Corporate Training Magazine

Business Retreats Right in Your Corporate Backyard
Vol 2 Issue 2- Mar 2006

By Cathy Hodges

Sometimes you just need to leave the office behind. Microsoft chairman Bill Gates recognizes this. Each year he spends a week outside of the office on a corporate retreat to focus on and develop corporate strategy for the coming year.

And he's not alone. Many business leaders are following suit and leaving the distractions of the office behind.

The pace of the business world and the instant connectivity to information and the office doesn't allow for down time - to think strategically, plan or prioritize. Getting away from the day-to-day gives them a clearer perspective and a chance to focus. And rather than having to head far out of town or fly to a remote resort location, companies now have the luxury of these retreat facilities right in their own backyard.

Loreen Birch, venue coordinator at Spruce Meadows, explained, "Retreats allow the goals of the organization to be in focus while giving the partici- pants the forum to free up their ideas and thoughts for a meaningful purpose. The distractions of the workplace are removed, allowing everyone to concentrate on the task at hand."

Spruce Meadows serves companies as an oasis away from the concrete jungle of downtown office buildings. Internationally known for its world-class show-jumping facilities, the venue provides a blank canvas to paint on. The 350-acre facility encompasses not only event venues, but also the stables, six competitive grass rings, pasture land and a playground, all staged in a pastoral country setting just south of Calgary.

Michael Macleod of the Westin Bayshore Resort and Marina furthered, "Companies and employees also have a desire to re-connect in person a reprieve, if you will from the digital world. This is a major factor driving the trend toward corporate retreats. Done properly, retreat environments allow for perspective and energy whether they are urban or off the beaten path."

Situated in the heart of Vancouver, the Westin Bayhore is located on the ocean, steps away from 1,000 acre Stanley Park and offers all the conveniences of other meeting facility combined with all the beauty, activities and tranquility of a vacation resort.

With the distractions of the office removed, retreats also provide an atmosphere conducive for team building and closer business and personal connections with colleagues. The corner office is non-existent and the business suit is replaced with resort casual attire. And instead of constantly calling the office or checking their Blackberry, they can network with an associate to expand their business horizons or build a relationship with a colleague that normally couldn't happen in the office boardroom.

This removal of corporate hierarchy allows everyone to relate as individuals no titles, no departmental barriers. Just one person connecting with another on equal footing. This interaction stimulates a better sense of the other person and a clearer understanding of their role and responsibilities.

The resulting improvement in employee wellness ia an additional factor of retreats. Said Macleod, "The link between workplace wellness and retreats lies in the forum for ideas created by these settings. Whether it's a true teambuilding exercise or just the feeling of having a 'seat at the table' empowers, inspires and motivates."

Retreats also allow people to let their hair down without the pressures of the workplace. Employees are able to relax, let go of their daily stressors and re-energize. And when they return to the office, employees return refreshed and with renewed vigour.

Today, many companies are extend- ing this opportunity beyond their employees and making it a family affair. Staff are encouraged to bring their spouse and children, creating a mini- vacation while they accomplish business objectives.

Cathy Hodges is a management and wellness consultant with ATC Inc.