Modern Business Magazine April 2016 | Page 10

MODERN BUSINESS Corporate Retreats Why They Are Worth It For Commercial and Personal Vitality By Nikki Fogden-Moore T here’s a shift occurring in the business world that is happening outside the office - conferences and retreats are becoming the norm and the agenda is shifting from bar voucher to spa voucher - from boardrooms indoors to holding meetings outdoors - even on surf boards. So is this working? Despite a backlash in the US many years ago about lavish retreats “In 2008, after receiving bailout money, AIG executives spent over 10 ModernBusiness April 2016 $400,000 on a corporate retreat. Understandably, the public was outraged when this information leaked” . Corporate retreats are back in vogue and rightly so for they can provide a crucial authentic time out for leadership and key teams to reconnect, assess productivity and build shared purpose at even the most challenging times of the business. The Corporate Retreat is vital part of the strategic year for companies that value their team as much as their bottom line. The trick is to ensure you plan your retreat like you would your business - who should be there, what is your budget and do you have your purpose. With the right team running this with you an annual break away for body and mind could be the perfect combination for your team to be healthy, wealthy and wise. After over a decade of running corporate and boardroom retreats worldwide, I can tell you why the