Having a strong team that works well together and understands how to get the best out of each other is often one of the biggest reasons behind a company’s success. After all, working with people you genuinely like makes any job much more enjoyable and rewarding.
Nevertheless, constantly being in an office can be draining and every team deserves a break or reward for all their hard work. Corporate retreats and similar types of getaways from the fast-paced environment of an office offer employees the perfect opportunity to unwind and de-stress.
Whether your team is in need of a luxury spa day at a fancy country club, or simply want a delicious meal to feel rewarded for all the work they do – there are plenty of options to help look after the people who make your business what it is.
Here is a list of eight fantastic ideas to that help boost team morale and strengthen bonds.
1. Hiking
Very few things are better to help clear your head than getting back outside, feeling the fresh air and seeing a good view of nature. Even those who would not consider themselves as lovers of the outdoors could benefit from getting away from the office. A change of scenery is always beneficial for those looking to lower stress levels and being in a place with other employees who can relate to that stress offers the chance to bond.
Hiking as an activity is not only something that provides a physical challenge, but also encourages people to work towards a common goal as a group.
2. Golf Day
Perhaps an option that not every employee would go for, but certainly one that provides a perfect mixture of frustration, competition and enjoyment. Golf is one of the most difficult sports in the world to master, but when it goes right, whether it’s hitting a flawless driver shot or holing a long putt, there are few better feelings.
Which is why as a corporate retreat or event, a golf day can be the ideal option for businesses looking to boost the morale of their employees. Importantly, most golf clubs offer deals and packages that are tailored to companies looking for this exact idea.
Not only can this be an enjoyable activity that offers people an escape for the day, but it also allows people to play in teams, where they work together to win a match or get the best score – which is undoubtedly a relationship enhancing task that can filter back into the boardroom.
3. Spa Day
One of the most popular options on the list and certainly one that offers the best chance of relaxation. A company retreat can be something that’s not just for enjoyment and team building, but also for the well-being of a team and its individuals.
With a multitude of treatments and different facilities, employees have the chance to truly escape the outside world that causes them any tension and get lost in a place tailored to make them feel as best as possible. Most importantly, this can be the physical and mental break you need that offers a boost in motivation to return to work.
4. Escape Room
A slightly more niche idea, but certainly an effective and enjoyable one should you wish to challenge your employees. The idea of escape rooms is very simple, it’s literally in the title, but the execution is usually far from easy – which is exactly why teams of employees are the perfect groups to take on the activity.
Teams can be split into departments, make it like an internal competition, or maybe mix groups to see how well people work together. But regardless of these small details, the challenge can be exciting to see who comes out on top and completes the puzzles fastest. This activity also offers employees the chance to show off a variety of skills – including leadership, taking initiative, staying calm under pressure, teamwork and time management, but each of these are something you may not be thinking about as you’re trying to escape a themed room while a clock is ticking above you.
5. Go For a Meal
Likely the simplest inclusion of the list, but one that every employee appreciates. Going for a meal with the team is a fantastic social practice that can help the team bond. Take the lunchroom to another level by going to a fancy restaurant, maybe even share meals to make the experience as social as possible.
This is a practice done in many countries and cultures and is ideal for getting colleagues together and fostering a better sense of community.
6. Play an Outdoor Game
Unfortunately, this is an idea that is weather dependant, but when the opportunity arises, getting a group together and playing a game in the warm weather allows everyone freedom from the workspace and a great chance to get people moving and enjoying a game as a group.
There are several games such as rounders, egg and spoon race, three-legged race and many more that are designed to use teamwork and skill to help win. These types of games are also perfect for making people feel relaxed and putting them in a less stressful environment.
7. Karaoke
A more out-of-the-box idea when it comes to a corporate activity, but without a doubt one that will help build relationships and increase the bond between employees. For those without a particularly angelic singing voice, having a group karaoke session allows colleagues to see a more relaxed and upbeat version of you that may not always be present when in a stressful working environment.
Regardless of singing ability however, karaoke is a fantastic activity to get people out of their shells and sharing an exciting – or somewhat embarrassing, moment with colleagues. Everything about the experience is tailored to group bonding and boosting morale.
8. Visit to the Beach
This one may be a slight challenge in the UK for a few reasons, mainly the previously mentioned, wonderfully-dull British weather. But also, because your closest beach may not be incredibly accessible. Nevertheless, when it comes to places you can go as a group, there are few places that rival the beach, especially when the weather is in peak summer conditions.
The setting of a beach is also very picturesque for those in need of a break from the office scenery, as it encourages them to relax and take a mental break from the computer screens and desks that they see every day.
For some employees, a mental break is the most important thing that helps them increase productivity and feel relaxed at work. Others may prefer something more physically relaxing like a spa day with massages and treatments, or even something as simple as getting outdoors and seeing the beauty of natural scenery. Regardless of what type of corporate retreat or event you opt for, there are plenty of ideas that will help the well-being of individuals and increase the bond between employees.