MAKING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TEAM BUILDING EVENT

For office dwellers in New York City, the controversial commute to work is looming over our heads. While there is no dearth of opinions on the great return, one thing is abundantly clear: strong and healthy relationships with colleagues are essential in smooth transitions. Planning a team retreat in New York City is no small feat. There are a million schedules to manage, countless options, and in today’s case, many folks are finding that they’ve never met some of their colleagues in person. In response to the rising inquiries we’ve seen for team building activities, we put together a guide on how to make the most of your retreat. Read on! 

1. IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS

The first and most important step in planning a successful team retreat is identifying the why. What are you looking to achieve? What do you want your colleagues to come away feeling? How will this experience be different than, let’s say, a happy hour?

In pre-pandemic times, the majority of team building activities we hosted aimed to pull colleagues out of the daily grind, and re-energize folks in a new and creative environment. Now, with hybrid work models minimizing in-person relationship building, we’re finding that teams are planning retreats to deepen relationships between colleagues who may have never been in-person and build trust with one another. 

Identifying the goals of your team retreat will help you better understand what activities to choose — perhaps beekeeping for some serious trust building, or yoga on the roof to ground your team — and how to structure your day.

Team Building Retreats at Brooklyn Grange (Left to Right): The Avid Apiarist, The Artisan Dyer, The Urban Farmer, The Artisan Dyer,

2. ALIGN YOUR ACTIVITY WITH THE INTERESTS & VALUES OF YOUR TEAM

It’s a no-brainer that the team building activity you choose should feel like a treat as opposed to an obligatory work-experience. That being said, it also shouldn’t feel too out of left field. If you’re a company working on creating the next plant-based meat alternative to the masses, then you should probably say no to a class on butchery. 

Plan to switch things up from your normal routine, but let the values of your team and work guide you as a north star. Not only will you feel more invested in what you’re doing together but you might also find that your activity will inspire you to think differently and creatively about your work. For those working with mission-oriented companies, consider adding a giveback element to your retreat. At Brooklyn Grange, we work with a number of non-profits and community based organizations. We love offering teams an opportunity to make a donation or participate in an activity that has a positive impact on your community.

Team Building Retreats at Brooklyn Grange (Left to Right): Guided Farm Tour (included in all Brooklyn Grange team retreats), The Flexible Approach, Guided Farm Tour (included in all Brooklyn Grange team retreats,) The Artisan Dyer,

3. DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET

Everybody is working with a different budget and that’s ok! Understanding what resources you have to execute your goals at the beginning of the planning process will make everything a whole lot easier. For folks who are working on a limited budget, there are plenty of public green spaces in New York City to gather and carry out a team building activity. The obvious choices may be Central Park or Prospect Park, but how about considering Green-Wood Cemetery in Sunset Park  or Shirley Chisholm State Park overlooking Jamaica Bay? 

For those who might have more resources, always allocate 5%-10% more than you think you’ll need. Even the best laid plans can be derailed by a last minute hiccup. If you don’t spend it, you can allocate it for professional development opportunities in the future. 

Team Building Retreats at Brooklyn Grange (Left to Right): The Artisan Dyer, The Urban Farmer, The Avid Apiarist

4. DETERMINE YOUR SPATIAL NEEDS

Let’s be practical. What do you physically need to pull off your team retreat? How many people will be attending? Are you planning on incorporating a lecture or meeting time and need a private room? Will you be showing a video that calls for a sophisticated A/V system? And most importantly, what’s your food plan!? Will a lunch on your lap suffice, or are you looking for a full service catered event? Understanding your spatial needs is critical in choosing the appropriate host space.

Team Building Retreats at Brooklyn Grange (Left to Right): Colleagues brainstorming during a retreat at the Roof Cellar (offered at the Navy Yard Farm), outdoor table set up at the Navy Yard farm,

5. INVOLVE YOUR COLLEAGUES

This is a team retreat after all, so you might as well consult the people who will be partaking in the retreat. Ask for their feedback on the ‘why.’ You may find that there is a more pressing or relevant dynamic you should be addressing in your team building activity. 

Give your colleagues several options for potential activities. On the day of the retreat, the most important way to equip your team is by arriving with colleagues who are bought in and starting the day with a positive mindset.