It takes time for employees from different departments to work together effectively within an organization. It is well established that bringing your team members together in an environment distinct from the workplace can catalyze improved collaboration and communication. The bonding that occurs as a result of a more relaxed environment is beneficial to management, employees, and teams. To help you plan a corporate retreat that will help you foster stronger bonds inside your company, we've prepared a list of six corporate retreat activities. Whether you're planning a relaxed corporate wellness retreat or going on a big city adventure, these activities will help your team bond while having loads of fun! 

What is a corporate retreat, and what are the benefits of these activities?

A corporate retreat can last for one day, several days, a week, or even longer. Its purpose is to provide management and staff members with a restful, energizing, thought-provoking, and inspirational break. 

Here are the three biggest benefits of organizing a corporate retreat:

• Improving employee morale is the primary purpose for which businesses arrange retreats. The benefits come in two different forms. First, an employee retreat is a great opportunity to demonstrate to workers that the firm values their contributions and considers them a priority. Second, it can assist in breaking down an "us-versus-them" culture that exists between top management and staff

• There is no question that one of the most useful parts of a company retreat is improving the trust between different personnel. The mutual trust among members of a team can be regularly improved by learning about the responsibilities of one another's jobs

• Lastly, spending time at a corporate retreat can help teams in your company bond. That is especially true nowadays when, in a lot of companies, employees never meet in person due to remote working. Or, if your company just went through a merger, you might have new team members coming in. After employee relocation, there's nothing that can help them feel like a part of the team like a corporate retreat

Corporate retreat activities that will help your team bond

When planning your corporate retreat, it's essential to achieve a healthy balance of work-related events, fun activities, and downtime for reflection and relaxation. Corporate retreats are one of the few work-related times when funny, unplanned moments happen.

The main reason we go on retreats is to spend quality time with each other in a beautiful setting. Therefore, we need to make sure to plan plenty of fun times together, even if on a virtual retreat. Here are six great corporate retreat activities your team will absolutely love!

#1 Solve a puzzle 

This can be a real puzzle, like a 500-piece set (if you're willing to spend a few dollars on Amazon). Even better, it could be a brain teaser that asks you to think aloud and come up with ideas. Try giving one to your team, and if you are feeling very ambitious, you should also set a time limit for them to solve it. The point is that everyone involved needs to make a contribution in order for it to be successful.

#2 Hiking trip

In addition to boosting productivity and oxygen flow, spending time outdoors on a hike may be the most cost-effective way for your team to bond. If your team loves hiking, you don't have to wait for your next corporate retreat but make it a regular thing (of course, not mandatory). You can always charter a bus to a nearby forest preserve or footpath if your workplace isn't near a hiking trail. 

#3 Compliment circle

There are different approaches that you may take with this in order to motivate your team members to show appreciation for one another. One alternative is to simply spend five minutes having individuals complement one another, expressing whatever comes to their minds (if you're the manager, you should start to get the ball rolling!). You may also go around the room and have everyone talk to the colleague sitting to their right; this will ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to shine.

#4 Wellness class

Every single one of your workers undoubtedly has the goal of becoming the ideal version of themselves. A win-win situation will develop if your company shows how it prioritizes the self-care of employees. Even better, you can make your entire corporate retreat about your employees' health and wellbeing. Why not get in touch with a reputable retreat and give your employees an experience they'll always remember?

#5 Enjoy the water

There is a good chance that wherever you decide to go on your corporate retreat, there will be a body of water nearby. Thus, you can also count on easily finding a company that is ready to rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, surfboards, and other equipment for getting out on the water and experiencing things from a stunningly different point of view. And once you're done, treat your team to a picnic on the beach. Now that's what we call a great corporate retreat! 

#6 Escape room

Everyone is doing them these days, and it's easy to see why: attempting to flee when you're "stuck" in a room with several people (within a predetermined amount of time) requires cooperation from all participants. Perhaps where you're going on your retreat, there aren't any escape rooms. However, don't let this discourage you from this fun activity. Do a little bit of research ahead of time, and we're sure you'll think of a great setting and story. 

The final thoughts

We hope our list of corporate retreat activities inspired you to plan a trip your employees will always remember. Always keep in mind that your corporate retreat is not about work. It's time to relax, unwind, and get to know each other in a completely different way. So wait no more—book an amazing experience that will bring your team closer than ever.