Back when I managed large teams I was very much aware of the benefits of getting time away from the office as a group. At the same time, it always felt like a bit of a headache - was it really worth the effort and time away from the day to day? Do we really get value from stepping away from our daily tasks and priorities? I have to say, it's a resounding 'yes' from me.
Not only when working with my own teams, I have had the privilege of facilitating some team away days and experiencing the 'buzz' of working with incredible teams.
What have I witnessed in these sessions?
Strengthened team relationships - This has been visible in all the team sessions I've witnessed - you see it happening in real time. Building strong relationships is crucial for any team and having a relaxed setting where team members can interact informally, fosters camaraderie and trust. These stronger connections lead to improved collaboration and communication back at the office.
Improved morale - When people know each other better, they recognise that 'we're in it together'. Day to day routines can mean people don't put their heads up from their work and get 'in their heads'. This time away is vital for taking a step back and recognising the role everyone plays in the bigger picture.
Problem solving - Depending on your agenda for the day, you get your team input (and therefore greater buy-in) to challenges, bringing in new perspectives and solutions to improve performance. This leads to greater motivation in individual roles - and more creativity as an organisation.
Clearer direction - You have the opportunity to re-establish your mission and goals - ensuring people are excited and clear on where you're headed.
Investment in professional growth - With this time out, you get to provide learning and development opportunities for your team - maybe it's around a common challenge or a new skill that can be developed. Teams I've been working with have recently enjoyed learning more about what makes a high performing team, creating safety and trust, having challenging conversations and giving and receiving feedback. These opportunities help employees learn new skills, gain insights, and grow in their roles.
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller.
A well structured and thought-through agenda can really support your team and organisational goals. Investing in a team awayday is an investment in your team’s well-being and productivity. It’s an opportunity to cultivate a positive, cohesive, and high-performing team.
With time away from the office, how would you put this valuable time to use?
If you'd like to talk about your upcoming team awayday or shorter session, please contact me to arrange a chat.
What others have said:
Gemma facilitated a recent half-day session for us. The workshop involved all staff and Gemma did a fantastic job at ensuring everyone's voice was heard. Facilitation was executed perfectly and Gemma made sure discussions remained on topic and focused, whilst allowing the group to really explore some key areas. A really enjoyable session, that felt productive and one that will lead to positive changes. Senior Programme Manager, sustainability
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