One thing that has really caught on in the corporate world is the corporate retreat. This is mainly due to the fact that going away together as a company is an effective way to not just nurture office relationships, but also to keep burnout at bay, and strategize for the future of the company. But planning a successful corporate retreat can be tricky as there are a lot of moving parts to figure out.
So here are three tips to help you out in planning a successful corporate retreat.
Choose the Right Location
The wrong location can ruin an otherwise successful retreat.
First, figure out the goal of the retreat as the ideal location is somewhere that is conducive to achieving the goals of the retreat. For instance, if you’re looking for a place to brainstorm new ideas, then you’ll want a location that is quiet and secluded. But if you’re looking for a place to build team relationships, then you’ll want a location that is fun and has plenty of activities.
Then, browse retreat locations online and narrow down your choices based on what you’re looking for. Once you’ve found a few potential locations, contact each one and ask about their rates, amenities, and policies.
Create a Detailed Schedule
It’s easy for things to go off track during any retreat, even a corporate one, so it’s important to create a detailed schedule so there’s no room for frivolity.
Start by mapping out the activities for each day of the retreat. Then, create a schedule for each activity, including when it will start and how long it will last. But don’t neglect to leave some free time in the schedule for everyone to relax and have some fun, it’s a retreat after all.
After you’ve created the schedule, send it out to all of the employees who will be attending the retreat. This way they can pack accordingly.
Also, it’s a good idea to print out a booklet of the schedule for yourself even if you have online copies because having a physical copy will make it easier to keep track of the schedule during the retreat without distractions.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Even with the best-laid plans, things can still go wrong during a corporate retreat. That’s why it’s important to prepare for the unexpected.
Some things that you should plan for include bad weather, transportation delays, and cancellations. It’s also prudent to have a backup plan for each activity in case something goes wrong. For example, if you book a rope course, have another team-building activity in mind to take its place in case it gets canceled, so that you don’t lose out on team-building opportunities.
Planning a corporate retreat can seem like a daunting task, but by choosing the right location, creating a detailed schedule, and preparing for the unexpected, you can make sure that your employees have a productive and enjoyable experience.
