Go Out and Play

Say "company retreat" at the office, and suddenly employees cringe imagining stuffy conference rooms and mind-numbing lectures. That's not a retreat; that's a meeting--and it's neither inspirational nor effective. If you want a new way to motivate a dream team, try "play" first and "work" second.

Drew Warmington, 41, founder and CEO of iLeads.com in Newport Beach, California, lets his employees choose where to hold their annual retreat. The multimillion-dollar business, which matches professionals in the insurance and mortgage industries, has taken trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas and Wyoming.

"People like having the power to say where they go," Warmington says. "You also learn a lot about your co-workers by getting to know them outside the office. Everybody comes back ready to move mountains, and they're juiced up for months."

What kind of retreat fits your team? Extravagant escape? Thrill-seeking adventure? Cultural immersion? Here are a few possibilities to explore at a range of prices:

Community Culture
Today's highly mobile, technology-dependent work force often lacks a sense of community. By providing an opportunity to connect with your city's culture, you can generate company and community loyalty. So take your team out on the town. Here are two ways to taste the local flavor you've been missing:

Many employees can't, or won't, spend time and money pampering themselves. By treating them to luxury, you not only provide a relaxing retreat, but also show your employees that you value them. Look for resorts that offer unforgettable experiences, such as the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa and Miraval.

Do daredevils threaten to break office furniture with in-office chair races? Or does your team need to experience more thrill? Perhaps your company needs an adrenaline rush at the Utah Olympic Park or Skip Barber Racing School to create camaraderie and risk-taking skills.

Be sure to work with HR and the destination meeting planner for any issues regarding medical conditions and legal liabilities. With a little preparation, you'll create a retreat that is safe and fun for all. And remember to prioritize some "free time."

"The greatest incentive that companies can give to their employees is quality time to reflect and learn simple tools to incorporate into their daily lives," says Lori Stapp, 46-year-old owner and founder of Bella Vita Journeys, which made nearly $1 million in sales last year. This health and beauty company, based in Phoenix, Arizona, currently offers about five wellness retreats a year on cruise ships and at resorts such as Miraval. A minimum of four days away from the office is ideal, according to Stapp.

"Giving employees time off to relax reduces their stress. Not only are individuals grateful for their employer's commitment to them, but they are then able to give back more to the company and are motivated to watch the company's bottom line," she says.

To contribute to the long-lasting impact of your retreat, hire a professional photographer or invite employees to bring their cameras. What better way to advertise your company culture than with photos of your team in race cars or bobsleds, playing golf or jumping off a 35-foot pole? Photos and videos can be memorable gifts for your team--and can be something for new employees to look forward to.

Catherine Seda is an internet marketing strategist, and Jen Seda, M.D. , is a wellness consultant.

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