3 Steps to Plan a Successful Company Retreat

Planning the annual company retreat does not have to be a hair pulling experience.

Planning the annual company retreat does not have to be a hair pulling experience. With some strategic planning, it is possible to hold an interesting, fun and interactive company retreat that will leave your employees feeling recharged.

Company retreats are commonly seen as a time-wasting activity – but only for poorly planned and executed ones. A well-executed retreat can boost productivity, foster stronger inter-departmental relationships and serve as a great way to raise morale.

Here are some simple ways to help plan that well-deserved company retreat you and your employees deserve.

Determine an Agenda
What do you aim to achieve from this retreat? What is the focus? It is important to set a clear agenda you want your employees to achieve – or the retreat will become nothing more than a short getaway between colleagues. The agenda has to be specific but can be simple or business strategic. These can range from strengthening inter-departmental relationships to brainstorming on ways to re-brand the company.

Cater a Budget
Retreats do not have to be extravagant. To plan a practical budget, take into account how large your company is, where you intend to go and take reference from the previous year’s retreat budget.

A fixed budget will help determine the other pertinent factors of the retreat like duration, location and activities. Retreat ideas can fit any budget, from participating in team bonding activities at a nearby park to short getaway overseas. After all, a retreat should be focused on the agenda while including fun as a side element.

All-in-One Retreats
If you are short of planners to take charge of the retreat or need assistance, make your budget work for you. There are now resorts and companies dedicated to assist in planning, logistics and execution. These planners will not only host your company at a comfortable resort and conduct scheduled activities, but also tailor all team-bonding activities catered to your needs and budget.