Why Taking Your Corporate Retreat Outdoors is a Smarter Business Move
Between lukewarm office coffee and another round of ‘trust-building’ activities, corporate retreats have often felt like a necessary evil. But what if swapping fluorescent lights for open skies was the smartest move your team could make this year?
Sometimes, a quick lap around the local park, dodging delivery bikes and inhaling exhaust fumes, just doesn’t cut it. Nature is a proven productivity hack, but it requires a proper commitment. Stanford research shows walking in natural settings can boost creative output by 60%, and studies from the University of Exeter highlight its power to reduce stress and lift your team’s mood. An outdoor retreat isn’t just about stepping out. It’s about stepping up, giving your team the clarity and inspiration only a drastic change of scenery can deliver.
But what makes a retreat actually work? It’s not just leaving the office. It’s leaving behind the mindset of one. The best ideas, the strongest connections, and the boldest plans happen when teams step into an environment that shifts perspectives and sparks creativity. Read on to discover why taking your team outdoors is a smarter move for your business.
Fresh Air = Fresh Ideas
There’s a reason why so many great thinkers, from Darwin to Wordsworth, credited nature for their best ideas. Time outside restores focus and sparks creativity, according to a study by the University of Michigan. Even a 20-minute walk in nature can significantly reduce mental fatigue.
Ideas to try: Swap a boardroom brainstorm for a walk-and-talk session by a lake, or take a strategy meeting outside under the trees. The best ideas often come when you’re least expecting them.
Stronger Teams, Naturally
Team building doesn’t need to involve trust falls or matching T-shirts. Outdoor activities naturally create opportunities for connection and collaboration. Shared challenges, like orienteering or paddling, encourage teamwork without feeling forced.
Tip: Balance structured activities with downtime. A group hike, followed by free time around a firepit, lets relationships form organically.
Wellness That Works
In today’s fast-paced working world, well-being is no longer optional, it’s essential. Spending time outdoors can lower cortisol levels and even reduce symptoms of burnout, according to research published in Frontiers in Psychology.
Wellness wins: Start the day with yoga by the water or include a guided foraging walk in the afternoon. Taking time to pause can help your team return to work with a fresh mindset.
Escaping the Concrete Jungle
A retreat should feel like an escape, but it doesn’t need to mean hours of travel. For London-based teams, Browning Bros offers venues just under an hour from the city, making it easy to leave the chaos behind without the added stress of long journeys.
What to look for: Flexible venues with privacy, plenty of accommodation options, and outdoor spaces that invite creativity. Having everything in one place, from lakeside cabins to meeting spaces, makes logistics simpler, too.
Make the Outdoors Work for You
A corporate retreat isn’t just a day out; it’s a chance to rethink how we connect, work, and grow. Whether it’s a breakout session in a tipi or a team dinner by the fire, the best retreats seamlessly blend productivity with relaxation.
At Browning Bros, our venues are designed for exactly this. From exclusive use to stunning natural settings, we offer the space and flexibility to make your retreat truly unique. Ready to see what a fresh perspective can do for your team?
