Why company retreats are important

Brings employees closer together

There is no question that a comfortable work environment is conducive to better work efficiency. One of the most effective ways to build comfort is to build relationships. Meeting deadlines, coordinating groups of people, calendar control - sometimes these tasks can be daunting and monotonous, particularly if you’re working under less than ideal circumstances. The leading factor resulting in businesses maintaining long term employees is whether or not the employees themselves get along with each other. The second factor is whether or not they feel connected or at the very least, seen and heard by their employer.

A company retreat is one of the best ways to build both of these relationships. Being in close proximity to and communicating with co-workers and their employer humanizes them - in other words, it helps facilitate inter-personal empathy. Having shared experiences with co-workers you may not be on the best terms with can help break the tension or settle internal conflicts. Furthermore, if employees have the opportunity to express themselves regarding their work environment in an space where they feel heard, they are more likely to put their best effort forward in the work place.

Identifies your teams strengths and weaknesses

Company retreats give employers the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their employees strengths and weaknesses. Yes, results are one way to determine employee strengths and weaknesses, but understanding their psychology can help improve the weaknesses and maintain their strengths. It is not an employers job to try and solve the worlds problems, however - having some psychological context may alter the way you approach employee roles or undertakings in a positive way.