Think You Can’t Afford It? Staff Retreat Ideas on a Budget

Amy Crowley- Montgomery College

Kevin Webb- Towson University

Have you ever attempted an office retreat?

-Where did you do it?-All day or half day?

-Close the office?-How much did you spend?

What is a ‘retreat’? An opportunity for office mates to

interact in a less-formal, stress-free environment Educate about new policies and changes Expound on existing policies Create dialogues Improve inter-office relationships and

understanding

Where do you begin?

-Who? -What?-Where?

-When? -HoW?

Remember the six ‘W’s….

Who?

-Who will be in charge of planning the day?

-Who will be attending? How many?

What?

What are your goals? What outcomes are you expecting? What do you want your staff to

experience? What will decide that the day is a

success?

Where?

Where will the retreat be? On campus/ Off campus Conference center Other….? Will transportation/carpooling be

necessary?

When?

When will the retreat be? Scheduling around critical dates Avoiding holiday/vacation times Avoiding popular campus events

How?

How much are you willing to spend?

How much can you rely on campus people and resources?

How much can you do yourself?

Why?

Why do a retreat?-Staff has the opportunity to interact in

a more casual setting.-Establish a better understanding of

each other.-Get a break! -Are there particular issues that you

want to address?

Planning for YOUR retreat will likely be dictated by

one factor-

MONEY!!

COSTS:

Speakers- $400- $1000+ (half day)

Space- up to $1000+ Catering- $35+ per person Special Sessions- $100- $500 (hour) Materials- starting at $100 Give-aways (shirts)- $10+ per

person

Problem:“I don’t have the money”

Solution: “Get Creative” & “Do it yourself”

COSTS:

Speakers- Volunteers (campus) Space- Office/Lounge/outside Catering- Deli Platter/Covered

dish Special Sessions- Volunteers Materials- Take from office

supplies Give aways (shirts)- Beg for freebies

Recommended working principles for your retreat

Commit the funds Close the office Open your eyes and ears Be prepared to give more than take Staff only have to be present Have fun!

Identify problem areas Communication issues Conflicts between staff members Conflicts between administrators

and staff members Dissatisfaction with pay and/or

benefits

Before the retreat. Create excitement! Send periodic

emails or invitations Ask for issues to discuss Anticipate the needs of your staff

Speakers/Sessions (1-3 hours) Ideas

Meyers/Briggs test Hire someone off campus Hire someone from on campus Get a book and do it yourself!

Roundtable discussions Role-Playing

Play out situations from the office

Speakers/Sessions (1-3 hours) Ideas

Human Resource issues Invite someone from Human Resources

Dissatisfaction with environment/equipment Explain how budget is spent

Speakers/Sessions (1-3 hours) Ideas- Bring in the campus!!

Bring people in from Fine Arts Upcoming performances/shows

Bring people in from Facilities Management What is being planned for the campus?

Speakers/Sessions (1-3 hours) Ideas- Don’t be afraid of personal

development!! Time management session

Off campus speaker Faculty member?

Stress reduction session Yoga instructor

Catering How much do you want to pay….?

Feed them!!! Full entrees or deli platters/drinks

Have lots of snacks!! Candy, cookies, & snack bags always on

tables Constant drinks & coffee

Space Be mindful of the environment-

make sure it is comfortable and pleasant Meeting room on campus or off

campus Outside…? Someone’s home?

Give Aways Souvenirs for day

Freebies from University Store Freebies from Athletics Department Freebies from Academic

Departments (grants)

Follow up Follow up on any issues discussed

during the day Create a questionnaire- evaluate

yourself! Plan early for next year! Let your

retreat become part of your office calendar.

Exercise. Role-playing-

Three people are selected from the audience to play a role that is taken from their work experience

Try to mix both staff and administrators

Try to reverse roles!