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A retreat motivates employees by allowing them to take part in decision-making. While retreats can be productive, they can have varied results. One reason that retreats fail to live up to their purpose is that they were not carefully planned. Here are some things to remember when planning a business retreat.
- Communicate Purpose
Retreats can have one or multiple objectives. Think carefully about what you expect to get out of each retreat. You can conference with other key team members to decide which issues need to be addressed. Whatever the topic you decide upon, make sure it’s communicated to all attendees so they can prepare their own thoughts.
- Pick a Capable Facilitator
If you don’t lead the retreat yourself, appoint one or more of your team leads. It’s also possible to hire a professional facilitator. Removing company authority is helpful if you want attending employees to function openly. It’s also good if there are conflicting factions and you don’t want management taking sides. If you opt for outside help, be sure they’re included early in the planning phase.
- Developing a Program
It helps to invite input on deciding the agenda that will be followed. This can be done via meetings or more discrete surveys. You and your team can then prioritize and organize these approaches. If you use an outside facilitator, it might be advisable to draw on their experience and give them a role in the intelligence and planning phase.
- Choose a Location
Give thought to choosing a location that allows attendees to unwind and relax between sessions as it encourages interaction even during leisure time. Budget and time constraints may limit your options, but a retreat should be just that – an escape from the stress and confines of the working environment.
- Encourage Responsibility
Based on past company functions, there may be specific people you want to exclude, such as those with a history of conflict or addictive tendencies. A retreat is still a company function and intoxication and irresponsibility isn’t acceptable. A Collin County DWI lawyer suggests having designated drivers or using Uber services to avoid driving after drinking has occurred. Booking all attendees hotel rooms can also prevent serious consequences of social drinking.
Effective retreats can lead to solutions for tackling problems within the organization. Retreat leaders should establish not just the appropriate subject, agenda, and activities, but an atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to contribute something positive.
That’s a good point that communicating purpose allows attendees to prepare their own thoughts. You want input from your team. A retreat seems like a good way to team build and increase morale, both things that will increase productivity.
It´s a great idea to have these retreats
They motivate personnal to do their daily work and give them some time to just stop and get more boost
The retreat idea is a sure winner. It helps people to build bonds which helps them to be better at communicating among themselves. It spurs an environment for creative problem solving.
Definitely. Creating a culture where everyone feels connected (to each other and the mission of the company) can also lead to more productivity.