Never before have employers been so aware of the effects of their employees’ wellbeing and how it can impact productivity and ultimately a happier more efficient work force.
Clearly since COVID there are more people working from home than there were in the pre-pandemic world, but employers are also seeing the benefits of bringing their staff together with away days.
Team away days often involve outdoor activities, sports, or mindfulness exercises that promote physical and mental wellbeing.
According to HR solutions software company CIPHR, one-in-14 UK adults feel stressed every single day, while 23% of adults say that work causes them stress. By engaging in the mental and physical challenges typically experienced on team away days, employees can help reduce their stress levels, and potentially discover something new that they enjoy doing.
When employees feel that their employer cares about their wellbeing, encouraging a positive work-life balance along the way, they are more likely to remain loyal to the company.
Reduced stress levels and a healthier work-life balance can also contribute to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and increased productivity throughout the workforce.
Most people look forward to company away days because it’s a chance to let loose and break away from the confines of the office. It allows them to let their hair down and be a bit more of the person they are away from the office. Simply being away from the office for a day can boost spirits and morale.
Hosting a corporate away day can also be a way to let your employees know you appreciate them. If you never reward them with anything or let them know they’re doing a good job, they may feel undervalued or unappreciated.
They’re also a good way to break the tension if you’re having issues in your office or you’ve had a lot of stress surrounding a particular project. It allows everyone to finally breathe.
In some cases, corporate away days can even help you fix dynamic issues in your office. You can work together to solve some of the problems that create a negative environment and turn it into something positive.
When you schedule a company away day, you actually need to get away from your work. This means don’t schedule an “away day” that takes place in your office but takes a break from your regular activities. That doesn’t really allow your workers to have a mental delineation between work and the activities you’re doing.
Many locations offer specific events catered to corporates or away days. You can centre it around an activity or an actual place, like a location that hosts retreats.
This can also push employees out of their comfort zones, which is a great way to help them adapt and build further skills.
You may even want to include an overnight getaway for your employees. For some, this may be a little bit uncomfortable, but it will force you to bond outside the norms of the office.
You don’t need to confine your away days to just your group. To bring an extra element, include advice or talks from someone who doesn’t work at your office.
This allows you, as well as your colleagues, to get a fresh perspective and some new ideas. It also can allow your team to consider things that may work well with your office that they may not have thought of before!