Company retreat in Sicily, September ‘22
In 2020, when we decided to follow the remote-first, asynchronous approach, we knew we wanted to organize a couple of company events yearly. Otherwise, we can hardly meet at the same time & the same place.
In previous years, we had a great time hiking in Krkonose or skiing in the Austrian Alps. Our operations team devised a splendid plan this year, choosing Sicily as our summer retreat destination.
Why Sicily, you ask?
We were looking for a spot with suitable weather, even in September. A place located at a reasonable distance from all our team members. In addition, we wanted to visit a site rich in culture, history, and class cuisine.
The decision to choose Sicily was widely accepted across our organization. As the details started to unfold, we could not wait to try delicious pasta, spend sunny days at the beach & gaze at the volcanic landscape that would await us.
As a remote team, we worked together for months without meeting each other in person. Our company is divided into multiple smaller groups. We collaborate daily, and given the size of our organization, we get to know each other quite early and thoroughly. Hence the opportunity to spend even a couple of days together in person is always more than welcome. In some cases, we met our colleagues for the first time. To tell you the truth, you have no idea how tall people are when working remotely 😊
Our operations manager, Veronika, was pulling the strings and putting together an incredible itinerary that provided a tiny bit of everything—tasting delicious Italian cuisine, walking through historical sites & conquering Mount Etna, the symbol of Sicily.
Why didn’t you go for a company dinner or have a typical corporate-style party? Perhaps this is a question that some of you ask as you read this article. There are multiple reasons why we decided to choose this approach.
Company culture is an important area to focus on. We find it fundamental to building a healthy company. So, how do we benefit from organizing a team retreat?
Boosting Team Morale
There are better & worse days. Sometimes, your typical working day can be plain sailing. At other times it can give you a headache. Hence, organizing such a retreat is essential, as a few days off in a new environment increases productivity.
So, instead of our usual Monday company stand-up, we all met at the hotel’s lounge & went for an adventure together. Wandering around the streets of Catania, we were catching up with our colleagues, some of whom we might have met for the first time. Even though we try to stay in touch throughout our “virtual coffee” meetings, nothing beats having an honest chat over a drink. Apart from having a 9-course meal served on a medieval terrace accompanied by delicious Sicilian red wine.
What a start to our team retreat that was!
Team Bonding
Another important aspect of having a team retreat is seeing your co-workers’ different faces. You know each other as devoted professionals. But honestly – do you know what your colleague’s hobbies are? How big is their family? Finding time to get to know your colleagues is fundamental for the company culture we strive to build. It also allows us to discover other traits, such as kindness, competitiveness, openness and caring. Or even the less flattering ones, such as grumpiness in the mornings or laziness in the afternoons, which was visible during our tour through the historical centre of Syracuse. We had groups who were excited to discover if the stories about the mafia were true these days, groups who blended with locals on the markets, or those who appreciated historic town fortification.
According to a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, teammates who connect directly with each other – not just the team leader – work more efficiently & with tremendous success. Hence, team bonding during off-site events brings tangible added value.
Reduce stress & gain new energy
Getting out of your day-to-day routine can be beneficial in so many aspects. Not only does it fill you with new energy & enthusiasm, but it also helps to reduce the stress level you may be experiencing. There are always days that bring tough challenges. Doing things you usually don’t do, leaving your comfort zone & explore, can help you get through it.
We had a great time conducting a guided tour around Mount Etna, the symbol of Sicily and an ever-active volcano. We hiked circa 7km around the national park, visited multiple craters & learned the history of past eruptions. Despite its overwhelming beauty & majesty, it’s scary what level of devastation and despair the mountain can cause. Spending time in the mountains & nature, in general, may help you to deal with your usual day-to-day issues.
After reaching the highest point of our hike, roughly 2950 meters above sea level, we were exposed to mighty gusts of wind. One of our fond memories is when we all felt tired from a demanding hike yet felt happy, fulfilled & grateful that we could live these experiences together.
Refocused
We finished our three-day retreat by having a couple of drinks and reminiscing about our incredible time here. We danced, laughed, feasted & hiked together. It was all about spending quality time with your co-workers and living unforgettable human adventures & sealing them in our memories. All of us are relaxed & excited to go back to our families & daily routines.
