Workshops vs. Retreats | What's the Difference?
Let’s talk about team workshops! How are these different from retreats? Why are they important? What could your team workshop look like? I’m here to answer all of your questions.
First things first: what’s the difference between workshops and retreats?
Not according to any official dictionary, a retreat is a place you can go either by yourself or with a group of people to reconnect with yourselves and each other. Usually consisting of multi-days, retreats include activities that can nourish your mind, body and soul.
A workshop is a gathering with a group of people where you are learning a new skill, or participating in some type of activity together. Workshops can be a part of a retreat, but are generally a half or full-day.
Why are team workshops important?
Any opportunity to get away from the office with your team can be a chance to get to know your team on a deeper level. When people step away from their day-to-day tasks
What could your team workshop look like?
There are a few questions I’d want to ask you before giving you an itinerary for your team workshop. The two main questions would be:
What do you want the end result of your workshop to be?
Is this all work, all play, or a little of both?
The main parts that will make up your workshop will be:
Food
Transportation (if it’s needed)
Activity/ies
Work
Let’s give an example. Marty contacted me about planning a workshop for his team of 10 people. His main goals for the workshop are:
Create a sense of community with their small team
Walk away feeling rejuvenated
With these goals in mind, I would advise Marty that it sounds like his team needs a workshop that doesn’t actually include any work. We should find ways to incorporate bonding, connection, and introspective time into the day.
Marty also let me know in his pre-consultation questionnaire that he’d like for his team workshop to take place on a Friday, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and his budget is approximately $300 per person. His team consists of men and women in their 30s & 40s, and they are all very active.
Here is an example of what I could recommend as a potential itinerary for Marty’s team:
9:00 a.m. | Bus picks up team and drives to venue. Coffee & pastries on the bus.
9:30 a.m. | Arrive at venue, greeted by host
9:45 a.m. | Team 1 begins with a ropes course, Team 2 with kayaking
10:45 a.m. | Teams switch activities
12:15 p.m. | Lunch is served. This is an interactive, full table charcuterie spread paired with sparkling wines
1:30 p.m. | Business coaching begins. Professional business coach takes team through exercises outlining goals & aspirations. Includes small group breakout sessions.
3:00 p.m. | Afternoon break, snacks & walk
3:30 p.m. | Full team resumes for drink mixing class with professional
5:00 p.m. | Depart venue
There are so many opportunities to craft the perfect itinerary for any team. The beauty of workshops, is they can be tailored to everyone’s interests. There can be activities available for the introverts and extroverts, the active and couch potatoes, the foodies and wine experts.
What could your team workshop look like?
I would love to find out more about your team, what the goals for your team are and how we can create a fun and rejuvenating workshop together. Remember, planning this should be FUN and not stressful! If it doesn’t feel like that, you should consider hiring me, because I LOVE doing this, like seriously love it!
Are you ready to get started?
As my good friend & business coach Ang says, giddyup!