The Future of Work: How Companies are Rethinking Offsite Retreats
The Future of Work: How Companies are Rethinking Offsite Retreats
We have years of experience dealing with team retreats and company offsites. Working with companies and start ups such as Netflix, airbnb, Doist, Ghost, DHL, Meedan, Testing Time and so many others on their locations, logistics objectives.
So when it comes to offsite retreats they were mainly used to break from the daily grind: team-building exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and maybe a sunset happy hour. Today, with remote and hybrid work here to stay, companies are transforming offsites into pivotal experiences that foster culture, wellness, and genuine human connection. A typical retreat no longer just provides a change of scenery; it’s a curated experience, tailored to restore, refocus, and re-energize teams that spend most of their days miles—or even continents—apart.
Wellness-Focused Retreats: Prioritizing People Over Productivity
Employee wellness isn’t an afterthought anymore; it’s the foundation of a successful retreat. Companies are increasingly choosing venues that encourage relaxation, mindfulness, and a bit of fun, helping teams step back from the demands of remote work and enjoy an experience that supports their well-being. Imagine a serene forest in Scandinavia where morning yoga, mindfulness workshops, and hiking take precedence over back-to-back meetings. Or a retreat in coastal Portugal (venues in Portugal here) with sessions on stress management, sleep, and nutrition woven into the agenda.
This approach has a measurable impact. According to recent data from Deloitte, 60% of companies that prioritize wellness at retreats report increased employee satisfaction and engagement in the weeks following these experiences. Maria Ortega, Chief People Officer at a major tech firm, shares her perspective: “Our teams come away from wellness-oriented retreats feeling genuinely refreshed. They’re not just more productive—they’re healthier, more connected to each other, and more in tune with what we’re trying to achieve together.”
Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Locations: A Responsible Retreat Choice
Sustainability has moved from a “nice-to-have” to a core criterion for many companies planning retreats. As employees become more eco-conscious, they expect the companies they work for to do the same. In response, companies are opting for venues that offer eco-friendly practices—think solar-powered accommodations, low-waste facilities, and meals sourced from local farms. European destinations have become prime choices for this, with alpine lodges that run on renewable energy and coastal resorts in Croatia that focus on zero-waste initiatives.
The shift toward eco-conscious retreats is not just about meeting employee expectations; it’s part of a broader commitment to corporate responsibility. For companies with younger, environmentally aware workforces, eco-friendly retreats resonate on a personal level. As Sarah Collins, VP of Employee Experience at a large consulting firm, puts it: “Sustainable retreats show our people that we’re mindful of the planet, and that’s part of our value system. When teams see this commitment in action, it’s inspiring—it’s a reminder that we’re about more than just business.”
Blending Work and Leisure: Extended Formats for Real Connection
Traditional offsites often try to squeeze in everything in a tight two-day schedule. But when teams only see each other in person once or twice a year, this approach can feel rushed and impersonal. That’s why many companies are experimenting with extended retreat formats that allow for a relaxed pace, mixing work sessions with unstructured downtime and leisure activities.
This trend—sometimes called “bleisure”—is taking off at locations like Italian countryside villas or Icelandic thermal spa resorts, where team members can gather for work in the mornings and spend afternoons exploring, cooking together, or simply unwinding. The relaxed format gives team members more opportunities for organic, unscripted interactions, leading to deeper connections and a more rewarding retreat experience.
A recent study by HR consultancy Gallup found that employees who participate in extended-format retreats report 30% greater satisfaction with the retreat experience, citing it as a valuable way to strengthen team bonds and reduce post-retreat burnout. Jim Chan, Head of Employee Experience at a global consulting firm, notes, “Our team found immense value in this blended model. People had the time to truly connect without the usual rush, and the change of pace led to some of the best brainstorming we’ve ever had.”
Embracing Flexibility for a Tailored Experience
Today’s offsite retreats aren’t one-size-fits-all. Companies are increasingly customizing retreat experiences to meet specific team needs and goals, whether that means choosing a setting that aligns with company values or offering a mix of structured and free time. Some opt for all-inclusive resorts with ample space for breakout sessions, while others favour intimate retreats in private villas that offer a homier, more comfortable setting.
This flexibility also extends to scheduling. Rather than cramming all activities into a single week, many companies are adopting staggered retreat formats, where smaller groups meet in person at different times, reducing travel fatigue and making it easier to accommodate personal schedules. This approach not only keeps participation high but also respects individual needs, creating a more inclusive retreat experience.
The True Value of Offsite Retreats
Retreats have become essential elements of a thriving company culture. As more organizations adopt remote and hybrid work, offsite gatherings are becoming the few chances teams have to truly connect, share ideas, and reinforce company values in person. These retreats are not just refreshing breaks but strategically valuable investments that support employee well-being, collaboration, and long-term engagement.
With wellness-focused experiences, sustainable practices, and flexibility at the core, offsite retreats are redefining what it means to “get together” in the modern workplace. And as companies continue to innovate their retreat strategies, they’re finding that the benefits—happier employees, stronger bonds, and reinvigorated teams—are well worth the investment.
Host Your Team Retreat!
So if you and your company are looking to host a team retreat or company offsite in the future. Get in touch with our team below so we can help you find and book the perfect location tailored to your budget and needs.
