Being a new hire in the workplace can be an intimidating experience. Between learning company processes and meeting a slew of new people at once, it may be difficult for them to feel like a part of the team. The question is, how can you integrate your new hires into full-fledged team members? The answer may be an exciting company retreat.

How Can I Help My New Hires Feel at Home?

As well as being a fun getaway from the office, a company retreat can help your new hires feel more at home within your organization in a stress-free setting. A retreat with robust team-building activities can be a great way to help bolster new and existing relationships within your company and make your organization stronger for it. Here are some tips for breaking the ice between your new hires and longtime team members for an unforgettable retreat.

Take It Outside

When imagining a company retreat, some of your employees may envision stuffy board rooms and back-to-back meetings. You can break the mold and make your retreat memorable by hosting it in a scenic location with plenty of fresh air and activities. An outdoor retreat can make both new and old employees feel like they are out of the office and more comfortable relaxing and socializing. Outdoor retreats also lend themselves to a wealth of activities that will get your whole team involved, such as picnics, boat tours, mini-golf, and more!

Break the Ice

Using icebreaker questions at your retreat can lighten the mood and make your new hires feel more at ease. Icebreakers can help your teammates get to know each other quickly, making them a great opening activity. While these questions are great for your new team members, long-term employees might even find themselves learning new things about one another. Consider using some of the questions below for a great start to your retreat:

  • What is something interesting about you that we wouldn’t know just by looking?
  • What is an accessible item on your bucket list that you haven’t accomplished yet?
  • What is one personal or professional skill you wish you could learn instantly?
  • As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
  • What is one topic you could teach a class on?

Use these and more to generate fun, meaningful conversations within your team.

Focus on Team Building

Having planned team-building activities is essential to the success of your retreat. If left to their own devices, your employees will often socialize with who they know rather than make new connections. Team building activities ensure that your new team members feel included as part of the team while building morale for your entire organization. Try out some of these great activities at your next retreat:

  • Volleyball tournaments
  • Bumper boats
  • Kayak relays
  • Tug-of-war
  • Treasure hunts

These activities and more will help you boost morale within your company and ensure that every team member feels both valued and included.

Plan Your Next Outdoor Retreat with Frogbridge Picnics & Events

Making new team members feel welcome and comfortable in your company does not happen without planning and effort. A nature retreat may be exactly what your team needs to integrate its new members seamlessly. Frogbridge Events is conveniently located in beautiful central New Jersey and offers customizable packages to fit you and your employees’ needs. Let our team of experts coordinate your next retreat to be both fun and valuable to your team. To start planning your company’s next event, give us a call at (609) 208-9475 or fill out our contact form online.