What Are The Ingredients For A Successful Company Offsite?
We are proudly creating the third annual offsite for one of our favourite clients and it got us thinking, what truly makes an offsite great? Read on for our thoughts!
A great company offsite should feel purposeful, energising and quietly generous. When it works, people return feeling more connected to one another and clearer about what they are building together. When it doesn’t, it can feel like time away from “real work”, rather than time invested in it. The difference is rarely about budget – it’s about balance and intention.
First thing’s first – location; the right setting should feel like a treat, not a distraction. Choose somewhere that feels elevated and thoughtful, without being so indulgent that people feel they are missing out by being in sessions all day, or question how much budget is being spent! If the spa, beach or city outside the window is more compelling than what’s happening inside the room, focus is easily lost. The sweet spot is a place that feels special enough to show a team that they matter and this time is important, while still encouraging people to stay present and engaged.
Travel distance also plays a crucial role. An offsite should create separation from day-to-day routines, but not at the cost of friction. Too close to home and people remain mentally at work, checking emails and thinking about their to-do list piling up. Too far away and travel becomes stressful, eroding excitement before the programme even begins. The goal is just enough removal to allow people to switch modes, breathe deeply and think more expansively.
Food and drink matter more than many organisers think. Shared meals are one of the fastest ways to create connection, and good food has a direct impact on energy, mood and attention. A standout menu item can be just as powerful as a formal team exercise. People remember what they ate, who they sat next to and the conversations that unfolded naturally. Research consistently shows that social bonding outside structured work improves trust and collaboration back in the workplace. Food is not a side detail, but rather a part of the experience design.
When it comes to team building, intention is everything. The best activities are engaging, slightly challenging and never embarrassing. They should invite participation rather than performance. We are big believers in borrowing techniques from immersive theatre, where there is no audience and no one watching from the sidelines. When people don’t feel observed, they stop posturing and start communicating more honestly. In those moments, teams often discover new ways of listening, leading and supporting each other that carry far beyond the offsite itself.
A well-balanced programme is what holds all of this together. Space to reflect should sit alongside big showpiece reveals or strategy sessions. There should be time to think, time to talk and time to pause. One often overlooked detail is the end of the last day. If people are watching the clock, worried about trains, flights or late arrivals home, the most important messages are lost. Ending a little earlier than expected is one of the simplest ways to leave people feeling respected and refreshed.
Ultimately, a successful offsite feels like something people want to be part of, not something they need to get through. It feels relevant to their work, generous with their time and designed with care. Studies on employee engagement repeatedly show that people are more motivated and aligned when they feel invested in and listened to. A well-crafted offsite does exactly that. It creates shared experience, shared language and shared momentum. And when those ingredients come together, the impact lasts long after everyone is back at their desks.
Do you need any help planning your next company event?