A business retreat is an off-site gathering of employees, often in a relaxed or inspiring environment, designed to foster teamwork, strategic planning, skill development, and employee well-being. It moves beyond the daily grind to provide dedicated time for focused work and interpersonal connection.

For many small business owners, as much as they’d like to, the idea of taking all their staff off-site for some time seems unrealistic and expensive.

Yet, when planned well and for the right reasons, a retreat may be just the thing you need to boost cohesion, morale, and even increase productivity and sales. Read on to learn more.

Importance of a Retreat for a Small Business

For small businesses, retreats are particularly vital as they often have limited resources and smaller teams where individual contributions are highly impactful. Retreats offer:

• Enhanced Team Cohesion: Dedicated time outside the office can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build a sense of unity among a smaller team. For remote or hybrid workers, this is especially critical.
• Strategic Alignment: It provides an opportunity to step back, review goals, and collectively strategize for the future, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
• Skill Development and Learning: Retreats can be tailored to address specific skill gaps, introduce new tools, or provide professional development relevant to the small business’s growth.
• Improved Morale and Retention: Investing in employees through a retreat shows appreciation, reduces burnout, and can significantly boost morale and loyalty.
• Problem-Solving and Innovation: A fresh environment can stimulate new ideas and facilitate collaborative problem-solving away from daily distractions.

Cost-Effective Ways to Have a Learning and Bonding Retreat

Retreats don’t have to break the bank, especially for small businesses. Here are some cost-effective strategies:

• Leverage Local Resources:
  • Day Retreats: Instead of overnight stays, consider a full-day retreat at a local community center, park, or even a spacious employee’s home (with consent and appropriate compensation/amenities).
  • Non-Peak Times: If an off-site venue is desired, inquire about discounts for booking during weekdays or off-season.
  • Team-Member Skills: Utilize internal talent for workshops or presentations. If an employee has expertise in a particular area, they can lead a session, saving on external speaker fees.
• Focus on Core Activities:
  • Hybrid Model: For distributed teams or to reduce travel costs, consider a hybrid approach where some activities are in-person and others are virtual.
  • DIY Catering: Instead of expensive catering, organize a potluck, order pizza, or have employees bring packed lunches. This also adds to the bonding experience.
  • Activity-Based Bonding: Instead of elaborate entertainment, opt for team-building games that require minimal equipment, like board games, charades, or outdoor activities in a local park.
• Keep it Simple:
  • Shorter Duration: A half-day or full-day retreat can still be incredibly effective without the added cost of accommodations.
  • Rotation of Venues: Rotate between different low-cost venues to keep things fresh without committing to expensive long-term rentals.
  • Employee Input: Involve employees in the planning process to choose activities that are meaningful and cost-effective, increasing buy-in and engagement.
  • “Unplugged” Retreats: Encourage employees to put away devices and engage in face-to-face interactions and activities, which often cost nothing but yield significant bonding results.

KATA Accounting is taking all its team members on a week-long retreat in September 2025 to celebrate its 10th anniversary, marked on July 1, 2024. To make this week-long experience especially meaningful, KATA is covering the costs for all its members to attend the 2025 Ignite Conference, hosted by the Certified Professional Bookkeepers of Canada (CPB), of whom KATA’s bookkeepers hold certifications. 

We’ve rented a humongous house with lots of room for work and play, and seasoned the week of learning with day trips and dinners. It is, however, a business retreat with a purpose, and that is educational and strategic, even while enjoying the amenities the beautiful city of Calgary and the residence provide. All without breaking the bank.

Is this something you do or could try in your small business? 

—

Julia Carter

Sources:

“What is a Business Retreat? And Why Do You Need One? – Thriver” https://www.thriver.com/blog/what-is-a-business-retreat. 

“Why Company Retreats Are Important (And How To Plan One) – Forbes” https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2023/07/28/why-company-retreats-are-important-and-how-to-plan-one/. 

“How to Plan a Company Retreat Your Employees Will Love – Good&Co” https://good.co/blog/how-to-plan-a-company-retreat/.