There are over 30 million small businesses employing almost 59 million people.
Small businesses are a key economic player. If you own a business, you know it’s often hard keeping employees motivated.
Do you want motivated employees with a great outlook and better working relationships? Have you thought about organizing a corporate retreat?
Read on for 5 essential elements for a successful corporate retreat.
Plan First, Venue Second
Plan the type of event before you select your venue. That way, you’ll find a venue that supports the type of activities you’ll do.
Who’s coming? If possible, invite everyone in the company. If that’s not possible, use an application process.
Send the invitation to everyone, but limit the available seats. Let your employees know they’re competing for a spot. You want a well-rounded group of people who care about the company.
Learning
Employees should know about the business for which they work. Use the retreat as an opportunity for learning. Share the company mission statement and vision.
This is the perfect time to emphasize the company culture.
Be open with profit and loss statements. Give employees an understanding of the financial aspects of the company.
How does the company make money? How do they invest it in their employees? How much profit goes back into the company?
Strategy and Unification
Employees work smarter when they understand company strategy. Share your leaders’ strategic vision.
Discuss the company’s direction and priorities. Talk about past wins and losses. Encourage employee ideas on ways of improving the company’s core functions.
Intersperse learning time with discussion time. Have panel discussions where employees ask questions.
Help employees set aside personal agendas to achieve larger goals. This unifies your employees into a cohesive group.
Sharing and Bonding
Avoid the embarrassment of forgotten names. Make name badges mandatory. And provide good ones like the badges on this website.
Acknowledge and praise employees while on a corporate retreat. Recognize the great things your employees do for the company.
Let your employees share what’s important to them and what they want from the company.
Team-building exercises are great for bonding. But don’t overdo them. Stay away from the predictable and obvious exercises.
Meals are an important socializing time. Plan good food and leave plenty of time for eating. Before meals, ask employees to sit with someone they don’t already know.
Don’t Overdo the PowerPoint
You’re going to the trouble of a great off-site retreat. Don’t make it a big PowerPoint session that you could have done in the office.
Design an interactive retreat. Encourage give and take. Have lots of discussions.
Incorporate interesting icebreakers and unique team-building exercises and games.
Good graphics and presentation are essential but don’t overdo it with the PowerPoint.
The Best Corporate Retreat
The best corporate retreat is a motivating experience for your employees. Foster a learning environment. Give the employees an understanding of company finances.
State your mission, vision, and company goals. Encourage lots of participation.
When done right, your employees return to work energized and motivated. This isn’t an off-site event to talk to your employees. Handle it right, and your employees become your partners.
Find more game-changing ideas here.