Many corporates away days have started to resemble nothing more than a group jolly, with no underlying principles or purpose. Therefore, it’s as important as ever to concentrate on why the company is paying for an away day and what ROI it can expect to reap. Our list continues here to help you plan a better away day.
1. Can you measure the KPIs of your day?
When considering the KPIs of your event, you should look at PDP measurables (the Pre Event, During Event and Post Event results). A pre-event measurable might be employee engagement or cohesion, but how do you measure this and carry it forward to during the event and post-event to see if any change occurred? How about starting by holding a vote on the choice of away days? This is a great sign of engagement, that can be similarly measured by a vote on an in-activity activity and a post-day review.
2. Don’t call team bonding an away day
An away day must have a specific goal. By definition, it is an off-site meeting with an agenda designed to use the new place to free up the mindset. If you intend to have your team abseil, drive a tank and herd some sheep, call it team bonding instead.
3. Pick a events company to help
Remember that it’s not a reward; it’s business. Some companies do take their employees off to a three-day spa in Evian, but if you want to get your team engaging and interacting to find out who the natural leaders are use professionals. They can help you run your business event and maybe stick to the team building ideas at an Events Agency Dublin company and try sites such as https://davisevents.ie/ to get the adrenaline flowing.
4, Don’t pick a theme
Again, this isn’t a kid’s party. While you’re standing in front of the whiteboard throwing ideas around, everyone sticking their hands up for a “Pirate Day Out” might have you all feeling very funny and original, but once the initial thrill wears off, you’ll all find yourselves dressed in stripy shorts in Plymouth on a chilly day feeling a little embarrassed.
While these rules may sound like killjoys, it’s vital to remember you’re having an away day to achieve something. Don’t let it become derailed with good intentions.