Many readers have been part of, or have at least heard from friends and family, about annual off-site meetings. These are often once-a-year gatherings—either of all employees or perhaps all employees of a particular seniority level—where the previous year’s progress and results are reviewed and the goals and objectives for the coming year are unveiled and explained.
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Often there is also a portion of these meetings dedicated to recognizing achievements of groups or individuals, or the company as a whole, and opportunities for socializing and networking.
Off-Sites Are an Important Business Staple
While some organizations and employees may see the ubiquitous annual off-site meeting as a waste of time and/or money, VocaWorks and Truli Technologies CEO, Miles Jennings argues that the annual off-site is an important staple in any business. “In a world focused on speed, we often fail to take stock and commemorate wins,” he says. “The first and most obvious gain of an annual offsite is the chance to look on the year that has passed and talk about the highs and lows.”
Jennings goes on to argue that once the past year has been recapped and put into context, the company can start to look ahead and talk about the goals and objectives for the coming year.
It’s a great time to ask what can be improved both interpersonally and with regard to team dynamics. On a more objective basis, this serves as a good point in time to consider hard numbers like company financials and hiring needs.
The Social Aspects
Off-site meetings, and the reason they are off-site, play another important role for organizations—the ability to bring people together in a new setting that is marked not only by information and updates but also opportunities to interact.
Annual off-sites may seem wasteful to some, but they are important for serving as a conspicuous way to celebrate milestones. The fact that they occur once per year at a location other than the office means that they are likely to stand out in the minds of your employees and help them put the year and the company’s—and their—achievements into a larger perspective. And, even have fun in the process!