Organising a successful corporate retreat

When you’re organising an annual retreat where all your staff get to step back and unplug, what should you include to make the most out of the occasion?

Worldwide, and certainly in Singapore, most companies hold an annual retreat that allows staff to step out of their daily work routines and take time to renew themselves.

Depending on budget and company traditions, this could be a day-long event, an off-site retreat, a short get-together over a couple of hours or even a staff party. Whatever the format, a retreat lets staff take a step back, providing some refreshing respite from established structure.

Why a Retreat is Important

Providing a relaxed environment helps rejuvenate staff and makes them feel appreciated, not to mention allowing some downtime for colleagues to bond helps improve working relationships within the office.

Company retreats are also the perfect chance to get everyone in a room together, share the firm’s achievements and make important announcements, thank and reward people as well as highlight what to expect in the coming year. This motivates staff, boosts confidence and renews loyalty in the firm.

What an Effective Retreat Offers

An effective retreat is comfortable, interactive and relevant. It should also include a hearty dose of fun. Successful interaction at a retreat means aiming to involve everyone and also having ample opportunity for casual communication between colleagues, bosses and subordinates, which brings down barriers.

These positive social interactions strengthen relationships within the workplace, making it more pleasant and bringing renewed commitment from staff.

Depending on the format or duration of the retreat, it should give all staff the space to reflect and interact with colleagues in a neutral environment. Often, the time provided for reflection and renewal throws up fresh ideas useful for the business.

What SMEs should consider when planning a good retreat

Relevance to the company’s culture and staff demographic is also an important contributor to the success of a retreat. Planning ahead, having an agenda, doing some research and obtaining feedback helps with this.

Timing is also a big consideration. While a short retreat is low in cost and works well with small teams, a longer retreat provides the additional opportunity to make better use of the team’s combined creative potential and is a great facilitator for getting an overall view of working out big-picture plans.

By taking time out from daily business routines to strategise for the future, some company retreats help build strong teams and set new business goals.

Professional retreat planning and management

Investing in a company that specialises in organising and running corporate retreats is also worth considering. In Singapore, there are many to choose from, including:

1. OIA Events is an events and travel management company that focuses on team coaching. They offer a suite of creative outdoor activities for corporate retreats and are licensed travel operators, perfect for planning company getaways overseas.

2. For one-day or short events, Focus Adventure organises retreats in Sentosa, and includes a wide range of facilitated activites within most of the attractions on the island.

3. Companies that have a higher budget to spend can plan an event with Yacht Charters Singapore. They offer yacht rental and charter services, and also include event management services for retreats and corporate events. Perfect for a more formal annual get-together.

A company retreat is beneficial for the overall health of the business. No matter the execution, retreats are a good opportunity to take stock of where the business is at and to reaffirm company loyalty.