With the hectic pace of modern life, it’s important to take some time out of your schedule to step back and reflect on where you are and where you want to go next. This can be particularly important if you are an entrepreneur. Building up your own business takes hard work, dedication, and long hours – all of which can put you at risk of burning out if you don’t take care of yourself. One of the best ways to help your business get on track or to help your employees gel better is to go on a retreat somewhere that will boost morale and help everyone get in the right mindset to create great work together.
Six Retreat Ideas for SMBs
A business retreat might seem like an unnecessary luxury, but it may influence the success of your business. A business retreat is a way to invest time into your most important asset: your employees. During the retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to brainstorm new ideas and build trust and camaraderie among your colleagues. Here are six ideas to help you choose your next retreat.
1. Rent an Airbnb
If you’re looking for an exciting location for your next vacation or business trip, Airbnb can help you find everything from apartment rentals to treehouses. Consider exploring new cities or states as you look for the location for your next retreat. Whether you’re renting out an entire mansion for the weekend or just a room to hold a meeting, you’ll be able to find the perfect venue to bring your team together.
2. Travel Internationally
Building a startup is challenging enough, but having to do it while abroad makes matters even more complicated. That’s why business incubators and accelerators often recommend that entrepreneurs focus on their work and let others handle travel logistics. However, there’s an equal amount of value in developing your global business skills by embarking on an international adventure. In fact, studies show that traveling internationally can help you develop empathy and boost your problem-solving skills. And a study from Cornell University found that people who work overseas are far more likely to have successful careers than those who don’t.
3. Camping and Reconnecting With Nature
Whether you’re an early-stage entrepreneur or a founder who’s been in business for decades, there are few better ways to recharge than by getting back to nature. After being cooped up from remote working or social distancing due to COVID, camping is a fantastic way to let go of daily distractions and recharge your batteries. You can choose to enjoy the great outdoors at a local park or travel to a state park. For example, a Louisiana State Park camping retreat with your staff can be a fun way to eliminate outside disturbances and de-stress in nature.
4. Host Interactive Workshops
While you may have a wealth of expertise in your field, sometimes face-to-face interaction with other business owners can lead to more productive brainstorming sessions. Hosting interactive workshops with hands-on activities is a great way to get people together and learn from one another’s experiences. Plus, it can help you stay motivated—it’s easy to forget why you started your business when you spend all day working by yourself in an office.
5. Facilitate a Tech Detox
A lot of businesses feel that they can’t afford to unplug from technology and social media. Many business owners believe the fear that staying connected 24/7 is the only way to prevent their business from falling apart. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to work on your business and stay in touch with your community without being glued to a screen.
Host a retreat that is tech-free by collecting cell phones and shutting off other devices. Whether it’s for a few hours or days, this tech detox will do wonders for your team.
6. Have a Yoga Retreat
Yoga retreats are another option for your next company getaway. These retreats allow your team to disconnect from everyday life in a stress-free, relaxing environment that allows you to concentrate on the art of yoga. Whether your team is new to yoga or there are a few enthusiasts on staff, this type of retreat is a great way to nurture creativity, boost morale, and increase productivity. Additionally, yoga aids in weight loss, strength building, and flexibility, which are all health benefits that will boost wellness in your company.
A business retreat is an essential way to keep your company productive and happy. Keep these ideas in mind as you decide on the next business retreat for your team.