Today, a corporate retreat is more than just a break from the day-to-day—it’s a robust tool for cultivating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable productivity. Done right, it’s also a strategic investment in the health and well-being of employees, which has positive implications for hiring, retention, and workplace morale.

Incorporating wellness-promoting programming into your destination-based corporate retreat isn’t just our opinion of best practice. Recent studies highlight the growing trend toward incorporating wellness into corporate culture and support its measurable impact on employee satisfaction and overall company performance.

It’s no secret that Zoom meetings are “the new normal” in the post-pandemic world. However, whatever they deliver in convenience and cost savings, they fall drastically short in terms of driving the engagement and connection facilitated by physical presence.  

Relative to meeting on-screen, convening in person boosts focus, deepens perspective, promotes active contribution, inspires innovation, and fosters teamwork.

Here are just a few of the ways periodic destination-based retreats will benefit your company and help you justify your investment:

The intangible benefits of retreats, in particular those with a wellness dimension, are vast. They forge deep, meaningful connections within teams, providing a rare opportunity for employees to disconnect from their daily routines and engage with colleagues in a setting that nurtures both personal growth and collective well-being.

Participation in shared activities like team-building exercises, yoga classes, or group hikes fosters camaraderie. These experiences are pivotal in building trust and can lead to more effective teamwork and a shared sense of purpose.

Retreats create a relaxed atmosphere where team members feel comfortable opening up, sharing ideas, and engaging in constructive dialogue, significantly boosting collaboration and productivity. The ripple effects extend well beyond the time spent on-site, following employees back into the workplace (whether physical or virtual).

By emphasizing employee well-being through well-organized wellness retreats, companies reinforce their commitment to their values and enhance overall workplace engagement. It’s no secret that employees perform their best when they feel “seen” and cared for by their employers as a whole person, not simply as a contributor in their area of expertise.

Corporate retreats serve as an essential break from the demands of work, helping to alleviate stress and prevent burnout, thus promoting better overall mental health and job satisfaction. This is key in boosting employee morale, reducing turnover, and promoting sustainable professional growth and development.

We’ve established that the benefits of on-site corporate retreats are both broad and deep. But what can we do to ensure that the retreat experience is truly transformative, for the company as well as for all individuals involved?

It all starts with choosing the right venue and designing the best retreat program possible, one that includes activities that support employee wellness. Here are a few things to look for in evaluating a prospective venue and setting a schedule:

Integrate options for a variety of activities that cater to both physical and mental health, including yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises. Make it clear that you support employees’ personal health and wellness to the same degree that you care about their professional development and performance.

Opt for locations that offer a variety of different facilities, including modern gyms, swimming pools, and full-service spas. You want employees to feel as comfortable and cared-for as possible, with access to a variety of facilities that they can use to support their own personal health and wellness according to their individual preferences.

Ensure accommodations provide a luxurious and comfortable experience, allowing team members to feel pampered and rejuvenated. This is especially important for those who identify as introverts and need a comfortable space to re-energize in private spaces.

Verify that the venue can support you in designing unique, inclusive activities that promote effective collaboration and communication, crucial for enhancing team dynamics. Bonus points if they have an events team on staff.

Effective team bonding doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some cost-effective activities that are both enjoyable and beneficial for team cohesion.

• Local Currency Bundles: Equip each attendee with a small amount of local currency prior to departure, easing minor initial expenses and bypassing the need for immediate currency exchange.

• Recommended Apps & Reading Materials: Provide a list of recommended phone apps (e.g., Google Translate, Citymapper, Uber or the local equivalent, and WhatsApp with a dedicated group for those traveling). Consider suggesting some reading material to set the tone for the retreat, whether it’s a fun novel set in the destination country, a wellness-inspired book, or a collection of inspirational essays).

We asked a handful of executives we’ve worked with to weigh in on what they think makes a great corporate retreat. Their insights reveal some common themes and valuable lessons.

Not surprisingly, several executives noted that retreats with clear objectives and well-planned logistics tended to produce the best outcomes. Do your best to stick to timetables, ensure people show up on time, and arrive prepared to tackle the task at hand. Having a dedicated logistics coordinator on-site, even for a relatively small group, can be a very worthwhile investment. 

One former client recalled a retreat that included a surprise guest speaker who profoundly impacted his team, highlighting the importance of inspiring and unexpected elements. Having an agenda and letting people know what to expect makes everyone comfortable and aids in productive sessions; however, don’t be hesitant to throw a curveball or two into your agenda to shake things up!

Another executive recalled a poorly-timed team-building exercise, one that directly followed a heated debate where emotions were running high. When designing an agenda, it’s great to push people outside of their “comfort zone,” but important to do so when the mood and energy of the group is receptive and positive. Keep in mind, for example, people tend to be more cranky and distracted right before meal times or at the end of a long day.

A last common refrain: Don’t shy away from scheduling downtime! It’s tempting to pack as much into your agenda as possible; however, providing enough time for low-key, relaxation-centric, wellness-promoting activities (individually or as a group) is crucial. Without this needed respite, employees won’t be able to show up mindfully during the more stressful parts of the trip.

Inspired to start planning your corporate retreat? Get in touch with us today!