Team building retreats are now common events in the corporate world because they positively impact the workplace environment. Companies, both big and small, are trying to make sure that employees can escape the office once in a while for learning, enrichment, and bonding. Team building retreats are usually held over one or two days, but they can have a significant impact on employee relations that last much longer. Team building retreats are not guaranteed to turn around a failing company, but when done proactively they can prevent getting there, or markedly improve workplace morale and productivity if it’s already on the decline.
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Retreats are often held outdoors in order to create a relaxed atmosphere for the participants. One of the goals of a team-building retreat is for the employees to get fresh air and enjoy life away from the confines of the cubicle. Without the stress of the office environment, participants in team building retreats are in a better position to tackle and discuss the problems that continuously plague the workplace.
Building up the Team
The dog-eat-dog world of high-stakes corporate life has led many employees to lose momentum or become individualistic in the workplace. This can be a problem in situations where the employee is looking out for himself over the good of the company. When you have a team of me-centered workers, it is tough to build up a team-centric atmosphere.
Team building retreats can help foster cohesion in the workplace. One goal of the retreat is to help each employee feel like they are part of a work family. A good team building retreat should include fun activities that will make the participants feel that they are working together toward a common goal. A participant helping another to win a contest, for example, goes a long way in developing unity.
De-stressing
Employees often regard the workplace as a stress-inducing environment. Employees are always trying to stay laser-focused, beat deadlines and attempting to solve problems that keep popping up. By the end of the day, the employees may be stressed and irritable to the point that coming to work becomes a challenge in and of itself.
Taking the employees out of the stressful environment even for a day or two allows everyone to decompress and start anew. It may seem counterintuitive, but holding such activities during a stressful time can actually help relieve tension and jumpstart productivity.
Reflection Time
A team building retreat should always include time for pondering and reflection. Give the employees a few hours without team activity and let them go to their separate spaces. When alone in a relaxing environment, the reflection will come naturally.
This mindfulness allows employees the opportunity to look back at what they have done or failed to do in the past few months. It can provide an excellent opportunity for each employee to consider what they are doing well and how they can improve their performance. Reflection time is important for the employee’s self-development and the continuous progress of the company.
Paying your employees for a day or two when they’re not actually in the office is a worthwhile investment. Employees can return to the office with greater motivation and company pride as well as fresh, new perspectives that will help them innovate and lead your company toward a promising future.
