Here’s a common misconception: many people believe company retreats are extravagant perks only established and large businesses and brands can afford. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Even small companies can have company retreats for their staff, thanks to affordable retreat ideas that won’t break the bank.
Company retreats offer benefits that prove invaluable in creating strong teams that are productive and profitable. The great news is you don’t need to take your team to a tropical island for them to have a great time. There are actually many affordable company retreat ideas that won’t hurt your wallet.
Awesome and Affordable Company Retreat Ideas to Try
Many businesses host yearly retreats while others opt to align them with critical moments like a layoff or a merger. Regardless of the reasons, below are some company retreat ideas if you are on a budget:
Stay Local
You can still give your staff a great time without leaving the city. In line with this, consider hosting the retreat at a local hotel with amazing restaurants and a great pool. Throw in some great activities and your employees would still enjoy the treat without necessarily heading out of town.
Head to a Farm
Get your team to bond and collaborate by taking them to a no-frills environment. One unique option would be to take them to a farm. When you remove titles, role descriptions, and the four corners of the office, you will have a team that will see each other completely freed of pecking orders and hierarchy.
Take Advantage of a Conference
If there is a huge conference that the majority of your team members can attend, it would be a wise (and practical) idea to incorporate your retreat into the conference so you can save on costs.
Go Camping
With the right weather and equipment, camping can be a wonderful opportunity for everyone in your team to bond and work together. Building campfires, hiking, and maybe a few laps in the river can give members of the team a lovely time and a chance to intermingle. This retreat idea is also very budget-friendly.
Go Talent Sourcing
This is another great way for your team to bond without spending a fortune. Source activities and hobbies that your team members and employees engage in outside of the office. For instance, are they into yoga or meditation?
Do you have people in the team who are passionate knitters? Do you know people who are into photography? Take advantage of your internal resources and enable them to lead a lesson or training on their interests.
One upside of this company retreat idea is it would highlight the fact that you care enough to prioritize your staff’s skills and hobbies outside of the four corners of the office. You might just be surprised how much your employees can learn from each other.
Final Thoughts
When planning a successful and affordable company retreat, planning is crucial. As a general rule of thumb, it is critical that you incorporate the right mix of activities, business, and free time. While talking shop is a good thing, it is important to remember that one of the primary goals of a company retreat is for the employees to connect and relax in real time.
When managing remote teams, a company retreat can provide team members an opportunity to get together and foster real life connections. A company retreat can also help members of the remote team to feel integrated and part of the group. As long as you create an exciting experience, achieving your objectives should come easy.
