As businesses slowly start to get back to normal and employees return to the office, many are looking for ways to reward their employees for their hard work during these trying times. Corporate retreats are one great way to do just that.
Keep reading to learn why you should start planning a corporate retreat for 2022.
Why You Should Plan a Corporate Retreat
Corporate retreats serve a variety of purposes for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they act as incentives, rewarding employees for hard work or dedication to the company. Other times, they are designed to be team-building opportunities, helping to bring together team members outside of the office to help strengthen their ability to work together when they return. The latter may be especially important for offices that saw their workforce largely working from home for the past year and a half.
Depending on the type of retreat, it can be a chance for individual employees to grow. They may face fears or break out of their comfort zone. This can translate over to more confidence in the workplace. Employers may discover that their employees have hidden talents. A quieter member of the team may turn out to be a great communicator. Employees who were hired on while the office was working remotely will appreciate the chance to meet and connect with other employees in a relaxed environment.
How to Plan a Corporate Retreat
Planning a corporate retreat can sometimes be a challenge. One of the first things you’ll need to decide is where to host your retreat. It’s important to find a destination that your employees will enjoy. You’ll also want one with activities that balance teamwork with fun and adventure with relaxation.
Cougar Ridge is the perfect destination for corporate retreats of a variety of sizes. Larger companies can reserve the entire Lodge. This gives your group plenty of room to stretch out, as well as spaces that allow you to come together to relax or enjoy some team-building activities. For smaller retreats, our Casitas offer employees space of their own to relax. And our extensive property has no shortage of activities for your group to enjoy.
The following tips can help ensure that your corporate retreat at Cougar Ridge goes smoothly.
Naturally Go Tech-Free
Nothing ruins a corporate retreat and team building quite like your employees being constantly tied to their cell phones, laptops, and tablets. Rather than visiting a city or resort where the draw of Wi-Fi might win out over the sunshine, why not naturally encourage your employees to go tech-free with a few days off the grid?
Whether your group is horseback riding, hiking in Capitol Reef, or even relaxing beneath the stars, an outdoor-focused retreat makes it easy for your group to go naturally tech-free. Encourage your employees to leave their laptops at home, and to use their smartphones sparingly during your trip.
Stay On-Site for Convenience
A destination like Cougar Ridge is ideal for groups because you won’t need to worry about making endless travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, and booking other group activities. Instead, you can spend your entire retreat on-property, enjoying delicious catered meals and on-site amenities like bowling and volleyball.
Connect Around the Campfire or Over a Delicious Meal
Even if you don’t plan to do any work during your corporate retreat, you’ll still want time to talk with employees. Whether you’re thanking them for their hard work and dedication or making announcements about new things to come, connecting around the campfire or over a delicious meal is a great way to hold a laid-back meeting that your employees won’t dread attending.
Schedule in Some Downtime
Even on a shorter retreat, plan for some downtime. You might decide to host a meeting or two after you’re down hiking or exploring for the day. But perhaps leave the evenings free for each individual to enjoy however they choose. Some might soak in the hot tub. Others will relax around a campfire or watch the sunset. Either way, they’ll appreciate having some time to do as they please.
Book Early
Traveling with a large group can sometimes get complicated, especially when that large group also needs to take time off work. To give your office plenty of time to prepare for a week or weekend without a portion of its employees, find flights, and pay for a large retreat, choose a trip that you can book as early as possible.
Booking a year or more out is also a great way to give your employees something to look forward to. You can post an office countdown, plan lead-up trips like a day of fishing locally, and more to help get everyone excited.
Hosting Your 2022 Corporate Retreat at Cougar Ridge
The past year and a half have been incredibly challenging for businesses and employees alike across many industries. If you’re looking for a way to thank your employees for their hard work during COVID-19, to bring them together after months of working from home, or to otherwise celebrate life getting back to normal, consider booking a 2022 corporate retreat at Cougar Ridge.
Besides the convenience Cougar Ridge has to offer, you’ll be booking a trip of a lifetime that shows your team members just how much you appreciate their work. They’ll return to the office refreshed and motivated, and maybe even inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Utah. Book your 2022 retreat today!