Corporate retreats are the ideal opportunity to step away from the office (or off Zoom if your team is hybrid or remote), refocus strategically, and strengthen team bonds, especially when you’re in a location as unique, peaceful and inspiring as Killary. With the right planning, a retreat can deliver real, lasting value.
Here are some practical tips to help you plan a successful corporate retreat.
Define clear retreat objectives
Before you arrive, set clear goals for your corporate retreat. Avoid trying to achieve too much, and ensure your objectives are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound). Clear objectives help shape your agenda and ensure your retreat aligns with wider company goals.
Create a balanced retreat agenda
A productive corporate retreat balances focused work with time to rest and recharge. Some team members thrive on interaction and activity, while others need quiet space to reflect. A well-planned agenda allows for both.
Include free time so participants can decompress, enjoy the surroundings, or deal with anything urgent if needed (although ideally, everyone will have their out-of-office on). Mix strategy sessions with outdoor or team-building activities to keep energy levels high. Surveying your team in advance can help you tailor the agenda to suit different working styles. For remote teams, an ice-breaker at the start of the retreat can be especially effective.
Make your corporate retreat inclusive
Inclusivity is key to a successful team retreat. Ensure that all activities are accessible to everyone and that your accommodation meets accessibility requirements. Check dietary needs in advance and plan accordingly so all team members feel comfortable, included and valued.
Choose the right corporate retreat location
The location of your corporate retreat plays a major role in its success. A setting immersed in nature can encourage clearer thinking, deeper focus and more meaningful conversations, away from everyday distractions.
When choosing a corporate retreat venue, look for tranquillity, sustainability and easy access to outdoor activities that support wellbeing and team-building. (Hint: Killary Lodge offers all of this, along with one of Ireland’s most spectacular natural landscapes, making it an ideal location for corporate retreats and team getaways.)
Gather feedback after your retreat
Once the retreat has finished, bring the group together for a debrief. Reviewing what worked well, whether objectives were achieved, and what could be improved will help you plan even more effective corporate retreats in the future. Feedback can be gathered through an informal discussion or a short post-retreat survey.
