In the hurried world of work today, workplaces often overlook the value of stepping back to reflect and realign. However, the summer of 2024 marked a meaningful 5-day retreat experience for Open Up, a nonprofit championing mindfulness and inclusivity. This retreat was designed not only to reflect on organizational values but also to reimagine Open Up’s present and future.
Unlike the retreat held by the organization three years ago, which focused on ideation and consensus-building, this year’s gathering honed in on policy conversations, reinforcing foundational work, and ensuring the team was aligned with our mission. By taking a break from much of our typical studio work and offering opportunities throughout the week to both staff and leadership to strengthen connections, invest in self-care, and explore the unique model of organizational interdependence, the retreat laid new foundations for long-term growth. This model of thoughtful, purpose-driven retreats can serve as a blueprint for both large and small companies and nonprofits looking to build resilient, values-driven cultures that foster employee engagement and development.
Retreats are essential for nurturing the ongoing development of company culture. They create space for strategic conversations, personal reflection, and engagement that builds a stronger workforce. By leaning into this approach, companies and nonprofits can design retreats that meet their teams’ needs and reinforce lasting values. Here are some considerations and tips for planning your organizational retreat:
1. Reflecting on the Past, Present, and Future
One key focus of the Open Up retreat was revisiting the organization’s foundational work while looking ahead. It was a time to assess whether the team was staying true to the mission and identify opportunities for growth. The previous retreat focused on generating new ideas, while our focus this year was about reinforcing what was already working and building on those successes.
This approach offers great value for any company. A retreat that balances past achievements with future goals allows employees to see the bigger picture and how their work contributes to long-term objectives. Staff discussed whether current policies and practices aligned with the mission, signaling a shift from past retreats focused on consensus to one centered on accountability.
Tip: When planning a retreat, allocate time for your team to reflect on past successes and future goals. This helps everyone feel connected to the organization’s larger mission and fosters long-term commitment.
2. Tailoring Events to Meet Diverse Needs
This year’s retreat at Open Up included a variety of events to meet different preferences and learning styles, ranging from a Virtual Happy Hour to a Restorative Yoga Practice. Some events were reflective and meditative, like the yoga session, while others were collaborative and hands-on, such as the Ed Circle Focused Training, where education team members shared lessons from their areas of expertise and worked to grow in their teaching. Here is a breakdown of some of the events that occurred during the retreat week:
● Studio Reset: The team reorganized the studio, labeled shelves, and cleaned equipment, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
● Ed Circle Focused Training: Front-line staff shared their expertise, offering new tools and methods for others to apply in their roles.
● In-Person Training and Discussions: Focusing on personal growth and social awareness, the team explored how foundational work could be adapted for future development.
● Brunch & Organizational Conversations: A strategic presentation highlighted how foundational work remained relevant, prompting discussions on moving forward while staying true to core values.
By offering a variety of formats, the retreat ensured that everyone engaged in a way that felt meaningful to them.
Tip: Provide a range of retreat events to ensure all team members feel included—some that encourage reflection and individual growth, and others that promote collaboration and connection.
3. Emphasizing Wellness and Self-Care
A key component of the retreat was its focus on staff wellbeing. A standout event was the Restorative Yoga Practice, which focused on slow, mindful movement, deep breathing, and relaxation. This session helped team members recharge both mentally and physically and ended with a calming sound bath.
Incorporating wellness into the retreat underscored our commitment to nurturing both professional growth and personal wellbeing. Creating moments for intentional rest and relaxation ensured the team felt refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.
Tip: Include wellness activities such as yoga, group walks, meditation, or mindfulness exercises in your retreat. These activities allow employees to rest, reset, and recharge, and lead to long-term benefits for both individuals and their organization.
4. Building a Culture of Connectivity
A major focus of this retreat was the concept of Organizational Interdependence, led by the Co-Founder Tessa Karel in a discussion inspired by Adrienne Maree Brown’s teachings. Tessa explained how Open Up’s work is like a natural ecosystem, where every element is essential to the whole. This reinforced the idea that success depends on each team member’s strength and connections with others.
For any company, fostering a culture of interdependence is key to promoting both individual independence and collective success. Values like Openness and Wellbeing rely on accountability and support from all members of the team. The retreat fostered a renewed sense of connectivity, with staff recognizing that their contributions were vital to Open Up’s success.
Tip: Use retreats to reinforce your organization’s core values. Highlighting how each team member’s role contributes to overall success helps build a sense of shared responsibility and interdependence.
5. Investing in Long-Term Impact
Perhaps the most important takeaway from the retreat is the understanding that its value extends far beyond the event itself. These gatherings are an opportunity to create systems and strategies that promote lasting change, allowing organizations to align their present work with their future goals.
While the retreat reinforced foundational principles, it was also forward-thinking. The team tackled policy conversations not addressed in prior years, emphasizing that retreats are not just for generating new ideas, but staying accountable to long-term plans. The focus on reflection, collaboration, and self-care set the stage for lasting transformation.
Tip: Ensure your retreat fosters long-term impact by focusing on both short-term goals and long-term vision. This helps employees stay connected to the company’s mission while driving innovation and accountability.
For the Future
Open Up’s 2024 retreat highlighted the value of investing in our team through connection, reflection, and growth. Offering diverse activities, reinforcing values, and focusing on wellness show that retreats can create long-term success and stronger overall teams, and are not just one-time events. Organizations can take inspiration by designing retreats that bridge past, present, and future, fostering connectivity and resilience to strengthen their teams for the challenges ahead.