How to Plan the Ultimate Team Retreat in 2023
In a time when the modern workplace has expanded into on-site, hybrid, and remote locations all over the world, it can be challenging to find creative ways to build connections, boost productivity, and strengthen morale among employees.
So what's the answer? Escaping the office! A team retreat can be an incredible way to spark creativity, collaboration, and innovation among your teams. They help grow and strengthen trust between coworkers through fun, shared experiences that’ll break the ice and enrichen relationships.
However, planning a team retreat takes a great deal of time and effort. If you’d like to bring your team closer together with an enriching team retreat but don’t know where to start, our step-by-step guide covers all the essentials for a successful retreat in 2023 your employees will never forget.
Step 1: Define the Goals of Your Team Retreat
The goals you have for your retreat act as a guiding light for the rest of the planning process. What are you looking to get out of this retreat? The answer will determine where you decide to go, the activities you choose, and the kind of experience you want to create.
Whether you want to focus more on building relationships, encouraging collaboration, or expressing appreciation, your goals will be the driving force that makes your retreat a success.
Retreats are an excellent way to learn more about your employees and see how they work together in real-time. Just remember that, above all else, retreats are meant to be fun and social! Leave room for flexibility so everyone can relax and have a good time.
Step 2: Pick a Location
Once you've defined your goals, it’s time for the fun part: deciding where to go! Your destination highly depends on what you’re trying to accomplish, your budget, how long you’ll be there, and the time of year you’re going.
For example, if team-building is a priority, you may want to choose a location that offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, like hiking or kayaking. But if you’re looking for something more relaxing and rejuvenating, then maybe somewhere by the beach is more up your alley!
When it comes to budgeting, it’s best to plan ahead. Prices will fluctuate depending on the time of year you go and how long you stay, so be sure to factor in all costs before making any decisions about where you go. When you’ve narrowed down a few options, have your team vote on their favorites! They’ll appreciate having a say in the process.
Step 3: Book the Venue
Team retreats are designed to escape the corporate environment, certainly not to bring it with you. Book your venue with the aim of getting away from the day-to-day work grind. It should be an environment that is fun, inviting, and comfortably fits the size of your group.
For instance, a refined villa would be perfect if you have a smaller team of under 10 people. For groups between 10 to 50 people, you’re better off with a boutique-style hotel, and for groups of 50 or more, it’s best to rent out a section of a resort to ensure there’s enough space to accommodate everyone.
Whatever place you choose, know that it reflects who you are as a company and sets the stage for the kind of retreat experience you’ll have. So make it extraordinary!
Step 4: Plan Team-Building Activities
Team building activities can easily be mistaken as this structured, corporate ploy to get teams to secretly “work” outside the office, but it is quite the opposite. Team-building activities should be a fun, safe space where employees can connect through engaging activities and excursions without having to worry about their performance.
These activities can range from something more active like yoga or go-cart racing to something more laid-back like a wine tasting or a board game night. Whatever can break the ice and get people to feel more comfortable. Then, when it’s time to return to the office, they’ll feel uplifted, refreshed, and more happy to collaborate with their colleagues.
Struggling coming up with team-building activities your team will actually enjoy? Click here to get help from a Happied planner and start planning your next team retreat!
Step 5: Create a Post Retreat Survey
You could leave the retreat thinking you’ve just planned and executed the most fabulous retreat, but what really matters is what your employees thought of their experience. The best way to find out is by collecting their feedback through a post-retreat survey.
To get the most honest results possible, create a survey that your team can submit anonymously. This will make them feel more comfortable voicing any questions and concerns without fear of judgment. Remember, all feedback is good feedback! Your employees’ responses will set you up to make each retreat better than the last.
Plan Your Epic Team Retreat Today!
Every company deserves some time away to unwind and have a little fun with their colleagues. Retreats are not only an excellent employee engagement tool but also great for employee and client retention as well. Happy employees make happy customers, so why not have a fantastic time and reap the rewards?
If the planning aspect is what’s holding you back from your weekend getaway, we get it. Planning an event is hard enough, but planning a multi-day team retreat? Things can get complicated real quick.
But not with Happied! Sit back, relax, and let our expert planners help you plan the perfect team retreat. From venue selection to transportation to team activities to post-retreat surveys, we handle everything!
