Escape the daily grind: getting out of the office can jumpstart your employees.

• Author: Little, Candace M.
• Position: Corporate Meetings & Retreats

In the day-to-day operations of a business, so much emphasis is placed on productivity and profitability that employees often forget the broader picture, including the company's mission statement, core values, goals and objectives.

Getting out of the office is a way to build morale and discuss the company's short- and long-term goals without the confines of the daily grind. For some companies, planning a one-day getaway or a larger retreat can also serve as a way to reward employees who have kept the company growing. Whether your company plans a one-day excursion or an upscale retreat, leaving the office behind pays off.

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One-day Getaway

Holding a meeting or fun activity away from the office just for one day or even a few hours can be a great benefit to any company's morale and bottom line. Rewarding employees, building teamwork and friendships, brainstorming new ideas, and providing educational opportunities are just some of the benefits of getting out of the everyday distractions in the workplace.

Intrepid, a local advertising and public relations firm, has made it a priority to get out of the office. The company has several annual events, including a winter snowmobiling day, March Madness luncheon, a theater night, team golf day and Intrepid Day (which involves a one-day staff trip to a destination such as Disneyland or San Francisco. The location is kept a secret until the team meets at the airport on the morning of the event).

"Getting out of the office provides an invaluable opportunity to get to know your team on a more personal level," says Chris Thomas, owner of Intrepid. "It also provides a much-needed break and sends a message that the company cares about its staff and is committed to building and maintaining the best employees and work environments."

Days out of the office don't have to break the bank, but Thomas says spending the money is always worth it. "Activities can be done on a budget," he says. "At the same time, activities should be viewed as an important investment. We have found the more creative you can be, the better." Intrepid has even helped several clients to develop a theme and itinerary.

"As a company, we consider these activities an important investment and have experienced a strong return as far as enhanced team chemistry, boosted morale, retention, recruitment and other intangibles," Thomas says. He also points out that balance is one of Intrepid's key brand attributes and days away from the office help the company "walk the walk." These activities have also created a tremendous bond that increases trust and helps foster collaboration within Intrepid's team.

Thomas says a meeting or activity should always have a purpose and should be a combination of training and fun. He also says it's important to tailor the activities to the needs and interests of the group.

The Ground Rules

Planning an effective one-day meeting can be...