People who work for the same company, even in the same office, can still feel disconnected.
Imagine how hard it is now when most work remotely. So what are the best team-building activities in which a company can invest?
Aside from a yearly holiday party or after-work gatherings, a company retreat is the most beneficial event to foster a team spirit. The overall idea is for your employees to enjoy activities that promote team bonding and pursue improvement of their skills. It is the perfect outing to help them break down walls and enjoy an ideal balance of fun and work activities away from the stresses of the office.
A retreat can last for a day, a weekend, or even a week, depending on your company’s budget, schedule, and desired outcome. And, there are countless possibilities of where to take your team and what to do. To help you start, we give you a few of our favorite ideas.
#1 A team-building with a taste of wine
Don’t worry, this event does not have to turn into a drunken office party. Most alcohol consumption at this retreat is connected with good food or supervised wine-making activities.
So, in our opinion, it is the ultimate reset: great wine, delicious food, a walk through a vineyard, and quality team-building time. And, since not everyone enjoys alcohol or some of your team members simply want to have some fun without getting tipsy, make sure you also secure and offer non alcoholic wines. They are a great alternative if you want to organize a retreat of this type while ensuring that none of your employees feel excluded. Great locations for this type of retreat are Italy and Spain, for example. There are plenty of amazing wineries to visit in Rioja vineyards, where you can explore and taste their exquisite products, learn about their production process, or even take part in a wine-making workshop. Moreover, both countries offer very good food, so you will be able to enjoy local specialties while your employees bond over them.
#2 Dance or sing it out as a team
Another fantastic way to get the blood pumping and share a common experience is learning a group dance. Organize having an instructor come into your office and teach your team famous choreography. It is a fun project that is likely to be a first for many.
Another idea is to set up a booth and have your employees show off their singing skills by singing karaoke. Both activities are great for all types of corporate retreats, even for after-work gatherings, since they offer plenty of surprises and laughs.
#3 Learn together by attending a conference or seminar
If you are interested in having a retreat with really substantial content, sign your team up for a conference or professional development seminar. There are options for almost any aspect of the workplace, and it could be a great idea if a large number of employees need to improve in the same area.
In addition, if your team has already planned to attend that event, this is a cost-effective option. For example, you can participate in the main event activities before hosting your spin-off discussions and planning fun events in the evening.
#4 Enjoy the outdoors
There is no better way to get your team out of the office than by literally spending time outside of it. It is well-known that spending time in nature boosts well-being and productivity. Plus, it is one of the most affordable company retreat ideas on our list.
Pick out an accessible hiking trail, overcome a challenging climb or simply plan a picnic in the park. Of course, you must choose a spot that is suitable for everyone on your team. Gathering your coworkers to enjoy a breath of fresh air collectively is an ideal way to bond outside of the office.
#5 Give back to the community and make your team feel good
Sometimes, the most rewarding company retreat ideas are the ones that involve helping others. That said, opt for organizing a corporate retreat where your team can spend the day volunteering for someone or a specific cause.
For example, it can be volunteering at a homeless shelter or nursing home, running a marathon for climate change, or children’s rights, the possibilities are endless. That way, your company retreat is not just communal but also beneficial.
You will boost relations within your community and build friendly relationships among team members. So, how do you get started? The best way is through organizing a corporate volunteering program. To do so, ensure that your team is involved in researching organizations you want to help and volunteer their specific skills to add value to your outreach.
The Bottom Line
The prospect of planning a retreat may seem overwhelming at first – from choosing when and where to do it, asking for input from your team, to making a schedule and establishing a budget. However, bonding with your employees will help contribute to positive company culture and increased productivity that will pay off in the long run.
