How to plan a corporate retreat that prioritises wellbeing
MARINA VASSILOPOULOS , ON BEHALF OF EVENT MANAGEMENT AGENCY MAXIMILLION , SAYS A RECENT STUDY OF 7,500 CONSUMERS ACROSS SIX COUNTRIES DISCOVERED THAT 42 % CONSIDERED WELLNESS A TOP PRIORITY
C orporate retreats are about disconnecting from reality and creating an environment in which interpersonal relationships flourish . As such , these events often revolve around fostering good mental and physical health for employees , and prioritising wellness and wellbeing .
A recent study of 7,500 consumers across six countries discovered that 79 % stated that wellness was important , with 42 % considering it a top priority . Similarly , new research has found that compared to life before the pandemic , 53 % of employees worldwide are now likely to prioritise their wellbeing . Being a business that encourages and helps to foster this drive is therefore essential . Maximillion is a corporate event management agency operating across the UK . Staff have put together a guide on how to plan the perfect corporate retreat and bring your employees together for maximum personal and professional development . Here are the key points :
Incorporate mindfulness and stress management practices Introducing your employees to new , stress-relieving practices that they can integrate into their everyday lives is a great way of promoting wellbeing on an ongoing basis . Low-impact exercises that can be completed at home , like yoga or pilates , are inexpensive with many training sessions readily available online . Alternatively , taking your staff on a long hike , walk or a group activity that blends exercise and team building is a great way to kick off the retreat .
Provide healthy meals A diet full of nutrient-rich yet delicious food helps to improve both mental health and your ability to focus . In addition , studies have discovered that clean diets can actively help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression , meaning feeding your staff well is essential for a health-forward corporate retreat .
Encourage switching off While a corporate retreat is naturally work-related , the focus should not be work itself . Employees should feel they can ‘ switch off ’ from their everyday work duties , instead prioritising how interpersonal relationships help to keep the cogs in the business machine running .
Above : Marina Vassilopoulos
Prolonged periods of being unable to switch off are associated with employees ‘ burning out ’, workplace-associated stress that lowers productivity and confidence in the ability to perform . Avoiding burnout should resultantly be a top priority for all businesses that want to see staff flourish and succeed .
Promote opportunities for team building & social interaction A corporate retreat should , most of all , be a fun experience for all involved . As such , you should make the principal focus to re-energise your staff and focus on their relationships from a personal viewpoint , rather than a professional one . Having excellent working relationships and happy staff means hiring individuals that actively care and contribute to your business and its ethos .
Offer workshops that encourage self-expression Painting , drawing and writing are all mediums of self-expression that help your staff gain a deeper understanding of themselves via the release of emotions . Negative feelings like resentment , anger and frustration can all build up in the workplace .
Creating a safe space in which these can be explored , communicated and collaboratively addressed is therefore a healthy way to promote wellbeing on both a personal and interpersonal level . In addition , this can lead to great friendships between staff , which boost employee engagement , job satisfaction and even productivity .
Friendships might start at the corporate retreat , but the wellbeing benefits will last all the way through to the office . And , who doesn ’ t want to work with their friends ?
Maximillion is a corporate event management agency helping businesses UK-wide unlock the full potential of their staff .
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