Just hearing the words ‘corporate’ and ‘retreat’ paired together can send chills up the spine of even the most composed. Nightmares of forced team-building activities, corny icebreakers, and boring brainstorm sessions, that lead to booze-soaked evenings, and fears of future HR visits, strike fear into the most seasoned of staff amongst us. But it really doesn’t have to be that way, and Alaska is the perfect place to break the mold of lame, stale team retreats, and instead create unique, adventurous, and memorable experiences. We have put together this guide with a few of our top retreat ideas to help you and your crew get out there, plan the best retreat possible, and watch your team connect, bond, and thrive.
STEP 1
A few housekeeping items as you get started with researching concepts and ideating ways to inspire your team is to start by really putting some parameters or guidelines for what ‘success’ looks like from this retreat.
The primary goals of a successful retreat should:
- Promote togetherness
- Strengthen communication
- Inspire to innovate ideas
- Optimize staff synergy
- Resolve tensions
- Identify problems and brainstorm solutions
STEP 2
Ok – goals are defined, intentions are set, and now it’s time to dig into the ‘what’. What do we do that people will actually enjoy? This can honestly feel like the most daunting task of the whole process, as you have visions of grandeur and a team full of smiles. NO PRESSURE!! Don’t worry – it can be done! Our recommendations come from years of producing and attending retreats, and our Number #1 piece of advice is to make sure to plan for a good mix of business, team activities, and free time.
Here are a few guidelines to help structure your retreat:
Start with an icebreaker – This is basically a time to verbally thank the team for their hard work, and acknowledge their commitment. Plus this is time to share details about what will be happening during the retreat and to really set the tone.
Get the Business Out of the Way – Gather the team for a short company strategy meeting. Use this time to get the team focused on one key company challenge or upcoming initiative. Keep it light, keep it short, and then move on. Studies have shown that when employees and teams are left to ideate solutions in more free-flowing environments, more unique and creative long-term solutions are identified.
Get Outside – Once you move from the business focus, clear the air and reset by getting the team outside. Opt for a quick walk to the lunch spot, a short hike to a lookout, or simply a stretch in the park outside. Get the blood flowing, get some fresh air, and move on to the team-building pieces.
Team Building 101 – There are limitless options and themes for team building, and many we explore in our blog pieces, but for guaranteed success keep the nuts and bolts of your activities simple to these tried and true themes: Explore or learn something new together / Enjoy a communal Meal / Active team sports. All of these require interaction and facilitate cooperation and togetherness
Schedule Free Time – Make sure to schedule time for rest and relaxation. Mainly because your team is worth it, but also because rest, relaxation, and recovery are essential to wellbeing. Give staff the space to do their own thing and rejuvenate during this retreat, and you may be surprised by the growth and creativity that comes from this.
STEP 3
Choose a team activity……STAY TUNED FOR NEXT WEEK WHERE WE DIVE INTO OUR TOP 5 RETREAT CONCEPTS AND IDEAS…….
Need Support in Planning Your Next Company Retreat?
We can help by :
- Choosing the location
- Hotel bookings and room blocks
- Scheduling activities
- Transfers and on the ground in-market execution
For more creative ideas contact our event experts at
info@toastofthetownak.com or 907.302.2323
