There is a concerning decline in employee engagement and loyalty across industries, and the problem is only worsening. Reports from Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace: 2023 reveal record-high employee stress levels, a significant number of global employees quietly quitting, and a consensus that workplace culture needs improvement. This downward trend poses significant challenges for employers, including increased recruitment and onboarding costs.
Recognizing the urgency, how can forward-thinking companies maximize the chances of long-term employee retention? The answer may lie in nature-based retreats.
Meetings Mixed with Adventures
Wilder Retreats, for example, blends traditional offsite needs with the therapeutic benefits of group activities in nature. Our customized experiences cater to our clients’ objectives. Whether the setting is a ranch in Saguaro National Park or a lodge in Yosemite, Wilder’s retreats mix structured meetings and inclusive outdoor adventures designed to spark lasting collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie.
One of our goals is to achieve lasting ROI for our clients, so we look at the science when we develop retreats. Being outdoors has proven impacts on focus, creativity, and connectedness, so infusing nature into a corporate offsite makes it that much more impactful.
Nature-based activities promote a sense of community and belonging, essential components of a healthy work culture. Time in nature removes the hierarchies and personas of the office. The resulting sense of community increases overall employee satisfaction, which teams can maintain in the workplace. Multi-day retreats, specifically, give people time to shed their “work-selves” and get to really know each other on a deeper level.
And the benefits of nature-based retreats extend beyond teambuilding and social bonding. Employees must expect the unexpected and tackle challenges creatively. Research has shown that spending time in nature increases serotonin levels and can have a positive impact on mental health.
For companies struggling to retain talent and maintain employee satisfaction, investing in nature-based retreats represents a proactive approach to addressing the root causes of declining engagement while creating a sense of purpose, belonging, and fulfillment that transcends the confines of the office.
Prioritize Well-Being in the Great Outdoors
As the labor market remains competitive and the demand for remote work continues to rise, companies must adapt their strategies to meet the needs of their workforce. Nature-based retreats offer a positive and effective solution to the challenges posed by remote work, and provide employees with the opportunity to unplug, recharge, and reconnect. By prioritizing employee well-being, companies can create a work culture that inspires loyalty, engagement, and long-term success.
Given the evidence, it’s not surprising that the best way forward may be through the great outdoors.
