5 Benefits of Company Retreats for Remote Teams

Having a distributed team offers a myriad of benefits in the modern world—the ability to source the best talent regardless of location, saved office rental expenses, the capability to attract workers who desire lifestyle flexibility, and other advantages. However, remote teams can face challenges in finding the collaborative connection and synergy of local-based companies. One of the best ways to tackle those challenges and foster connection and collaboration is to host an annual in-person company retreat for your remote team. Here are 5 benefits of company retreats for remote teams:

1.) Relieve Stress and Anxiety

The ongoing pandemic has caused stress and anxiety for just about everyone. Lock downs and remote work environments have caused many to feel isolated and disconnected. A company retreat is a great way for your team to reconnect in a relaxing environment, creating a healthy mixture of work and play.  

2.) Get to Know Each Other Better

We spend the majority of our distributed work days in Slack messages, emails, and Zoom calls strategizing with colleagues about professional topics. However, developing genuine human connection involves more. A retreat environment allows for personal relationships to develop beyond office talk. People are humanized, creating bonds of mutual respect both inside and outside of the virtual office.

3.) Foster Innovation and Creativity

A fresh environment creates fresh ideas. Getting outside the home office and outside of our own heads gives us room to reflect. We may see challenges from a different angle.  Having fun, and possibly a few beers, while you plan can do wonders for creativity!  

4.) Improve Team Morale and Loyalty

When a company invests in employees beyond the office walls, it shows them that your feelings for them run deeper than just the bottom line. Spending time together outside of the office is a powerful testament to your loyalty and sincerity to the humans within your company, not just to the company itself. This, in turn, creates loyalty and commitment from your employees in return.  

5.) Create Alignment and Buy-In

Company retreats are a time to reflect on the past, plan for the future, and be part of the conversation about what’s next. These events offer an opportunity for founders to cast their company vision—to share details about the organization’s future and hear directly from their employees their concerns and ideas. Company retreats also offer space for employees to themselves be part of conversation about the bigger picture. In turn, this creates dedicated space for strategic alignment.

Company Retreats at the Retreat at Crystal Creek

The Retreat at Crystal Creek was created to foster mental wellness, connection, and restoration. We’ve worked to craft an environment where remote teams can rest, reconnect, innovate, and align. If you’re interested in learning more about hosting your next retreat at the Retreat at Crystal Creek, click here.

Laura Dunworth