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How to Hold a Company Retreat for a Remote Team

Suppose your company is run entirely remote or has specific departments that are remote. In that case, you may be missing some of the camaraderie that comes from in-person interactions with your colleagues. Whether you have always been a remote team or the switch to working from home has been more recent, getting everyone in one place without proper planning can be challenging. Holding a company retreat for your remote team can be game-changing, so keep reading for the steps you should take to help make a productive retreat a possibility for you and your coworkers!

Frogbridge Events is an all-inclusive natural resort set on 86 acres of land in New Jersey. Their mission is to help you and your company escape from day-to-day life for a few days as you indulge in all nature has to offer, all while reconnecting and recentering company goals!

How to Plan a Company Retreat When Everyone Works Remote

Planning a retreat is hard when you have everyone in one building. Now add in the fact that most remote teams can be pretty spread out throughout a state or even a country; this is no simple task. While it may not be easy, it is certainly not out of the question. With some advanced planning a month or so ahead, these steps should help you and your team plan so as many people can join in on the fun as possible!

  • Choose three dates and then send out a survey for which works best for your team members. Whatever date the majority choose is the date you should stick with!
  • Plan out the retreat. Now that you have a date on the calendar, sit down with a few colleagues and plan out what will happen each day of the retreat.
  • Set tangible goals. Figure what exactly you and your team need to accomplish on the retreat so that you can enter into it with intentions!
  • Send out a schedule. Once the date is set, the retreat is planned, and the goals are set, send an agenda to your team so they can plan accordingly and get excited for the fun in store!

Planning is key to an event going off without a hitch, and a company retreat is no different. When planning this particular retreat, remember to do your best to remain flexible with your employees when planning their schedules around the retreat.

Is It Expensive to Run a Company Retreat?

The cost of a company retreat will vary depending on variables like trip duration, how many people will attend, and where the retreat will be held. While cost should be a point of consideration when planning, also remember that remote companies do save a lot of money when it comes to other overhead costs like an office building. While the retreat itself will not be cheap, if budgeted correctly, it should be worth the investment for your company.

What Activities Should You Do on a Company Retreat?

For a company retreat to be successful, there has to be a healthy balance between work and fun. Of course, the goal is to be productive and accomplish the things set with intention by your team, but a retreat should not be another regular workweek in a different location.

Since this is a rare opportunity for you and your remote team to spend some time together in person, use the retreat as an opportunity to grow closer and learn more about one another. After all, work relationships will help strengthen your team and allow for better collaboration overall. While there should be time scheduled to sit and work alongside one another, the following list contains some ideas for non-work-related activities to help strengthen your team’s bond!

  • Go for a hike
  • Kayaking
  • Split into teams and play basketball or volleyball
  • Go on a food tour
  • Participate in a bar hop
  • Outdoor laser tag
  • Go rock climbing
  • Have a bonfire
  • Cook a meal together
  • Visit a theme park

Combine some of these fun activities with some team-building exercises, goal sharing, and work hours, and you will leave your company retreat with a new sense of connectivity and belonging within your team!

Plan Your Remote Company Retreat at a New Jersey Resort

As a remote company, you and your team probably spend a lot of time indoors and behind a screen. Get back to your roots and connect with nature at the adventure-filled Frogbridge natural resort! With the Newark International Airport a short distance away, Frogbridge is easy to get to for your team members that may be coming in domestically or even internationally! Start planning your company’s next adventure by clicking here or calling (609) 208-9475.

Fun Outdoor Team Building Games Your Employees Will Love

Team building games and activities are supposed to be educational and enjoyable. They help employees learn more about their colleagues and how to work better in a team environment. Whether you want to use these games for new hire orientation or bring your team closer together, there are fun and innovative ways to do this. At Frogbridge Events, we know that not everyone will be excited about team-building activities, so we compiled a list of fun outdoor team-building games your employees will love!

Scavenger Hunt

Break the group into two or more teams, and make a list of tasks for the teams to complete. Tasks can include taking a picture with a stranger, climbing a tree, or finding a specific plant. Whichever team completes the most tasks wins. You can even create your point systems according to task difficulty. It’s an excellent way for employees to bond and work together. 

The Human Knot

Have everyone stand in a circle facing each other, shoulder to shoulder. Then, employees will put their hands out and grab the hand from someone across the circle. The group then has to untangle themselves without releasing their hands. If the group is too large, consider breaking it into smaller circles and have both teams compete. It is a great exercise to show the power of teamwork.

The Perfect Square

All you need to do the perfect square activity is a long piece of rope and blindfolds for each person. Have your coworkers stand in a circle, each holding a piece of the rope. Instruct your employees to put on their blindfolds and set the rope on the ground. Everyone will walk a short distance away from the rope. They then have to walk back, find the rope, and form a square out of it. To make it more challenging, have some team members stay silent. This activity is great to build upon communication and leadership skills.

The Mine Field

Find an open space and place objects like cones, balls, or bottles sporadically across the field. Have people pair up or split the group into teams of two. One person wears a blindfold and can’t speak, while the other leads them through the maze using only verbal instructions, such as right, left, straight, or back.

The Egg Drop

Split everyone into groups of three to five people and give each team an uncooked egg. Have a pile of supplies and give them 20 minutes to build a contraption around the egg that will keep it from breaking when dropped. Some suggestions for supplies are tape, pencils, packing material, newspapers, and rubber bands. The egg drop game is a way for team members who do not get to work together often put their heads together to solve a problem.

Book Your Perfect Outdoor Company Event at Frogbridge Events

Bring your employees and guests together for a fun outdoor company picnic at Frogbridge Events! Our corporate event venues in Central NJ can help you customize your event to ensure your guests have a fantastic experience while engaging in team-building exercises and activities.

Our expansive resort sits in Central New Jersey on 86 acres of picturesque views and various amenities, including tennis courts, kayaks, pools, and more. We guarantee that your team has never experienced a company event quite like this. To learn more about our outdoor retreat, call 609-208-9475 or complete our contact form. We can’t wait to see you at Frogbridge Events!

Health and Safety Considerations When Planning a Corporate Event

There are several health and safety precautions event planners must consider when creating a corporate event. As an event organizer, you have a duty of care to keep your guests safe and take reasonable steps to prevent your guests from being harmed. When you’re planning a corporate event, consider Frogbridge Events. Our expert team will help take the ease off of planning while ensuring your guests remain safe.

Assess Your Event Venue

Start your planning by detailing the scope of your event. Include all the activities you may offer, how many people will attend, and their demographics. With this information in mind, visit the event venue to assess whether it can accommodate everything you need. Some factors to consider are the venue’s capacity, access, potential hazards, and facilities.

Once you confirm that the venue can sustain your event, create a site plan detailing where the structures, facilities, entrances, and exits will be. Share that plan with your contractors, suppliers, staff, and guests.

Create an Emergency Plan

While we hope they don’t happen, you must plan for emergencies. Remember, an emergency is not just an injury. It can also be a fire, stage collapsing, or inclement weather. When creating an emergency plan, keep the following in mind:

  • How will you communicate an emergency with staff and guests?
  • Who will be your point of contact in case of an emergency?
  • How will you move people away from immediate danger?
  • How will emergency vehicles get to your location?
  • Will there be ambulances on-site?
  • Is there a first aid kit on-site?
  • Do you need security?

Before your event begins, walk through the venue to ensure all your emergency plans are in place.

Food Safety at Corporate Events

Food safety includes all aspects of preparing and serving food, such as avoiding allergic reactions, sensitivities and intolerances, managing choking risks, and ensuring food is not contaminated. When you send out event invitations, request both dietary requirements and food allergies/anaphylaxis from guests. Then notify the caterers of foods to avoid. Ensure the staff correctly labels foods containing allergens so guests know what they can and cannot have.

Coronavirus Health and Safety Measures

Health and safety have always been an essential part of event planning, but it is even more crucial now because of the coronavirus. You should have multiple hand sanitizer and hand wash stations around the venue. Additionally, you may want to require all attendees to wear a face mask at all times to reduce the risk of infection.

Having guests maintain social distancing may also help reduce infections. Play distance markers on the ground and encourage guests to follow them. If you are feeding attendees, spread tables six feet apart and have only one party per table.

Plan Your Perfect Corporate Event in Central New Jersey

When you’re looking for a safe place to plan your next company event, choose Frogbridge Events. Located in Central New Jersey, our venue has plenty of open space for your guests to spread out and stay safe. Across 86 acres of breathtaking views, mouthwatering foods, and exciting team-building activities, Frogbridge Events is the perfect place for events.

It’s understandable to feel worried about planning a corporate event during a pandemic, but we follow all CDC and state-recommended guidelines for social distancing, cleaning, and disinfecting. One of our staff members can work with you one-on-one to develop an extensive safety plan, as well.

Call our corporate event venue in Central NJ at 609-208-9475 or complete our contact form today to learn more about our various corporate event packages!

6 Ideas to Make Your Corporate Picnic a Summer Tradition

Company retreats are a great way to keep your team fresh, happy, and vitalized as they get a chance to build chemistry and blow off steam. While everyone loves R&R, there are a few key points that ensure summer events become a hit with your people and a memorable staple in your corporate culture.

Cook Up Crowd Pleasers

It wouldn’t be a picnic without a great spread for everyone to enjoy. While many will be looking for summer favorites like burgers or hot dogs on the grill, it’s important to account for different diets and preferences on your team. Ensure that kosher, halal, vegetarian, vegan, allergy-conscious, and gluten-free options are provided to make everyone feel welcome in the fun. An inclusive environment is perhaps the most important thing to consider when planning events.

If you’re looking to switch things up a little, throw a themed twist on the menu. With options like barbeque, clam bakes, taco bars, specialty desserts, and more, Frogbridge has the variety to keep your team satisfied and coming back for seconds all day long.

Poolside Fun to Beat the Heat

It’s always good to get out in the sun, and having open water nearby is perfect for those hot summer days. Being able to dive in and cool off keeps people refreshed and relaxed.

Being near the water opens up all kinds of other activities, from taking kayaks and pedal boats out to fishing. If your event is for the whole family, pools and lakes are surefire ways to make sure the kids are entertained too.

Classic Games Add Team-Building to Any Event

While traditional team-building exercises are proven methods of nurturing camaraderie on your team, setting up sports events gets your people working together with ease. Whether it’s a laid-back game or the competitive juices get flowing, a day of sun, food, and sport can bring everyone closer together.

Games like volleyball, basketball, soccer, or wiffleball bring people closer by putting them in a fun, collaborative environment where they work together to achieve a mutual goal. It’s also a good way to blow off steam as a group and work off some calories.

Throwback Activities to Bring Out the Kid in Everyone

There’s nothing like good old-fashioned nostalgia to put smiles on faces. Games people may have completely forgotten about like dodgeball were gym-class and birthday-party favorites back in the day. They’re quality entertainment for the whole family or just the grownups.

Either way, activities like this are sure to evoke childlike joy and can be great ice-breakers so that your team can really get to know each other on a personal level outside the workplace.

Recreational Games for Laid-Back Fun

To balance out some of the more active games, have activities that require a little less energy, with all the same benefits. This is also a good way to make sure everyone is included and can find their good times throughout the day. Think about how much your people could enjoy lawn games like bocce ball, horseshoe, and minigolf.

Fun for the Whole Family

If you are leaning toward inviting families along, find things to keep their children and loved ones entertained. While kids can partake in most any of the fun listed above, sometimes it’s a good idea to give the little ones a space and activities of their own.

Dedicated playgrounds give them a good venue to burn off some energy and keep them entertained for hours. Letting the kids play in a safe environment is sure to make it a favorite with families and keep everyone looking forward to your picnics.

Book the Perfect Venue at Frogbridge Picnics and Special Events

Whatever direction you want to take your summer events in, Frogbridge has a wealth of options and just about anything you could imagine can become a reality here. With 86 acres to spread out over, a pool complex, lakefront beaches, sports venues, and more, everything you need to create the perfect event and reward your team with a truly special day is at your disposal.

Book the team-building trip of your dreams with Frogbridge Events by reaching out to us online or giving us a call today at (609) 208-9475.

Should You Invite Families and Kids to your Company Outing?

One of the best parts of a company outing is being able to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the office. Spending time with your coworkers in a new environment is a great way to bond and learn more about the people you work with every day. However, depending on the nature of your company retreat, there is a possibility that team members will want to bring their families with them. This brings up the question: should families and children be invited to company events?

While it might seem like an easy answer, there is a great deal of consideration that should go into this decision. Take a look below as we explore the different aspects, limitations, and advantages of extending an invitation to the families of employees for a company retreat.

Benefits of Inviting Families to a Work Retreat

One of the most important advantages of allowing employees to bring their children and loved ones to a company outing is that it shows your team that your company cares about them outside of their work efforts. This helps them feel like they are not just a number, but a respected member of the team. Including a family dynamic in the event can also give it an air of informality and relieve tension for newer employees by making them feel more comfortable.

The location for company outings and the nature of the retreat itself are important to consider when inviting family members. Certain places are going to be a great environment for team building and fun, while others might be a little more goal-oriented and focused. Some of the best company retreats to invite families to include:

  • Large-scale events with activities
  • Picnics or outdoor games
  • Holiday parties

If you are planning a work-related outing for your team and would like to encourage employees to include their families in the event, be sure to offer a range of activities that attendees of all ages can enjoy. One easy way to do this is to find a location that offers a variety of activities for team members and their families to choose from.

Family-Friendly Company Outing Activities

Many work retreats encourage team-building exercises as part of their itinerary. These help generate a stronger sense of comradery and cooperation. If you’re struggling to find ways to include your employees and their family members in group activities, look no further than the following:

  • Tug-of-war
  • Relays and races
  • Treasure or scavenger hunts
  • Go-karting or bumper cars
  • Trail hiking

The most important aspect of selecting group activities is that you plan for individuals who may not want to participate. Certain events may be too rigorous or physically demanding for guests like expectant mothers or anyone with a small child, so be sure to incorporate some more low-impact activities such as trivia, board games, or puzzles.

When Not to Invite Family to a Company Retreat

It can be a great deal of fun to have your coworkers interacting with and getting to know your family in a relaxed and engaging environment. However, certain situations may not be improved by the presence of spouses, relatives, or children.

When a company outing is strategically designed to include activities like brainstorming sessions, project planning, and work-related seminars, family members should not be included. These types of retreats are geared toward education and development—things that can be hindered by the presence of family members, especially young children. Not only will it be difficult for an employee to focus if they are at an event with their family, but the attendee’s family also may not be as interested in your quarterly sales as the rest of the group. It’s a negative experience all around, and one that can easily be avoided by refraining from inviting family members to work-centered company retreats.

If you are attempting to stay on a budget for the event, it may also be a good idea to avoid extending invitations to more than the necessary number of attendees. Including family members in an event can be costly, regardless of the activity. Companies looking to shave a few dollars off of their event budget should consider only inviting team members, supervisors, and managers.

Plan a Family-Friendly Work Retreat at Frogbridge Events

Company outings can be stressful to plan, especially if you are including a large group of people that includes team members and their families. Here at Frogbridge Events, we make it easy for you to plan a safe and memorable retreat for attendees of all ages with our menu of exciting activities and 86-acres of natural beauty in Central New Jersey. If you’re ready to take your work outing to the next level, contact Frogbridge Events and start planning your next amazing company retreat today. You can reach us at (609) 208-9475 or contact us online for more information about our grounds, activities, and facilities.

Taking on the challenge of planning the ultimate team-building company picnic is exciting. However, if you have no clue where to start, this task may feel daunting. When it comes to planning a company event outdoors, it is your job to ensure everything is taken care of and runs smoothly while managing your other job responsibilities. Feeling anxious and stressed about how your event will turn out is common, but don’t be discouraged. The following information will provide you with insightful information on how to organize a successful and eventful company picnic. 

Steps for Planning a Fun Outdoor Company Picnic  

If you’re looking for advice on how to plan a lively company picnic, you’re in luck. Depending on the type of picnic or event your hosting, there may be different details you’ll need to think about and prepare. However, with any type of team-building company event, there are four steps you must take to ensure it’s productive and consistent with your expectations. Read on to discover the best next steps to achieve just that!  

Consider Your Goals

The main question to ask yourself when planning your company picnic is, “What’s the purpose of the event?” Before jumping into little tasks like searching for vendors, sending out invitations, and securing a venue, focus on identifying your vision and goals for the event.

If your goal is to produce a thoughtful and powerful getaway that encourages collaboration, boosts morale, and builds connections through engaging and friendly competition, then you’re already one step closer to organizing the perfect company picnic.

Set the Tone

After you conceptualize your company picnic, get your crew pumped up for a fun-filled weekend. When most people hear the word “team building,” they think of awkward and boring ice breakers. If people on your team go into the picnic with a negative outlook, others will start to feel the same.

Before you leave for the picnic, call for a company meeting. This is where you can set the tone, state your goals for the picnic, and show your team that this picnic will be memorable. Some things you can mention in the meeting to spur up excitement include:

  • Delicious catered food
  • Competitive activities
  • Entertainment
  • Other games and prizes

After all their hard work, this is an opportunity for your team to take part in a transformational and inspiring event– one that is sure to have them feeling like kids again.

Let Your Team Have Some Free-Time

Once your company arrives at the picnic, don’t try to rush it. Give your team the ability to adjust to life outside the office and take in the smell of fresh air. After all, this is an event for them– therefore, let them roam around, relax, mingle, and of course, get pepped-up once they see how much effort you put into making this picnic unique.

It is critical that members on your team have the time to engage in personal conversations face to face, especially if most of their work is independent or remote. Meeting in person, without the worries of work tasks, is now largely about connecting and bonding intimately, and less about focusing on work talk.

Incorporate Friendly Competitions

The most important thing you can do to make your company picnic one worth remembering is to incorporate friendly competitions to inspire employee engagement. There are several different types of enticing team-building activities and games that you can include in your company picnic that will spark up and challenge your team. Here is a list of company picnic game ideas and activities to help inspire employee engagement:

  • Cornhole tournament
  • Karaoke
  • Treasure hunt
  • Board game tournament
  • Sporting events
  • Water activities
  • Giant scrabble
  • Giant Jenga
  • Carnival like games
  • Putting greens
  • Company Trivia

The list goes on, but the main point is to include games that require your employees to get up, think hard, and collaborate with their peers. To make the thrill of winning even more attractive, include game winner prizes and incentives. Not only does a little competition never hurt anyone, but it can help your team build self-confidence and learn something new about themselves and their coworkers.

Still Not Sure Where to Start? Contact Frogbridge Picnics & Events for Support

An outdoor company picnic is the perfect opportunity for everyone at the office to take a break and feel appreciated for all that they do. Planning this by yourself might seem overwhelming, which is why our Central NJ corporate event venues is here to alleviate any of the troubles you have. 

When you choose to host your outdoor corporate event or company picnic at Frogbridge Events, our devoted event planners will help with the details to make your event an exceptional one. From building the ideal menu to creating a personalized website, our comprehensive planning process provides an incomparable and care-free experience for your corporate event or company picnic. To start planning your company picnic at Frogbridge, please complete our contact form or call our office today at (609) 208-9475.

How Engaging with Nature Can Boost Employees’ Wellbeing

From the open air to trees swaying in the wind, engaging with nature can introduce real meaning to our lives. You often hear people say that getting outdoors is great for your health, and a significant amount of research shows how true that saying is. However, employers and workplaces often overlook the benefits of nature on employee health. 

Simply finding time and ways to incorporate the outdoors into your workplace or providing alternative ways for employees to enjoy nature can make all the difference in the mood around your office. If you’re not yet convinced of the power of nature, discover below how engaging with nature can boost employees’ wellbeing. 

The Connection Between Nature and Employee Wellbeing 

Work environments can be stressful. An unpleasant situation can make employees feel anxious, overwhelmed, and tired. These feelings directly affect whole-body health. Stress increases blood pressure and heart rate, and tiredness and tension can fatigue muscles and weaken the immune system. A captivating and freeing environment, like nature, can help!

  • Heal: Nature is healing, both externally and internally. Even just 20 minutes outside in the sun and warmth can boost employee wellbeing. 
  • Soothe: Nature is a healthy distraction. When work is busy and personal life is hectic, employees can take a moment to absorb natural scenery. 
  • Rejuvenate: Spending time outdoors is peaceful. A quiet environment with tranquil surroundings can help reduce anxiety, allowing employees to restore their minds and focus on their purpose. 
  • Connect: Being at a desk all day and sitting in front of a computer screen is draining. 

Nature gives employees time to reflect and connect with the outside world, themselves, and those around them. 

Nature and Its Effect on Three Dimensions of Wellness

Unquestionably, nature is powerful. Yet, nature’s effects go further than providing a destination to rest, relax, and recharge. Engaging with nature benefits these three dimensions of wellness:

Physical

Sitting inside all day not only limits employees’ physical activity but also promotes unhealthy practices over time. Staring at a screen all day can cause headaches and damage cells in the brain. A stationary lifestyle is a common contributor to weight gain and long-term illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. 

Being outdoors encourages employees to get up and move. Moving your body releases serotonin in the brain, gets blood flow pumping, nourishes the skin, and strengthens the mind—all of which are vital to employee wellbeing, satisfaction, and productivity.   

Emotional

Nature is emotionally therapeutic. In busy workplace environments, it’s often challenging to find a space to unwind. Even offices with private rooms and nooks for employees to hang out still don’t allow them to fully disengage from their work. They may feel pressured about getting back to work or consumed with all they have left to do; therefore, they miss out on re-energizing their minds. 

Getting outside can help rebalance the nervous system, allowing employees to come back into work with a fresh and clear mind. This will not only aid work performance, but it will also help improve workplace morale. This is because people can sense others’ energy, so when one employee feels right about something, that positive feeling typically spreads around the office. 

Social

Work can oftentimes feel isolating, especially if employees tend to work more independently. People need connection, whether it’s to someone else, themselves, or nature. When employees are socially isolated, it can lead to loneliness, which may result in depression or anxiety. Access to nature aids connectedness to the environment and centers employees to their true selves. Working outdoors can also help employees get to know one another through shared experiences, fostering mutual trust and respect. 

Explore the Great Outdoors with Your Team at Frogbridge Events

Nurture your employees at Frogbridge Picnics & Events with our captivating, 86-acre outdoor company event venue in Central New Jersey. Our venue is an exceptional complement for memorable learning and life experiences, whether you’re looking to spoil your company or celebrate a milestone. 

Are you interested in planning an unforgettable outdoor company retreat or picnic? We’ve got you covered. We have extensive experience helping companies, large and small, plan seamless and exciting company events. Our planners will consider your needs and budget to create the perfect outdoor experience that’ll leave your employees feeling brand new. Inquire about our company event packages by completing a contact form or calling our office at (609) 208-9475 today. 

Five Precautions to Take When Planning Your Corporate Event After COVID-19

Perhaps you want to reward your team for their exceptional work, or you want to celebrate a company milestone. It may be that you’re looking to give your employees a weekend out of the office to relax and unwind. Whatever your reasons, it’s possible that you’re hesitant about planning a corporate event after COVID-19. With strict regulations and lockdowns, you’re probably wondering how you’ll be able to organize a unique corporate event. 

Luckily, by taking the necessary precautions, a small-scale outdoor event is workable. If you’re looking to host a corporate event for your company, take a look at the following information highlighting five safety measures you should take per CDC guidelines. 

Restrict the Number of Attendees

Because COVID-19 is highly contagious, airborne, and can live on surfaces for hours to days, the main concern you may have is how to keep your attendees socially distanced. The most effective way to do this is to restrict the number of guests. Be sure to only invite the most significant people who should be attending the event, and remove the option to bring a plus one. 

Of course, you don’t want to leave anyone out, but it may be worth noting those that may have a higher risk of getting sick. If there’s anyone on your team with a health condition or that can’t risk getting sick because they’re around other vulnerable family members, then you might want to give them the option to attend the event virtually. 

In addition, because CDC health experts recommend keeping a six-foot distance between one another, look for venues with a large, open space that will comfortably accommodate your guests. 

Host a Handshake-Free Event

Not only does social distancing call for increased space between people, but it also requires limited physical touch. Just nine months ago, a normal event would allow for handshakes, hugs, and high fives. Unfortunately, the safest thing to do would be to introduce a handshake-free concept, and as the organizer, it’s up to you to uphold these rules. 

Notify all guests prior to the event what your safety expectations are. If you’re creating invitations, don’t forget to make a bold call to action stressing the importance of everyone playing their part in keeping the event as safe as possible. Establish alternative ways to greet someone without touching, such as waving or air hugs. If someone is experiencing signs of the virus before the event, make sure they stay behind and get the care they need. 

Enforce the Use of Personal Protective Gear

Although the use of masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer has become second nature, it’s still imperative that you and your guests recognize the importance of them. Ensure that all guests are using personal protective gear in the correct way. Masks should be worn covering the nose and mouth, and hands should be sanitized frequently throughout the day. Additionally, you’ll want to purchase extra masks and gloves for employees, as well as provide handwashing and sanitization opportunities. For instance, talk to your venue about setting up sanitization stations. 

Choose an Outdoor, Clean, and Sanitized Venue 

Choose a stunning outdoor event venue at Frogbridge Events. We strive to keep you and your team confident knowing that your corporate event can still be spectacular despite the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. From open-air lakeside activities to fun outdoor affairs, our outdoor corporate event venue can easily accommodate at least 100 guests while effectively following CDC guidelines for social distancing, cleaning, and disinfecting. We know the importance of keeping your employees comfortable, which is why we’ll make it a priority to implement the best practices and procedures for disinfecting our venue. 

At Frogbridge Events, we only host up to two events per day. If you want to be certain your event is the only one taking place for health reasons, be sure to let our event planners know and we will sort out the details with you. Also, our exceptional culinary chef will craft a menu to meet your specific request—no matter your group’s dietary restrictions or if you want food individually wrapped to limit the spread of the virus. 

Perfect Outside Venue for Your Corporate Event in Central NJ

Open spaces, all things nature, and resort-style amenities are what Frogbridge Events in Central, New Jersey is all about. It’s understandable to feel worried about planning a corporate event after a pandemic, but there are plenty of ways you can keep your guests safe while having fun when you book with Frogbridge Events. Your guests can indulge in 86 acres of breathtaking views, mouthwatering foods, and exciting team-building activities. It’s been an overwhelming year for everyone, especially workers. Don’t underestimate the transformative power of an outdoor corporate event. 

Frogbridge Events has successfully planned and executed hundreds of corporate events and company picnics. From catering and entertainment to security and health precautions, we’ll help plan a stress-free and one-of-a-kind corporate event for your team. To learn more about the various corporate event packages we have to offer, complete a contact form or call our office any time at (609) 208-9475. We look forward to hearing from you! 

 

Why It’s Beneficial to Go Outdoors for 20 Minutes a Day

The power of the sun is oftentimes underestimated. Spending time outdoors, even if it’s just for 20 minutes a day, comes with major benefits to your physical and mental well-being. In a technology-heavy society, a little fresh air and sunlight can rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s for a walk or to lay out by the pool, try and make it a habit to get outside every day. 

When you’re caught up in work or other responsibilities, it can be difficult to set aside time to go outside. But you shouldn’t compromise your health because you’re busy. Make it a goal to spend at least 20 minutes outside a day. It’s nearly effort-free and comes with several health benefits. Below you’ll discover some health benefits that may motivate you to put down your phone and enjoy the sunshine! 

Exposure to Sunlight Can Enhance Overall Health

Have you ever heard of seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called “winter depression?” Research has found that during seasons with little sun exposure, people feel sad or unmotivated. This doesn’t have to do with the temperature, but rather diminished access to daylight. 

Exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s production of serotonin, a mood-enhancing chemical released in the body that promotes wellbeing and happiness. The human body runs on a clock called the circadian rhythm, a 24-hour biological process that regulates cycles of sleepiness and alertness. That’s why we feel awake when the sun comes up and tired when it’s dark. When your circadian rhythm is disrupted, your immune system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, and other bodily systems don’t function properly. The healing power of natural sunshine can reset your circadian rhythm, not only improving your mood but also keeping you:

  • Focused 
  • Calm 
  • Alert
  • Energized

When your body’s rhythms are synchronized, you’ll have better quality sleep, less stress reactivity, and overall enhanced brain function. 

Daily Sunshine to Boost Vitamin D Levels 

The human body does not produce vitamin D on its own. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium, which promotes and helps maintain strong bone health. Fortunately, everyone has access to vitamin D—all you have to do is walk outside! People who have vitamin D deficiencies have an increased risk of developing illnesses such as cancer, depression, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. 

In addition, vitamin D plays a major role in skin health. When vitamin D is absorbed into the skin, it acts as a steroid that protects it from aging prematurely. It creates a barrier that helps control acne, eczema, rosacea, dry skin, or cancer. However, too much vitamin D can be damaging. The use of sunscreen or moisturizers with SPF can reduce your risk of developing wrinkles, age spots, sagging, and other forms of sun damage. 

Sunlight Has Powerful Anti-inflammatory Properties 

Inflammation naturally occurs in the body to help you fight off injuries, toxins, and infections. However, when inflammatory mechanisms fail, it may lead to pain and swelling. In more severe cases, it can contribute to developing certain health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease. Luckily, vitamin D has powerful anti-inflammatory properties to help combat these major inflammatory diseases. Vitamin D helps increase the production of cytokine proteins and pro-inflammatory cells which strengthen the immune system.

Plan Your Company’s Outdoor Event of the Year at Frogbridge 

Give your team a truly unique company picnic, filled with team-building activities and lifelong memories at Frogbridge Picnics & Special Events. From music and inflatable amusements to disc jockeys and variety performers, your employees will leave our 86-acre grounds feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Our Frogbridge team consists of experienced event planners who specialize in preparing and executing small-scale and large-scale corporate events. You can rest assured that every aspect of your outdoor corporate event will be well-coordinated from start to finish. 

Ready to book your outdoor event of the year? Call (609) 208-9475 or complete a contact form to learn more about the many packages available at Frogbridge. 

Top Ways an Outdoor Corporate Event Can Boost Employee Morale

When employees lack morale, it negatively impacts performance, productivity, and workplace culture. This can lead to overly stressful and disconnected workplace environments. What’s worse is that low employee morale can spread quickly around the office, affecting even top-performing employees. 

For managers and company executives, boosting employees’ morale can be a challenging task. However, it’s imperative to be proactive and tackle the issue before things get worse. That’s not only because work projects could be at risk of falling below the standard. There are more long-term consequences to consider: Low employee morale, if not managed properly, can result in increased turnover and absenteeism. 

Fortunately, there are several ways you can support your team. One of the best ways is an outdoor corporate event! Not only can an outdoor corporate event help cultivate a high-energy company culture, but it can also strengthen team cohesion. Still not convinced? Here are some other top ways an outdoor corporate event can boost employee morale. 

Change of Environment 

Doing the same thing repeatedly gets boring after a while. Employees that come to work and do their same routine every day may start to feel unmotivated and lack determination. A change of environment can get your employees out of a rut by giving them something different to do. Perhaps a little fresh air and fun activities will be all they need to recharge and refocus. 

An outdoor corporate event is the perfect opportunity to get all-in-one. From outdoor picnics and comfort foods to recreational activities and relaxation time, your employees can benefit greatly from an office getaway. Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery for your employees to discover the best version of themselves and each other. 

Inspiring Messages 

Undoubtedly, the weather affects our mood. Ever heard “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles? Well, they weren’t lying when they sang about “the smiles returning to their faces.” Just as a rainy day can put us in a lazy and sad mood, sunshine can brighten moods and cheer us up. 

The outdoors and the vast natural beauty around us—like trees, flowers, and lakes—have powerful effects on our health. Instead of taking a company trip to a restaurant or indoor venue, consider how much your employees would love an outdoor event. An outdoor corporate event can help your employees think more clearly and inspire them to achieve their goals and apply themselves to their work more meaningfully. 

Unwind and Destress 

Being in nature is relaxing and will allow your employees to unwind and destress—not just from work responsibilities, but from personal ones too. With open-air and sunshine, your employees can rejuvenate their minds and bodies, completely resetting their outlook. A corporate event venue on a lakefront or with a pool can create an immediate feeling of relaxation. Just seeing or hearing water can make your employees feel calm, instantly taking them to a safe place. 

Collective Communication

Communication is essential to the success of any business. It is central to everything we do. When your employees are in a confined space, sometimes communicating can be difficult. Time spent outdoors can encourage your employees to talk about their ideas and reflect on shared interests, which promotes bonding, collaboration, and a way to look at concepts from a different perspective. 

This is a chance for your team to learn new things about each other and build trust. Often, work is just about work. Employees don’t get the chance to learn about what their office mates enjoy doing outside of work or about their families and passions. A safe outdoor environment can stimulate vulnerability and togetherness, inevitably fostering friendship.  

Bonding Activities 

Just as being in an office can reduce collective communication, it can also limit bonding and team building. An outdoor corporate event with effective team-building activities and challenges will not only allow your employees to build teamwork skills but also pave the way for team success. 

Whether it’s sporting activities or trivia games, your employees will be able to spend true quality time together. This will allow them to learn about each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests. You’d be surprised to see how your employees act outside of the workplace and how team-building exercises can develop a shared mindset among team members. 

Foster Creativity

When your employees can communicate freely amongst themselves, they will feel more motivated to express their ideas. Those who are stressed or overwhelmed with work are less likely to come forward and share their thoughts on work-related projects or issues. A well-organized outdoor corporate event enables your employees to think and give them a break from emails and clients.

What’s more is that every time your employees step outdoors and see something that reminds them of your outdoor corporate event, they will have fond memories of how that event changed things for them. Investing in your team is one of the smartest business decisions you will ever make. You will be providing your employees with personal growth and memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. 

Host Your Outdoor Corporate Event at Frogbridge Picnics & Events 

If you want to incorporate the outdoors into your corporate event, Frogbridge Picnics & Events is perfect for you. The combination of our gorgeous 86-acre fields and the enticing scenery of Millstone Township, New Jersey will blow your employees away. The setting, details, and vibe of our venue will give your employees a space to discover themselves. 

At Frogbridge Picnics & Events, our event planners can transform our space to meet your needs. With resort-style amenities, customized catering options, and popular outdoor adventure activities, we are sure that your team will leave feeling satisfied and revitalized. To discover more about what our company picnic venue in Central NJ has to offer, complete a contact form or call our office anytime at (609) 208-9475. 

How Early Should You Begin Planning a Company Retreat?

You know that your team desperately needs a getaway, but you’re debating how to do this. You’re not sure if you want to have a holiday event, a team-service event, or day off. Have you ever considered a company retreat? An effectively planned and executed company retreat comes with countless benefits that reward and engage your employees. Giving your employees the opportunity to participate is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can go a long way for both them and your company. 

Company retreats have the power to boost employee morale, build personal relationships, and re-energize your team’s wellness. When your team feels valuable and important, they work and cooperate more efficiently. However, planning a successful and meaningful retreat can be overwhelming, so the sooner you start, the better the outcome. 

Why Planning Earlier is Better 

The earlier you begin planning your company retreat, the more time you have to get everything organized and make certain everything is in order to guarantee a productive event. Planning your event earlier will allow you to clearly establish your goals for the event and ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Success is for firstcomers, as they say. If you start planning sooner rather than later, you can ensure things run smoothly, especially: 

  • Transportation and budget
  • Securing a venue 
  • Higher turnout rates
  • Quality of the event 

Waiting to plan your company event can cost you the venue you wanted. Quality company retreat venues fill up fast, so you have to be proactive and reserve a date quickly. If you wait too long, your options may be limited, and you may struggle to find a venue that is near you. Also, planning will pay off in the end. When your event is a week away and you’ve already booked a venue, organized transportation, and created invitations, all you have to focus on is making a few calls to confirm that everything is good to go. 

How Many People Are on Your Team? 

The number of people on your team will determine how early you should start. Smaller companies anywhere between 10 to 20 people can reserve three to four months to start planning, whereas medium to large companies with 50 or more people will need anywhere between five to nine months of planning. 

Both small and large-scale events come with unique challenges. However, if you’re planning a large event, you’ll need to be ready for a huge amount of effort. It might be easy to get 15 employees to come to your company event, but trying to accommodate 100 employees is going to be more complex. There are more steps that need to be taken into account, like budget, set up, and resources. Therefore, you should look for venues that have their own coordinators who can draft an event plan and handle all details so you don’t miss out on anything important. 

What Date Works Best for Everyone?   

When it comes time to plan your event, do not underestimate the importance of selecting a date. It isn’t as simple as picking a day on the calendar and hoping everyone can make it. There are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration, including: 

  • Availability of employees
  • Weather 
  • Holidays 
  • School breaks 
  • Conflicting events 

In addition, the issue of team size comes into play when choosing a date. With smaller teams, you can simply send out an email asking everyone to choose a date that they can attend trouble-free. For larger teams, sending out an email to arrange a date can quickly turn into a mess. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself all over the place. 

If you choose a date in advance, you have more time to fix any issues that may arise such as an employee with a prior commitment. Remember that you may not be able to please everyone and there may be complaints, but by starting early, you can give your employees the time they need to move things around in their lives. 

Organize an Unforgettable Company Retreat at Frogbridge Events 

If you’re looking to give your employees an escape from the busyness of the office life, look no further than Frogbridge Picnics & Events in Central New Jersey. Featuring 86 acres of spectacular views, our facility is the perfect option for corporate retreats both large and small. With tons of structured team-building exercises and resort-style amenities to choose from, we have the resources available to meet the needs and budgets of small businesses and large corporations. 

Our company picnic venue in Central NJ can swiftly organize an unforgettable company retreat.  We’ll handle the challenging details while you focus on picking a date and pumping your team up for an exciting day. Our team is more than happy to resolve any questions or concerns you may have. To learn more about the many packages we have to offer for company events, complete a contact form or call our office anytime at (609) 208-9475.

Excellent place for events of any kind.
– Xavier V.