Reasons Your Company Should Incorporate the Outdoors in Their Next Retreat
If you're looking for a new and refreshing idea for your next company retreat, consider incorporating the outdoors into your plans. Outdoor retreats can offer numerous benefits for both employees and the company as a whole. Here are just a few:
Improving Overall Wellbeing
Spending time outdoors has been shown to positively affect stress levels because being in natural surroundings helps to reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies. This hormone is released during stress and can cause negative physical and mental effects if it remains at high levels for extended periods. Being in nature can help reduce employees' cortisol levels, leading to a feeling of calmness and relaxation.
It's also been shown that nature's sights, sounds, and smells can have a calming effect on our nervous system. The gentle rustling of leaves, the sound of a babbling brook, or the scent of fresh flowers can help soothe the mind and reduce anxiety. Most importantly, being outdoors provides a break from the constant stimulation of our modern-day lives and can allow us to step back from smartphones, social media, and emails. This break can reduce mental fatigue and will enable us to recharge our batteries.
2. Foster Team Building
Being outdoors is an excellent way to promote team-building skills among employees. Outdoor activities such as hiking or paddling can encourage teamwork, communication, and collaboration. Participating in outdoor activities requiring cooperation can allow employees to build trust, develop stronger relationships, and learn how to work effectively together.
For example, if a team is tasked with navigating wilderness first aid scenarios on a river paddle, they will need to work together to problem solve, communicate effectively, and support each other along the way. This type of activity can build trust among team members and help them rely on each other to accomplish a goal. Similarly, team-building exercises that are conducted in an outdoor setting can create an environment of shared experiences, leading to improved communication, understanding, and collaboration.
Outdoor team-building activities can also help break down barriers that may exist among team members. By removing employees from their usual work environment, they can have the opportunity to see each other in a different light and learn more about each other's strengths and weaknesses. This newfound understanding can improve communication and collaboration, which helps create a more cohesive and effective team in the workplace.
3. Boost Creativity
Spending time outdoors has been shown to positively impact creativity and problem-solving skills. When immersed in natural surroundings, individuals are often more relaxed, focused, and open to new ideas. This relaxed state can lead to increased creativity and innovation.
Research has shown that exposure to natural environments can improve cognitive function and problem-solving abilities. For example, a study conducted by the University of Utah found that participants who went on a four-day backpacking trip without access to technology performed 50% better on a creativity test than participants who remained in a technology-rich environment.
Additionally, outdoor activities foster a sense of freedom and exploration, which can also lead to greater creativity. Activities such as hiking, kayaking, or biking can provide opportunities for individuals to challenge themselves and break out of their comfort zones. This type of experience leads to greater confidence and inspiration in the workplace.
4. Health Benefits
Being outdoors can provide numerous physical health benefits for individuals. Activities such as hiking, biking or paddling can help to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and increase overall fitness levels. Additionally, encouraging employees to be more active in and engaged in their health can help create healthy habits that benefit the workforce and the employee's overall well-being.
Spending time outdoors can also expose individuals to natural sunlight, which can help to regulate the body's internal clock and improve mood. Natural sunlight is a source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and has been linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases. Being outdoors also exposes individuals to natural elements such as fresh air and greenery, improving respiratory health and boosting the immune system. Incorporating outdoor activities into our daily routines, even in small ways, can positively impact our overall health and well-being.
Holding a company retreat outdoors can offer numerous employee benefits. Being in nature can help reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve physical and mental health. Outdoor activities can also encourage teamwork, communication, and collaboration among employees, leading to stronger relationships and a more effective team in the workplace. Incorporating outdoor activities into a company retreat can provide a refreshing change of pace from the usual work environment and help employees to recharge and refocus. Additionally, experiencing outdoor activities together can create shared experiences and memories, leading to improved morale and job satisfaction. If you don’t know where to start, browse our corporate retreats information. Contact 37 North to start planning your corporate retreat today.