About Company Retreats

Company retreats are becoming more and more popular all the time. Employers have realized that giving employees a break from the norm, even if it is on the company's dime, increases employee productivity, which translates into increased revenue for the company. A well-planned company retreat can be a fun and productive work experience for everyone involved.

Function

A company retreat is a chance for employees to get to know each other and get some work done away from the office. Employers hold company retreats for a variety of reasons, including rewarding hard working employees with a change of scenery while doing work. That isn't to say that there is no fun at the retreat. Many company retreats have activities such as hiking, obstacle courses and other physical activities.

Time Frame

In most cases, a company retreat takes place over a weekend. Some companies hold a retreat every other month and some companies hold one retreat per year. Most of the time, the retreat is in addition to regular work hours. Employees are usually paid a set amount, in addition to their regular pay, for attending the retreat.

Considerations

A company retreat should take place during the off season for your company. This allows employees to fully focus on the retreat instead of worrying about things that are going on at the office.
You should also take outside activities into account, such as school graduations, holidays and other major events in your area, as some employees may be unwilling to go to a retreat if it means missing a major event.

Prevention/Solution

Many company retreats are for the employees only. Spouses and children aren't allowed. This can create difficulties for the employees, especially single parents or families in which both parents work. To alleviate this problem, some companies allow employees to bring the family for a fee that covers the difference between a shared room and a private room. While food for the employee may be provided, the family will have to pay for their own food.

Misconceptions

Some people think it is appropriate to party, drink and act unprofessional. This isn't true. During a company retreat, you are still a representative of your company. The company leaders still expect you to act in a manner that represents the company in a positive manner.