Team-building exercises can bond employees in the workplace but spending time together away from the office can also increase innovation and better relationships. Many business owners and management teams consider planning company retreats to pull co-workers together, but how can you ensure it will be successful?
These are the five dos and don’ts for a healthy, happy and safe company retreat, no matter where you decide to go.
1. Do: Announce the Retreat Early
People always need time to get ready for a trip. If your retreat involves international travel, it’s also worth planning how your team will stay connected. Setting up a travel eSIM before departure can help employees access mobile data as soon as they arrive, avoiding expensive roaming charges and the hassle of finding local SIM cards. Announce the retreat’s dates and details as early as possible. Team members can check possible travel requirements and see their doctor for any necessary vaccinations that will allow them to journey safely. They can also reflect on their budget and RSVP months before it’s time to leave.
2. Don’t: Miss Out on Safety Features
A well-planned trip won’t go well if everyone stays at a low-quality or unsafe rental property. Team leaders should read reviews for any potential retreat destination to discover the property’s safety features and ensure everyone’s well-being while they’re away from home. Simple additions like smart doorbells or house alarms will keep your team safe and make their trip more enjoyable.
3. Do: Plan Relaxing Activities
Retreats should have a schedule to guide everyone through the trip, but they shouldn’t keep people busy every minute of the day. Consider mental health goals your team should prioritize to have an enjoyable company retreat.
Management might include time for introspection after attending a lecture on professional development. Have everyone participate in confidence-building exercises and journal about their experience. Reflection uses the tools people learn while on their retreat to create stronger bonds and more positive mindsets.
4. Don’t: Avoid Feedback Survey
If your company sent employees on a previous retreat, send them a feedback survey. Ask what they enjoyed about the trip and what they wished had happened differently. It’s an excellent opportunity to add better activities or adjust things that didn’t work so the next getaway is a phenomenal experience for everyone.
It’s tempting to avoid criticism that comes with survey results, but you should face it head-on. Your next trip will be better because management made it a better retreat based on direct feedback. The comments could point out minor details team leaders missed in the planning process or suggest great ideas for future retreats.
5. Do: Find Travel Insurance
Plans fall apart even during the best retreats. It’s always wise for employers to find and compare travel insurance benefits to cover medical bills if people become sick while away from home. Providing extra coverage will give employees more peace of mind about traveling nationally or internationally and ensure financial protection for companies paying for the experience.
Plan a Safe Company Retreat
These are just a few dos and don’ts for a healthy, happy and safe company retreat this year. Use each trip to plan a fantastic experience for every employee, no matter where you decide to go or which team-building activities you include in the retreat itinerary.
