How Intentional Retreats Create Lasting Connections and Fuel Productivity
We recently analyzed RTO mandates and why they're not an all-or-nothing solution. We also highlighted the fact there are other ways to achieve meaningful in-person connection for your team.
Today, we're going to highlight one of those initiatives: team retreats.
Based on our work with clients engaging in a range of remote, hybrid, and in-person practices, we've discovered that intentional IRL retreats supercharge creativity and collaboration, whether folks are working full-time in person or not. With retreats, you reap the benefits of organic connection, but you still have flexibility on how you decide to work outside of that.
Let's dive in and see what makes retreats so effective!
A well-done retreat = 2+ months of synergy
Retreats are the ideal place to tackle big topics and get folks on the same page. Your alternative? To pack that same content into meetings and stretch it out over time. In that scenario, people have to think about these things on their own, in addition to their daily workload, which dilutes the amount of attention important topics receive.
In contrast, when people show up to a retreat, their schedule is cleared. They know why they're there, and you've created a container for people to show up together in a different way than they can in their day-to-day work lives. You're investing in your team and showing them that their POVs matter.
People leave retreats feeling aligned, recharged, and ready to tackle big things. One TravelPerk study highlighted that 34% of workers had their most creative ideas while on a business trip. Magical things happen during the unstructured time of being together — hanging out, participating in fun activities, sharing food and snacks together — and that chemistry fuels the work.
Practical tips for planning impactful retreats
Here's some of our best advice when it comes to retreats and in-person events:
If a retreat feels like too much — start small! You might organize a team learning day, a fireside chat, a coffee catch-up, or something else to carve out intentional time for people to connect. And remember that we're here to help!
Less is more! Focusing on a few core topics allows deeper discussion, and leaves more room for simply being together.
If your team is remote, aim to get together in person at least twice a year. As we mentioned, it’s a great idea to start small, and prioritize accessibility.
Picking the right time can be impactful, so be intentional when planning. Look ahead at your calendar and put gatherings on the calendar during critical times like the end of the year, mid-year, or around quarterly reviews.
Plan ahead to be sure that any critical business needs are covered during the retreat time so that attendees can be fully present.
There are a lot of people right now who have never experienced a work retreat. We've also worked with remote-first companies who have never met each other in person — even after five years of working together! Across the board, we've seen morale, communication, alignment, and productivity skyrocket after retreats, even for long-established teams.
Intentionally design in-person time for your team
Thoughtfully creating in-person spaces for your team to connect leads to connection, innovation, and alignment. No matter how you choose to work, it's important to create meaningful moments where your team can show up, free of other tasks, and recharge together.
Retreats offer a concentrated environment that fosters deep, lasting synergy that contributes to your company's long-term success. If you'd like help planning your next offsite event, we're offering a free 30-minute consultation to discuss how a retreat might benefit you!