Over the holidays, I had the opportunity to spend about 2 weeks cycling through the landscapes and villages of Vietnam and Cambodia. It was my first time really diving into active travel, and I’m never going back. The physical and mental benefits of incorporating daily activity into your travel itinerary are clear, but land much deeper than simply wanting to get a workout in. When you are hiking, biking, kayaking through a new place, you are truly fused with the local culture and environment. In my opinion, it is the best and only way to really get to know a new place.
As I was taking in the views and waving hello to villagers on my bike, my mind flooded with ideas of ways to integrate this style of travel to corporate programs. Corporate retreats and meetings tend to follow a similar itinerary and focus on presentations, networking and team building. Moving away from traditional conference room settings, active travel offers a refreshing approach with numerous benefits.
Team Building
Nothing builds community better than a shared experience. Sharing a meal together following a beautiful bike ride, discussing the sights and sounds of what the group just collectively witnessed is a great way to encourage collaboration in an informal setting. Whether it’s biking through scenic landscapes or playing a game of pickleball, active travel embraces community and builds a sense of unity among team members.
Well-Being and Mental Health
Companies are embracing wellness trends and implementing processes to improve employee’s mental health, now more than ever. Escaping the office environment, even if your team is fully remote, and immersing in outdoor activities can significantly reduce stress levels. Physical activities release endorphins, promoting a positive mood and improved mental well-being. We all know the importance of going for a mid-day walk to improve productivity and reduce stress levels, so why shouldn’t physical activity be a primary tone in your in-person programs?
Creativity and Innovation
New ideas are generated from new experiences, and studies show that physical activity stimulates both divergent and convergent thinking, which are both components of creativity. Active travel provides a break from routine, allowing individuals to approach problem-solving and ideas with innovation. The next time your team is going through a creative block or has a problem they need to solve, encourage them to get outside.
Improved Morale and Motivation
Participating in fun activities outside the office setting can significantly boost morale and motivation. Companies who value health and wellness and infuse that into their meetings are much more likely to attract and retain employees who share that sense of motivation and self-care. Employees feel valued when their well-being is genuinely prioritized, leading to increased job satisfaction and a more positive work environment in general.
Enhanced Communication
Active travel breaks down communication barriers. Whether it’s conquering a challenging trail or navigating through team-building exercises, participants learn to communicate effectively, leading to improved collaboration back at the workplace.
Accessible Activity
Physical activity looks different for everyone. When planning a corporate retreat with active travel infused, a diverse approach is mission critical for success. Each activity should be directly tailored to set your attendees up for success, no matter their physical fitness level and/or ability. For example, if you are working on bike routes for an upcoming retreat, ensure that shuttles are reserved for those who do not want to miss out on the fun but are not able to participate in the biking. Additionally, choose routes that can accommodate shuttles to follow those biking.
Active travel injects a breath of fresh air into the traditional corporate retreat/meeting model. By prioritizing team building, well-being, creativity, and communication, companies can create memorable experiences that not only benefit individuals but also contribute to a more vibrant and connected corporate culture. It’s more than a break in the day, it’s a powerful investment tool in both the professional and personal growth of employees.
Let’s work together to plan your next corporate retreat, infused with active travel!