Once or a few times a year, some companies regularly take their employees out for outing. It usually includes trip out of town for several days, packed with indoor or outdoor (or a combination of both) activities tailored for employees. When a company announces plan to hold an outing for employees, there is usually skepticism and hesitation among employees that the event will actually turn out fun; it’s even not unusual for some employees to see outing as merely a dull obligation. However, if organized well, there actually benefits of company outing for employees and business. What are those?
• Opportunity to travel and enjoy break
The word outing is pretty self-explanatory: it’s held out of office. Therefore, its first and foremost advantage is also pretty obvious: it offers a chance for employees to travel. While it’s not necessarily out-of-town, employees will likely embrace the chance to travel, even more so with covered accommodation.
And enjoy a much-needed break from work. While it’s different for every industry and company, office work is generally monotonous. Therefore, an outing can be an opportunity for employees to recharge and refresh. And if company can organize fun activities, outing can further energize the drained minds.
• Opportunity to exercise communication and collaboration skills
Group activities require teamwork, and by being engaged in it, employees can hone their communication skills to try and solve problems as a team. While it might not take an immediate effect, but it sure is beneficial once they return to work.
In addition, for companies with different departments and a huge number of employees, they can get to know each other. It’s essential in order to build a stronger collaboration and to minimize any communication barriers between employees.
• Opportunity to reward employees and increase loyalty
Company outing can also be a token of gratitude from company to employees. A good outing can make employees feel rewarded and appreciated.
This, and increase bond with colleagues, will result in increasing productivity and loyalty. Because who wouldn’t love to work in a company that acknowledge its employees’ hard work and have a positive culture, right?
References:
https://www.tinypulse.com/blog/9-awesome-company-outing-ideas-that-dont-suck
https://yestravel.com.my/benefits-of-company-trip/
https://www.farwestcapital.com/blog/building-a-team-the-benefits-of-company-outings/