Rejuvenate creativity and productivity 

Over the years we have seen the ever increasing demands on companies for continuous innovation, focus and drive. We’ve noticed that regular time-out experiences and corporate getaways really help the rejuvenation of body, mind, team spirit, creative ideas and productivity.

We believe that careful goal setting, planning, attention to detail and implementation are the keys to a successful getaway.

Below we have compiled a step for step guide to help organisers tackle and address some of the key questions required when planning a company retreat.

1. Motivate

Why should we get out of the office?

The logic behind a corporate getaway is that a regular workday is full of distractions that bombard the average employee. Cut the distractions, bring the team together in a different setting, and the relationships & skills they develop during the getaway time will carry into the workplace.

Being away from the normal environment allows dedicated focus and concentration.  In addition, a company getaway is often a perk for an employee to stay “somewhere nice” that they may not do on their own. 

2. Set Goals

What are we hoping to achieve?

What’s the point of your corporate getaway? Is it for strategic planning, budgeting, problem solving, strengthening the team, development of goals or planning and organizing a product or project launch?

Your goal will determine how much time needs to be allocated to conference and meeting times.  Your goal will also determine who is invited.  Do accounts and IT both have to attend?

Be sure that everyone knows the objective and what the plan and schedule will be so they can be prepared prior to attendance. It may well be worth discussing ideas with the participants to see if they have any input, and more buy-in once in attendance.
 

3. Budget

How much can we spend?

How much can you spend on accommodation, entertainment, food, transport, venue hire, and equipment for your company retreat?

Are there hidden or unknown extra costs like gratuities or equipment hire?   You will need to know the number of people attending and how long you need to be away for to plan the venue, meeting space and transportation.
 

4. Logistics

How do we manage and implement our getaway?

Team Orange can assist you in this regard by managing your getaway every step of the way

Venue - Where should we go?

This must accommodate your group and your goals. Is there enough meeting space?  Do you need breakaway rooms? What recreational space is required for your conference and getaway?

We recommend choosing a destination close to home (within a 2 hour drive of Cape Town) and a venue that offers both accommodation and meals on site.  It is generally agreed that a pleasant and calm location with fresh air and nature produces great conference getaways with positive results.

For overnight accommodation be sure to check on whether your delegates can share a bedroom and whether the rooms have twin options (2 x single beds).

Time - When should we go?

This will naturally depend on your goals and how many people are attending. Most smaller corporate getaways are planned for a day and a half with some social time and / or teambuilding time.

Our corporate groups tend to conference on the first day and have a dinner or social activity in the evening with an optional morning conference or teambuilding activity on the second morning.  Remember that many venues offer mid-week and mid-winter specials on venue hire.

Content & Programme - What are we including ?

Work on the content and decide if you need external professional facilitators, or external equipment.  Check whether your venue has WiFi connectivity, projectors, screens, notepads / pens or any other audio-visual equipment.  Don’t forget to plan any travel time and arrange transport logistics.

Remember that your delegates may also need a small amount of time-out. Be sure to bring alternative options of venue facilities to the delegates attention. e.g. a spa on-site. Be clear when “time-at-leisure” is scheduled.

Meals -  Any dietary requirements?

People need to refuel and stay energized to concentrate!  Make sure there is enough food and water, coffee, and snacks available throughout the day. Be sure to check if any of your delegates have dietary restrictions for health or religious reasons.  A dietary disaster can ruin a corporate getaway.

Time out - Should we include a social event?

This could be in the form of a team-building activity or hosted entertainment with the team. There are formal (yet fun) team-building options available to structure the getaway or you could simply include a social function or event.

You could also ask for ideas from the delegates about the getaway prior to departure. If they feel involved it could alleviate any concerns they may have about being away from their homes and families.  Never forget the value of unplanned fun with your team.

5. Follow up

So...How did it go?

During the corporate getaway you can usually gauge how things are going.  Are your employees working well together? How are they reacting to each other?  If there is laughter and collaboration then you should be on the right track.

After the getaway is when you should see the difference.  Sometimes the results are intangible interactions between staff that develop from the getaway and grow with time.

The other way to find out if your getaway was a success is to ask your team directly what they liked and didn’t like and what they learned from the Getaway. This will help with planning the next ‘escape-the-office’.

So...is a corporate getaway a good idea?

Despite the term corporate getaway – it’s not an escape to get away from work. Rather it’s an opportunity to take work to another level and be aware of higher objectives and shared goals.

Team Orange believes corporate getaways are hugely beneficial.  If your cash flow and circumstances can afford the physical costs and the time out of the office, then Corporate Getaways have been proven to boost team spirit and productivity.

If a full overnight getaway is not within budget, consider a half day team building activity for your company.

Now that you know what you need and want…View our selection of corporate getaways, or call us for assistance...