The popularity of the remote workforce skyrocketed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Global Workplace Analytics, a research-based consulting organization, estimates that 4.3 million people in the United States now work from home at least half of the time. And the trend is expected to continue. While there are many corporate benefits to remote workers, there are downsides as well. Employees feel isolated, and there is decreased employee visibility. A lack of opportunities to brainstorm for new ideas affects a company’s productivity and growth. In addition, remote workers feel the strain of limited interactions, having contact with colleagues only through company e-mails and zoom conference meetings.
To remedy these concerns, business leaders are discovering that corporate retreats refresh and revitalize their employees. Finding a balance in the workplace impacts employee engagement and morale, which is key to long-term business success. A corporate retreat creates an opportunity to connect, motivate, and communicate the company’s vision for growth.
Plan a Retreat to Strengthen your Company’s Culture
Choosing the right venue is the first step in a strategy for a successful retreat. It is best to choose a venue designed especially for team-building events. Location is critical, as a quiet setting with few outside distractions is conducive to bonding with colleagues and providing an introspective experience. Employees should be able to easily access the venue via a major airport or another form of public transportation.
A retreat can be a one-day event. However, the outcome is more dynamic if it spans over several days. It gives the employees time to settle in and engage in vital work and bonding activities. The event should be long enough to have meaningful connections with each other, yet not interfere with their family obligations. While onsite, there should be a balance between structured and unstructured time.
A sample itinerary can include a Welcome Meeting and orientation to guide participants through the logistics of the retreat. An initial group activity will certainly encourage colleagues to mingle. Work sessions can be intertwined with engaging team-building activities. A venue set up to provide walking trails and nature is preferable. It provides an enriching learning experience and encourages an authentic connection with employees. Other team-building and ice breaker ideas to inspire the participants are physical sports, meditation exercises, group discussions, journaling, arts and crafts, and of course, mealtimes. Many spontaneous conversations during a meal lead to innovative services and products for a company.
Remote work is an Emerging Business Reality that is here to Stay
With the reopening of our nation following the Covid-19 pandemic, now is the time to schedule a corporate retreat. Especially for remote workers, a corporate event has many benefits. It can heal interpersonal issues in the workplace, and it is helpful to assess employees for the company’s future leaders. In addition, photos and videos of corporate retreats are excellent recruiting materials when seeking new employees.
Let us provide a Memorable and Unique Retreat Experience
Canterbury Conference Center invites you to explore our venue. We look forward to hosting your next corporate event. Our retreat and conference facility is located just outside of Orlando International Airport in Oviedo. It is nestled inside a beautiful 48-acre woodland with Lake Gem at its center. We offer meeting rooms of various sizes and technical equipment to meet all of your business needs. Our conference center has a large banquet hall that offers homemade cuisine and can accommodate various dietary restrictions. Our beautiful and tranquil guest rooms accommodate overnight stays. We have exciting experiential learning challenges for our guests in a wide variety of team-building workshops, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and a ropes course designed to aid your team in becoming a closer unit.
Contact our event professionals to plan your next corporate event at 407-542-5929. We can accommodate various group sizes. Our retreat and conference center has the tranquility and functionality to make your team-building exercise a success.
