Employee retreats: businesses appreciate results.

• Author: Ellis-Knapp, Jody
• Position: EMPLOYER PERKS

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In today's tough economic times, businesses often cut corners in the most obvious areas. Extra training, vacation perks and employee conferences may become things of the past in order for a business to keep their people working. While it makes sense to cut back on nonessentials, one perk a business might want to consider keeping or implementing is company retreats and conferences. While it might seem wasteful or too time-consuming, research indicates employees who participate in retreats, workshops or off-site conferences may become a more close-knit team of workers, and be more likely to generate stronger morale, focus and creativity.

Bringing employees together outside of their direct work group is not a new concept. Many larger corporations conduct yearly employee retreats, offering everything from continuing education to yoga to cooking classes. All geared toward improving morale and promoting a stronger team, an individual business can easily set up a retreat or conference for employees, focusing on whatever area they deem most important. It may be set up as a yearly review of the company's status, with a review of policies, procedures and efficiency. Conducting this type of conference in a setting outside regular work hours or in another location can often make for more frank and open discussions amongst workers and supervisors. Employers can also benefit from setting up retreats as "team building" seminars, providing employees an opportunity to become more cohesive and communicate with other workers in a positive way, as well as setting up sessions with brain-storming and input from all work groups.

ON-SITE

One Alaska company placing a high priority on employee relations, health and wellness is Southcentral Foundation, an Alaska Native-owned nonprofit health care organization. Employing more than 1,400 people in 65 various programs, Southcentral Foundation understands the importance of making sure their employees are given as many opportunities as possible for personal growth and development. While they do not offer specific off-site retreats or conferences, their on-site programs provide educational, health and morale-boosting incentives for employees.

According to Kim Marcucci, acting public relations director, Southcentral's Health Education Department offers a variety of programs, events and services for employees, including pilates, drumming for life, tai-chi, yoga, wellness luncheons and fun walks. The...