Why wellness retreats are a game changer for employee engagement.

When the COVID-19 Pandemic hit the world, there was a radical shift in work culture and mode of work. Many individuals benefited from the online work because of the flexibility and autonomy it offered. But as the world slowly moved away from the restrictions of social distancing, isolation and online business, the preference for in-person activities gradually started increasing. Off recently, we seem to be undergoing another transition where individuals express a preference for more in-person events, especially when it comes to non-work related activities. This transition is not surprising because in-person events foster the feeling of belongingness and invite you to unplug and spend time away from the digital world, which in turn helps battle the digital fatigue. 

One of the main indicators of a good workplace is the bonding between the employees. The relationship that the employees share with their work, colleagues and manager formulate a crucial part of the overall work. It is necessary to create a culture of growth by facilitating mutual trust, respect and cooperative attitude amongst employees. This can be implemented through multiple ways such as team bonding activities, onsites, team lunches, celebrations during festivities etc. 

A recent upcoming trend of retreats however is one of the most effective ways to boost employee engagement and create deeper bonds with the team. Let’s explore why retreats have gained popularity in the recent times:

1. Digital detox: Majority of the work across many sectors require individuals to spend long hours online. This can create a sense of monotony and fatigue. Sitting in the same position for too long is well known to have its drawbacks such as neck pain, muscle spasm, headache and dry eyes due to screen time. A retreat allows employees to unplug and relax. It is a great medium to facilitate mindfulness and slowing down. 

When you are spending time away from your gadgets, you can choose to focus on particular activity/activities and not carry the pressure of multitasking. This mindful selection improves focus and allows your mind to compartmentalise as well.

2. Engage with soothing sensory experiences: Retreats often involves activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. They may include pranayama, yoga, playtime or group games, massages or spa related activities, spending time with nature and having an agenda-free time. It is very important for our  overall wellbeing to engage in activities that promote healing and slowness. These activities help in regulating our nervous system and offer you a space to process emotions. Once your body and mind come into a state of relaxation, it becomes easier to connect with others too. Retreats therefore offer a great blend of individual and collective healing. 
3. Stress release: Human body responds to stress not only on an emotional level but on a physical level too. There are multiple stressors in every individual’s life. It may be work, family, money, relationships or something else. When you are undergoing chronic stress, it can impact your physical health as well. Retreats can be one of the areas to offer yourself a getaway away from the hustle bustle of everyday life stressors. 
4. Peaceful environment promotes stillness and mental rest: Retreats are usually planned away from the daily hustle bustle and chaos of the cities. They can be on the outskirts or far away from the cities, closer to nature. This is done to create an overall peaceful atmosphere where your mind can unwind. There are less distractions around and it invited you to take a look within. Oftentimes during our hectic lives individuals might not pay close attention to their bodies and mind. But retreats offer just a perfect opportunity to be more mindful of yourselves both physically and mentally. These retreats can be planned at resorts that offer a blend eco-tourism and experiential stays so that individuals can explore their relationship with themselves, others and the nature surrounding them.
5. Opportunity to get creative: Individuals get an excellent opportunity to get innovative and express themselves creatively. Time spent away from gadgets can really make one introspect and reconnect with their old hobbies/ passions. 

Retreats are a great way to focus on individual’s psychological needs such as need for belongingness, safety, comfort and growth. This results in creating an environment where employees can reset, reconnect, and rediscover their passion for work.

FAQs:

What makes wellness retreats better than traditional team-building activities?

Wellness retreats usually involve employees spending more time with each other, away from their desks and cabins and in a place that offers them relaxation and rest. There is no pressure to perform or prove anything. The only purpose is to rejuvenate and connect with other people. The activities designed for the retreat emphasize on mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing through mindfulness practices, relaxation activities, and personal reflection. Therefore retreats offer a more holistic approach to healing and wellbeing.

How can small businesses with limited budgets incorporate wellness retreats?

This can be done by accessing nearby venues such as parks, community centers, open spaces such as amphitheatre, river bank, backwaters etc. It is okay if planning a full day or an overnight retreat is not feasible. You can focus on crafting experiences that promote relaxation and healing. A great tip for the small scale organizations is to create a wellness fund where you gradually set aside a small amount every month.