Why Invest in Hosting Your Team Off-Site
The verdict is in: off-site spaces for meetings and retreats are preferred!
I don’t know about you, but a day off at home versus a day off elsewhere feels different. If I’m home, I’m distracted by the noise in my head to start the laundry, finally getting around to organizing the spare closet, or tidying up the yard. If I’m anywhere else, I’m forced to be in an environment where I cannot work on my laundry pile.
This is also why I love airports – controversial, I know – but I love that I am forced to just be and can sit and read uninterrupted, which is my favorite thing to do.
A change of scenery is refreshing. It can significantly enhance focus, creativity, and collaboration. The novelty of an off-site location provides a sense of curiosity and excitement, which can be stifled in a more familiar setting.
It’s like the difference between hosting your childhood birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese versus your backyard. Not only was it more exciting for you, but it also spared your parents from the stress of prepping and cleaning up after a dozen kids.
I work with clients daily who are eager to make the most of their time away from the office—whether it’s to start a new year with a fresh outlook, bond as a team, or move a key project forward.
You might be thinking, “Sure, Madi, off-site is great, but it can be costly.” That’s a fair point! Sometimes, budget constraints make off-site retreats impractical. But don’t worry—impactful time together can certainly happen on-site as well.
However, if your budget allows for it, investing in a new or different environment can offer several benefits:
Preference: In a recent survey of my LinkedIn connections, 100% preferred off-site locations for company retreats.
Neutral Ground: An off-site venue levels the playing field, making everyone feel more comfortable in the change of scenery.
Natural Light: Many offices lack adequate natural light. (*Harvard research suggests that natural light can significantly impact employee wellness.)
Stress-Free Setup: A dedicated event space often takes care of setup, refreshments, and AV needs, letting you focus on the agenda.
Shared Experience: An off-site retreat creates memorable, meaningful experiences that can strengthen team bonds.
Adequate Space: Sometimes the office simply isn’t large enough or suitable for the gathering.
Our event spaces are designed to foster a welcoming environment with ample natural light, perfect for brainstorming, connecting, and achieving your goals—or just celebrating together, whether it’s for a holiday party or a post-meeting happy hour.
We would love to welcome you into our spaces for your next off-site event - your team will thank you.
Email Madi Carrell to tour a BTTS venue for your next team meeting!
*”The #1 Office Perk? Natural Light by Jeanne C. Meister” – Harvard Business Review