Since the pandemic, one of the most talked about topics in the workplace has been return to office and work-from-home policies. Both small and big companies across the country have implemented versions of what the new workplace should look like, touting the benefits of in-person interaction on the one hand and flexibility to choose where you work that best suits your work and lifestyle on the other hand.
Remote work, however, is here to stay. Recent data from Forbes estimated that 32.6 million Americans will work remotely by 2025, with 98% of workers wanting to work remotely at least some of the time. This indicates that remote and hybrid work environments are not going away anytime soon.
With this trend comes fewer opportunities for teams to connect in person and brings up questions about how this affects the overall company culture. That’s why in-person retreats offer a great solution to this growing connection challenge and an alternative to return-to-office mandates.
The Value of Off-Sites
Off-sites come in many shapes and sizes. The term itself means holding an event or meeting outside of the typical office or workplace. Despite the advancements in technology when it comes to virtual meetings and social events, there’s still nothing that beats one-on-one time in person.
When it comes to the key benefits of “in real life” (IRL) activities, the number one reason they work is that they bring people together to build stronger team relationships. Whether it’s an all-team group activity or a smaller breakout session, this time is important for networking, boosting morale and engagement, building trusted relationships, and allowing people to create authentic experiences.
Another benefit to in-person work retreats is that they enable “water cooler” conversations. These are casual conversations between employees about non-work-related topics. Talking about one’s family life to hobbies outside of work creates opportunities for a person to learn more about their coworker and connect on a different level.
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Trends in Team Connectivity
One of the top trends that companies are incorporating into their work off-sites is health and mental wellness activities. Giving employees frequent breaks throughout the day to decompress, reflect, or take some time alone, often means that they’ll come back refreshed and ready to go for the next activity. Be cognizant that some remote workers may have not had this much social interaction at work in a long time – or ever. A loose or flexible schedule gives employees the chance to make the most out of their time at the retreat, without making it feel overwhelming for the introverts among us.
Companies are also bringing in industry experts for meditation or mindfulness exercises, yoga or fitness instructors, and speakers who can provide advice and guidance on how to avoid burnout or be more productive. These activities, along with great food and an engaging atmosphere can lift the mood and bring a more positive vibe that will last long after the retreat itself.
Bringing in an element of fun is also extremely important. Non-work-related activities play a huge role in making sure the off-site experience is memorable, while at the same time allowing employees to interact with team members they may not necessarily work with very often. Even if the schedule doesn’t have any work-related activities, companies will still reap the benefits of increased creativity, productivity, and strategic thinking when it comes to better ways of working with each other, strengthening the company culture and employee retention. Employees are a company’s greatest asset afterall.
At the Shift browser company’s recent off-site, each day was jam-packed with kayaking, e-bike tours, scavenger hunts, and team sports which helped to get people out of their comfort zones, along with unique activities like a meme-making competition and Giphy filming activity. Less adventurous activities like pottery making and small group lunches helped to make sure the off-site was inclusive for everyone in a safe way. In between these activities, the team came together as a whole for a series of collective learning sessions, focused on scale thinking, company values, and product brainstorming. When team members feel comfortable with each other, they are more likely to brainstorm, share new ideas, feel safe enough to challenge each other, and rethink the status quo, which leads to more innovation and productivity in the long run.
Off-Site Insights
One of the most surprising insights that can come from an off-site are the creative ideas and solutions to real day-to-day challenges. An all-work, no-play perspective isn’t healthy or helpful for businesses. By giving employees flexibility, ownership, and mutual respect, a company can open up the workplace to more creativity. In fact, you’ll be amazed at how many interesting and wonderful ideas come out of non-work related interactions.
For example, blending small functional-based team bonding activities with larger inter-departmental activities allows team members to forge connections across functions. When this happens, different ways of working emerge and a stronger understanding of the different role that each person plays becomes more visible.
The Modern Workplace
Companies need to embrace a new reality when it comes to the modern workplace. With remote and hybrid work environments continuing to be the norm, it’s imperative that leaders find ways to get their employees together in person at least once a year to foster a healthy workplace and build morale. In turn, they’ll see higher retention, increased creativity, more tight-knit relationships, and an overall happier workforce.
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