ask for concessions. Hotels love booking corporate events because it means big money for them, especially if you plan on using their hotel more than once.
Do not be afraid to ask if they’re willing to add in extra concessions like waving the resort fee or giving you all free Wi-Fi. The more money you can save, the better.
And research ways you can save extra money before you book your trip.
Choose Someone to Facilitate the Retreat
Someone will need to be in charge of ensuring everything goes smoothly. Appoint someone who is already trained in dealing with groups and knows how to maintain neutrality throughout the entire process.
While you may think the CEO or manager is a great choice, these people aren’t usually known for being neutral. Which is why it’s usually best to hire a professional facilitator.
However, since they can cost up to $5,000, if that’s not in your budget, whoever you appoint to be the leader needs to tread lightly.
It’s not so easy to be a leader and then ask employees to openly and honestly give their opinion.
They’re worried about their jobs. It’s your job at the retreat to create a space where people feel they can speak freely.
Make it Fun, Not Cheesy
Your goal is to come up with company retreat ideas that are fun but aren’t cheesy. You don’t want your attendees to feel they are being forced to pretend they’re having fun when secretly, they’re rolling their eyes.
Do some research on fun activities that aren’t the typical games people play. While it’s okay to use some classics, a potato sack race just might be a bit too much for people.
Book Early
The sooner you book a place to hold your company retreat, the less expensive it will be. It’s also easier for you to plan something in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to prepare.
Try searching for a place to hold your retreat that’s not in a major city or town. Not only will you save more money but your attendees won’t be as tempted to leave the retreat in search of their own fun.
And book your trip off-season. Again, you’ll save money, you’ll probably get a better package, and with fewer people around you can really focus on team building.
Keep Researching Corporate Retreat Ideas
If your first company retreat is a success, it makes sense to keep doing it. But you don’t want to keep doing the same thing year after year.
Instead, keep researching around for new ideas. Don’t forget to ask employees to share their favorite ideas as well.
And our blog can help. We’re constantly sharing our favorite places on the planet to travel to. Find out where your next retreat will be by clicking here.
