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MenuWill extended offsites and company retreats become a thing?
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Hi,
Interesting idea.
My only concerns are these:
1. Budget limitations...companies would still have to pay for a whole month of rent + travel + food...etc.
2. Many (most?) employees have families - so leaving them for a whole month might be difficult and not in their interest.
Good luck
I've successfully helped over 350 entrepreneurs, startups and businesses, and I would be happy to help you. After scheduling a call, please send me some background information so that I can prepare in advance - thus giving you maximum value for your money. Take a look at the great reviews I’ve received: https://clarity.fm/assafben-david
With the exception of the "extended" qualifier, I believe the answer is yes. I have extensive experience growing remote engineering teams. As somebody else here mentioned, extended offsites are difficult because schedules are tough to coordinate, people have families, etc. However, it is very common for remote teams to have anywhere from 1-4 offsite meetups per year - anywhere from 3-7 days in length - where a combination of work and play occur. The more the better, but the frequency and length tends to be dictated by budget. These are great opportunities to build culture and rally around big projects. As more companies go remote, I suspect they'll find the same types of offsites and cadences making sense for them.
I design and facilitate executive retreats, team building, and meetings. I also have done President's Clubs for some clients.
Event before COVID-19, the market for off-sites had not recovered strongly. Now that companies are hurting financially, their return is not likely.
The exception would be some of the sectors like tech companies that are doing well.
I have done many meetings where family is welcome. The employee pays the extra to bring family. I've organized this for Canadian and Middle Eastern clients.
I think for companies that are doing well, I can see slightly longer offsites (e.g. Thursday to Monday).
When I have organized President's Clubs and designed and facilitated executive retreats and team building retreats, some families do bring children and extend their stay.
The timing would have to be very carefully selected for example just before or after Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Family Day (in some Canadian provinces), March Break, Easter, or during summer holidays. Summer is a great option for sun destinations as rates are lower.
Here is my company's complimentary executive team building guide:
http://www.executiveoasis.com/blog/teambuilding.html
If you need help in planning President's Clubs or planning and facilitating executive retreats or team building, please reach out to me.
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