Over the last few years, many workers have struggled to feel part of a team in their workplace, thanks to more people working from home.
Therefore, events like corporate away days are essential for your company’s success. Here are just a few reasons why.
1) Build connections with colleagues
Although online meetings and modern technology enables everyone to stay connected, whether they are office- or home-based, not coming face to face with colleagues regularly can have an impact on how the team works.
According to recent research, remote working can create “uncertainties, tensions and resistance strategies by employees”.
Therefore, an opportunity to get to know one another, such as on a teambuilding day, can really boost relationships within the team.
2) Improve productivity
At the same time, working from home can lead to professional isolation, a reduction in mentoring from supervisors, and less networking.
It also makes it hard to create a rapport, build trust or exchange important information with colleagues.
By creating an environment where workers get to know one another, they are more likely to converse with one another, be considered for promotions, and know who to go to with ideas that could enhance the business.
3) Boost interest in working together
There are certainly lots of advantages to working from home, such as being flexible with start and finish times, having a better home-life balance, and saving money and time by not having to commute.
However, not being office-based means workers miss out on social interaction and a sense of comradery.
Team days away could boost friendships within the team, which may even encourage people to work in the office more often.
This could benefit the company by making collaboration easier, encouraging a sense of belonging among employees, and helping workers to develop their skills.
4) Improves morale within the team
Another reason why teambuilding days are an essential part of the year is because it boosts morale within the department.
By doing something enjoyable together, this creates a positive working environment and sends a message to workers that companies want to reward them for their hard work.
This makes employees feel more motivated to do their best for the business, as they feel valued and part of its success.
It also enables workers to have a break from their daily duties, which can lower their stress levels.
According to the Health And Safety Executive (HSE), stress-related absenteeism accounted for 22.1 million days off work in 2024/25, with each person taking an average of 22.9 days off to recover.
Therefore, if businesses can reduce stress and anxiety among their staff, this can lower staff absenteeism and boost the company’s output.
5) Develops important skills
Corporate away days are also intended to build important skills among employees, including communication, social, organisation, collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
As tasks are made to be fun, workers do not feel as though they are being tested, and are free to develop these skills in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
