Rethinking Corporate Away Days: The Modern Approach To Boosting Team Morale & Performance

Gone are the days when corporate away days meant a day in a stuffy hotel conference room, endless presentations, flip charts, and a buffet lunch – not the most exciting prospect! Nowadays, companies are stepping up their game, investing more to create away days that deliver the best results for both the business and their employees. 

In this post, we explore what a corporate away day is, why they are important, and key considerations for planning a successful away day. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to create an effective and memorable day for your workforce.

In this Post:

1. What is a Corporate Away Day?
2. Why Are Corporate Away Days Important?
   • 6 Benefits of Team Away Days
3. Key Considerations When Planning Team Away Days

What is a Corporate Away Day?

An away day is just that — a day to get away from the office and the day-to-day task list. It is an opportunity to think and talk about work, but not actually do the work; more a time to generate new ideas and open the floor to wider discussions. 

When working in the same place and following the same daily routines, unconscious habits can form which guide the way you and your team think and operate. An away day is the perfect opportunity to challenge those habits and shake things up, reigniting a new-found enthusiasm that benefits both the company and its employees. 

Why Are Corporate Away Days Important?

Corporate away days are more than just a break from the office; they are a strategic tool for enhancing team performance and achieving business goals. Here are some key reasons why they are important:

6 Benefits of Team Away Days

1. Improves communication and collaboration: Away days create an ideal environment for employees to connect, fostering stronger relationships and teamwork.
2. Boosts employee motivation: A fresh setting and engaging activities can reinvigorate employees, leading to increased enthusiasm and productivity.
3. Improves retention: Employees who feel valued and engaged are more likely to stay with the company.
4. Enhances leadership skills: Away days often include activities that help employees cultivate new skills and leadership qualities.
5. Fosters creativity and “blue sky thinking” : Stepping out of the usual environment sparks creative thinking and innovative ideas.
6. Boosts employee wellbeing: Focusing on relaxation and fun can significantly improve employee morale and well-being, both physically and mentally.

Key Considerations When Planning Team Away Days

Organising a successful business away day requires careful planning and setting clear objectives. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind: 

Set Clear Objectives: Yes, they need to be unique and fun, but you need to define what you want to achieve. Are you focusing on team building, developing relationships, or generating new ideas? Establishing clear goals will help shape the agenda and ensure the day is productive, 

Avoid Overloading the Agenda: While it’s tempting to fill the day with activities, cramming too much can be counterproductive. Keep the schedule balanced with ample time for creative thinking, relaxation, and informal discussions.

Provide Necessary Tools: Make sure everyone has the tools they need to participate fully. This includes materials for brainstorming sessions, comfortable seating, and any other resources required for planned activities, as well as resting. 

Create a Relaxing Environment: Remember, it’s an away day—an opportunity to step away from the usual work environment. Choose a setting that encourages relaxation and openness, making it easier for attendees to engage and contribute. Be mindful of the diverse needs of your team, especially if some activity content could be challenging or triggering, as you don’t want to put anyone in a situation they find uncomfortable. 

Post-Event Follow-Up: Don’t forget, the away day doesn’t finish when the attendees go home! You need to show them that their contributions are valued and being implemented in the business moving forward, so be clear on what’s going to happen next. Openly discuss the takeaways from the day, what went well, what didn’t go so well, and how as a company you are going to address these things and make improvements they can tangibly feel or experience. This will further boost the benefits of hosting the away day as it shows you value their time, effort and contribution. 

Striking the Perfect Balance for Your Corporate Away Day

So you know you want to organise a business away day, but are worried about how to strike the perfect balance to meet your objectives. You want the team to have fun and be productive, but you equally want to see results to be able to justify the expense. That’s where ByChenai Experiences come in! 

We specialise in creating bespoke itineraries for business away days, taking the time to understand the company and you, the organiser, before diving deep into your objectives. This gives us the tools we need to build tailored itineraries that align perfectly with your goals. 

Make sure to read our article on unique corporate retreat locations in the UK for inspiration, as there are so many wonderful places to hold an away day or retreat to break away from the stuffy conference room stereotype and into settings that foster creativity and engagement.

Ready to plan a team away day that not only meets your objectives but also leaves a lasting positive impression on your employees? Get in touch with ByChenai Experiences today and let’s make it happen!