What high-performing teams do on corporate retreats…
and how to design corporate retreats to match.
Not all corporate retreats are created equal.
While some amount to little more than a change of scenery and a pizza night, others are strategic, immersive experiences that spark innovation, build trust, and realign entire teams.
So, what do high-performing teams do differently—and how can you design a retreat that delivers meaningful ROI?
At Elsewhere, we’ve got the benefit of seeing hundreds and hundreds of corporate retreats (if not thousands), so let’s break it down.
1. They Start With Strategy, Not Schedule
Before deciding on the venue or activities, high-performing teams define the purpose of their retreat. According to Harvard Business Review, and not surprisingly, goal alignment is one of the top drivers of team success. That means starting with a strategic objective:
• Are you resetting after a company reorg?
• Launching a new product?
• Addressing team tension or silos?
Once the “why” is clear, the “how” (venue, format, agenda) becomes easier—and far more impactful.
2. They Design for Depth, Not Just Distraction
It’s easy to fall into the trap of stuffing the agenda with back-to-back sessions or “team-building” games that barely scratch the surface. The best teams strike a balance between focus and freedom. It’s a careful balancing act.
In fact, a study by Microsoft Work Trend Index found that employees who have time for creative thinking and informal connection produce up to 25% more innovative ideas.
That’s why Elsewhere Offsites intentionally designs retreats with:
• Strategic sessions in inspiring spaces
• Restorative downtime (walks, journaling, bean bags, even goat yoga)
• Thoughtfully facilitated workshops, not just off-the-shelf activities
A recent study has found that employees who have time for creative thinking and informal connection produce up to 25% more innovative ideas
3. They Rethink “Team Building”
Let’s be honest: trust falls are out. Meaningful shared experience is in.
High-performing teams engage in creative, co-creative challenges—things that make them think, laugh, and build something together. At Elsewhere, some of our most popular experiences include:
• Master Chef: Farmyard Edition – A wildly fun (and subtly strategic) cooking experience
• Spaced Out – Teams embark on some out of this world team building 😊
• Campfire Conversations – Bonding time in a backdrop that people go with
These aren’t just fun—they’re transformational. And they’re designed to build psychological safety, a proven marker of high-performing teams, according to Google’s Project Aristotle.
4. They Choose Environments That Support the Mission
A sterile conference hotel isn’t going to spark creativity or build intimacy. High-performing teams select venues that match the tone of the retreat—spaces that feel different enough to shift perspective.
That’s why Elsewhere Offsites curates unique, character-rich spaces—from countryside manors to modern lodges—all within 2 hours of London. These settings are designed to inspire, connect, and relax your team, without the awkwardness of “forced fun.”
5. They Follow Through—Not Just Follow Up
A great retreat doesn’t end when the Uber arrives. The most successful teams create continuity by:
• Sharing a post-retreat reflection deck
• Capturing team insights and commitments
• Scheduling 30/60/90-day follow-ups
This is how you turn energy into momentum—and why many of Elsewhere’s clients return every quarter or year to continue the journey.
Final Thought: High Performance Is Designed, Not Default
If you want your next offsite to be more than just a morale boost, take a cue from the best: design it intentionally, facilitate it meaningfully, and choose partners who understand both culture and performance.
At Elsewhere, we’ve helped teams from brands like Molton Brown, Nike, and Virgin build offsites that truly moved the needle.
Ready to plan something extraordinary?