MARCH 2000
Retreat to a Better Work Environment
Fierce competition in a tight job market forces law firm, business, and human resources managers to seek more effective and creative methods to connect with their staffs and develop or reorder their entity's priorities. As a result, corporate retreats have evolved into business' newest answer to traditional training seminars: structured sessions combining skills-building and leisure activities more likely to yield desired results.
Whether held off-site as a day-long conference or at a secluded resort during a weekend, retreats help develop rapport among management and its staff. "Retreats may be excellent bonding exercises if handled correctly," says Kathryn Wiley, a human resources professional in charge of planning and development for the American Bar Association. When used as motivational tools they inspire everyone to give the extra effort or develop stronger leadership skills; as brainstorming or problem-solving sessions, they provide a valuable opportunity for everyone to participate in developing management's goals. Some retreats are just for fun; a gathering sponsored by management and designed for everyone to socialize and "team build" with their colleagues in desirable or exotic locales. Whatever the reasons for meeting, Wiley says, sufficient advance planning is crucial to a retreat's success or failure.
Although many grumble at taking time from busy work schedules, actively participating in a retreat is one of your best opportunities to display skills management may not be aware you possess. "The facilitator needs to find ways to include everyone and get them talking. A flexible agenda allows for fluid conversation that you don't want to cut short," adds Wiley. Of course, knowing the ground rules determines whether many employees feel comfortable participating fully. "Probably the most difficult part of a retreat is setting the stage for people to feel free about expressing their views without worry of retaliation once everyone gets back to the office," she says. It's important that management conveys that freedom to everyone to help ensure the success of the retreat.
At some point in your career, chances are you'll either be asked to participate in, plan, or facilitate a retreat. Whatever your role in the process, retreats provide an effective and creative way to focus on and achieve your personal and professional goals.
Ensuring Success
Additional tips for conducting and participating in employee retreats:
- If you want to have a retreat, know your purpose and get others on board.
- Plan, plan, plan.
- Management should clearly communicate its goals and expectations for the retreat.
- Implementing as many suggestions from the session as possible lessens the group's feelings of frustration or demoralization at having their input fall through the cracks once everyone returns to their daily routines.
- Be sure to use the skills acquired at the session in your jobs and in dealings with others.
 
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