Creative Company Offsite Ideas for Team Building at Work

 Have you noticed reduced team morale at work lately? Perhaps it’s time to arrange a team-building offsite event.

Offsite group activities and getaways for the team are a perfect tool to foster teamwork, decrease work pressure, and allow employees to interact with each other out of the workplace. 

With the best travel management software, you can choose an idyllic location for the company offsite as per policy compliance and budgets.

We’ve gathered all the information you need to successfully create team-building offsite events for your employees in this extensive guide. 

10 Creative Offsite Ideas for Team Building Activities

#1 One Lie, Two Truths

Number of people: 4+

Purpose: enhances mutual understanding

Playing the game “Two Truths, One Lie” with the team allows members to learn fun facts about each other and to improve their interpersonal communication abilities.

Participants gather in a circle to engage in Two Truths, One Lie. Participants then alternately disclose three intriguing things as they walk around the ring. The goal is to find which of the three claims is false. 

#2 Bonfire Stories

Number of people: 6+

Purpose: Supports bonding

In this traditional game that encourages sharing stories, employees assemble in a circle and exchange professional experiences. They discover new facts about one another and revisit old timelines.

Create a list of terms as a starting point for the storytelling activity and write it on a board. Consider phrases like “initiative,” “client challenge,” “traveling for business,” and “presentation day.” Ask any player to choose one subject word and begin the story. The flow continues with the other players.

#3 Treasure Hunt

Number of people: 20+

Purpose: Collaboration

Split your gathering into groups and start organizing the game, also called a scavenger hunt. Identify the clues the groups will collect during the quest based on the venue. Consider arranging the game at a shopping center, a theme park, a zoo, or a cultural center. The scavenger hunt’s setting should correspond with each clue. 

If you decide to hold the quest at a shopping mall, the clue may involve finding particular items or objects in specific displays or window dressings. Afterward, instruct players to click a snapshot at every spot.

#4 Field Trip

Number of people: 20+

Purpose: Engagement, initiative, interaction

A field trip takes a lot of work, so you may want to hire an agency to assist you. You’ll want to have a minimum of 20 participants and two or three groups to make a field trip event enjoyable and exciting. Ensure that the contest is fair, and be sure to keep things interesting.

Activities should focus on the ultimate objective and the aptitudes the team needs to develop. Popular field trip activities include a potato race, treasure hunt, tug of war, sack race, lemon and spoon, and more.

#5 Go for a hike

Number of people: 4+

Purpose: Goal-oriented, health regimen 

Trekking is a fantastic opportunity to get away from work and absorb the great outdoors. Choose a suitable destination and allow team members to connect organically through the activity. Players will develop endurance as they accomplish a challenging hike.

Choose your route based on the hike’s complexity and duration. Make sure to bring snacks and water for extended hikes.

#6 Film Night

Number of people: 20+

Purpose: Connecting

Movies are fun, and theaters bring back memories. You can also watch the film privately at the location if you’re going on an overnight or weekend trip to a beautiful destination. Speak to the local coordinator about renting a private theater or even having it screened on a hotel lawn if you want to arrange an offsite screening. Think of it as a drive-in theater with a cinema configuration consisting of a large outdoor screen and other paraphernalia like a projector, audio equipment, and an area for seating.

Arrange a few team-building or ice-breaker games for the night before ending by watching a film.

#7 Ice-breaker Activities

Number of people: 4+

Purpose: Reasoning, memory, communication

Regular team exercises to break the ice using ten things in common, pop quizzes, or bucket lists are fun. You could select a different ice-breaker activity that distributes quiz questions to the staff. It can do well for drawing long-distance teams together as the team gets to know one another and have a great time. You can try great online resources like Flexiquiz to get started.

#8 Cookery Contest

Number of people: 4+

Purpose: Teamwork, creativity

This one is fun all the way. There might be chocolate cake or pies on the face at the end of this gourmet team task. As the team devises new meals, they will use their creative skills, teamwork, and management expertise together. 

Choose a culinary theme, split the staff into separate groups, and encourage each group to create anything delectable. Desserts, appetizers, barbecues, or pizza are all possible categories.

#9 Escape Game

Number of people: 7+

Purpose: Teamwork, problem-solving

The innovative concept is an “escape room” that requires teamwork and analytical skills. Teammates get locked in a room by the game organizer, and they will need to overcome challenges and track down tips and clues to get out. Time is of the essence. Players have one hour to locate the key to unlock the room or forfeit. Entertaining concepts like a clinic or haunted houses are usually the theme.

#10 Curated Meetings

Number of people: 10+

Purpose: Bonding and interaction

A thematic workshop or meeting offsite is the most effective way to open the festive season. Have fun while taking pictures of yourself and your coworkers at Santa’s workshop costumed as fairies, angels, or elves with Zoom backdrops or dressing out for Halloween in your scariest outfits.

Because certain celebrations contain historical roots, be careful when selecting your subject; save this activity for more commercial occasions.

More ice-breaking ideas: Karaoke, beatboxing, charades, or whisper down the lane.

Pro-tip: Remember to motivate players with a tip that there is a reward for the team that wins before the field trip begins.

Summing Up: Make Work Fun!

These are a few enjoyable team-building games. The games you choose for your event can make it a “wow” experience. Pick a breathtaking destination or a charming resort as a backdrop to host these events with a theme that helps your staff bond. Prepare to make your employees happy and foster a positive environment at work by having fun with them. 

Expense Tracking Software Delaware

 

ITILITE’s expense tracking software automates most processes of a company’s travel and expense system. The expense reports can be consolidated with the trip ID, enabling employees to get reimbursed at once. Along with an interactive travel booking tool, ITILITE also offers the widest range of inventory in the world, including flights, cabs, etc. With customizable reports and a dashboard for each department, each employee gets complete data visibility to make decisions about what can be purchased or where to go next. Not only this; it also allows companies to set their own policies and multi-level approval workflow as per their organizational structure, budget and contracted hotels.  

10 Future Business Travel Trends And Predictions In 2023

 International travel nearly tripled between January and July 2022 (+172%) compared to the same period in 2021, according to the recent United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Index, indicating that travel has nearly reached its pre-pandemic levels. 

Over the years, people have traveled for business or pleasure. It’s one of the most important things that you can do to improve your life and the world around you. Here are some trends and predictions for the future of business travel in 2023.

Since the beginning of time, people have been traveling for business or pleasure. It’s one of the most important things that you can do to improve your life and the world around you. Here are some trends and predictions for the future of business travel in 2023.

This business travel trends continues despite inflation and airline ticket prices rising by 25%. As of October 2022, there were no COVID-19-related travel restrictions in 111 countries. With travelers eager to fly once again, tourism and hotel businesses are ramping up marketing budgets. 

In this guide, discover the future business travel trends and predictions for 2023 and the marketing techniques you’ll require to take advantage of them.

#1 International travel is back

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that the industry will likely be profitable by 2023, with North America already predicted to make $8.8 billion in profit in 2022. Because of this, world travel has risen to 81% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022. It will have almost fully recovered, reaching 96% in 2023.

#2 Eco-friendly traveling

Sustainable tourism, often known as eco-travel, was a popular leisure and business travel trends in 2022. It is most likely going to continue into 2023. In 2022, more than 80% of passengers stated they plan to book eco-friendly accommodation. The environment will benefit greatly from this, and businesses that want to promote green initiatives in the upcoming year should take note.

#3 Digitization of travel

By 2026, the estimated size of the world market for travel technologies, which was $8.6 billion in 2020, is expected to rise to $12.5 billion. These statistics illustrate how technology and digitalization are essential for the travel and tourism industries. Voice search is becoming more popular among travelers, who use it to find and reserve hotels, flights, and other travel-related accommodations.

IBM says chatbots can reduce customer assistance expenses by up to 30%. Travel businesses can enhance the booking process by using AI-driven travel management software to offer 24/7 support, multilingual assistance, and personalized features.

#4 Impulsive travelers want last-minute bargains

Trying to plan is challenging when everything is uncertain. Due to COVID variants, accompanying travel constraints, shifting workplace cultures, school schedules, and overall indecision, it’s simpler to break free when the chance arises. According to experts, more people will be hunting for last-minute bargains because they want their journeys to be impromptu.

The best way for businesses to attract last-minute travelers is by using the right keywords. They should also track their initiatives to identify the offers that generate the most sales.

#5 Improve travel user experiences

If you thought the pandemic made people patient, think again. Even though travelers are thrilled and eager to get back to traveling, they will not tolerate poor customer service interfering with their trips. Customers will hang up and contact your rivals if they have trouble connecting with you. According to experts, 61% of customers have hung up after being put on hold, and 66% will do the same if they hear a message and lengthy hold periods.

#6 Consider your options

Want to visit the Hofburg in Vienna? Even if you schedule your trip for 2023, don’t put off preparing. You will have to cope with the limited availability of travel trends. Since passengers can now travel abroad, demand has increased. The continued worldwide tourist rebound has resulted in staffing and availability concerns due to supply-demand constraints. 

The most well-liked locations, such as Amsterdam, Tuscany, or the Amalfi Coast, are expected to be sold out for most of next year. The earlier you start planning, the better; if you have your mind made up on a specific location.

#7 Price increases for hotels and flights

Industry analysis predicts that the cost of business travel, including accommodation and flights, will increase into 2023 as demand picks up two years after the Covid pandemic began. There will be a price hike in 2023 due to the spike in fuel prices and since airfares were incredibly low in 2020. 

The Global Business Travel Association predicts that travel expenses will rise by 8.4%, 8.2%, and 6.8% in 2023 for hotels, airlines, and car rentals.

#8 Welcoming customized, unique experiences

Travel companies have witnessed a rise in requests for distinctive, personalized experiences, indicating that travel is undoubtedly back. These travel requests are usually green vacations, ideal getaways when travelers choose to go all out and get all they desire out of a holiday experience.

Covid has given people a need for connection, and they seek personal experiences in a destination’s local microcosm, including its people, food, and culture.

#9 More hotels will open up

Large hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and InterContinental are all developing hundreds of brand-new hotels around the world despite the numerous challenges the business is facing. In 2023, Marriott will open 14 new hotels, and St. Regis will add 29 new properties between now to 2023 or 2024. Hyatt is constructing 300 hotels and entering 11 new markets. 

#10 Family-friendly travel

The importance of the family will only increase in the hospitality industry in the coming years, whether it is a business or leisure trip. Therefore, travel businesses and hotels must consider travelers of varying ages and generations. The travel trend will be family-friendly restaurants in lifestyle hotels with age-appropriate menu items and on-site activities that let parents dine without worrying about the kids. Accommodations should include bunks, loft beds, and activity areas for large families.

Remember your pets, too! Traveling with furry companions is now more common than ever among families. Accommodations may need to support pet services with dog beds, feeding bowls, or pet food!

Final Takeaway: 2023 is about sustainability!

When we review the predictive trends in travel for 2023, we notice a move away from conventional luxury toward environmentally sustainable travel and cost-effective alternatives. The guest experience would be more customized than ever before. The younger breed of travelers seeks out authentic opportunities for social interaction. Hence they choose to spend time in locations related to their passions and hobbies. 

The pandemic has revolutionized travel as travelers search for organic experiences such as eating food farmed locally and tasting wine made at the local vineyard. By engaging with locals and participating in activities that allow them to feel connected, they hope to give their traveling experience a deeper meaning.

7 iOS Apps For Travel Management

 Could you imagine enjoying a barbecue in a local villa in Venice, attending an art workshop in Paris, or catching the flavors of Mardigras in New Orleans? Well, that’s possible if you use the best iOS apps. When you want to book a trip, there is frequently a rush for hotels, flights, and locations. Not much thought goes into anything else. Whether traveling for leisure or work, you should organize your schedule and research the place you’re visiting. The best way to have an immersive experience is to use your iPhone or android to install the best travel management apps

For your convenience, we have analyzed some of the top iOS apps for travel management. Explore more about a few of the best travel management software below.

1. Best Flights and Hotel Deals – ITILITE

ITILITE is the fastest-growing SaaS-based integrated travel management app offering a large selection of flights and hotel rooms. For schedule modifications or cancellations, there are no extra fees or penalties. It is a comprehensive travel management platform.

ITILITE also offers policy controls and auditing to help businesses streamline expense reimbursement. An integrated and comprehensive app for managing travel and expenses with professional round-the-clock travel support via phone, chat, and email.

Features:

• A complete suite of flight and hotel options
• 100% corporate policy adherence
• Multiple approval processes
• Customized reports
• Advanced Analytics
• Superior fraud detection
• Notifications of policy regulations
• Employee visibility and tracking in real-time
• Combining travel IDs and cost policies
• Limitless integration to third-party apps

2. Customized map: Google Maps + My Maps

Everyone knows how to use Google Maps to plan routes between different points using map choices and real-time traffic information. 

A quick route may be available to avoid congested traffic or other factors, and Google Maps alerts you if one exists while you drive.

But there’s more – My Maps is a travel management feature of Google Maps that allows you to build, edit, and store your unique custom maps.

View customized maps on the Google Maps mobile app to locate locations quickly. On Google Maps, go to the Your Places option to find all of your maps. Create a map of your favorite destinations or visit a new city. Online maps can be saved and used on the fly.

Features:

• Add notes, lines, points, forms, and shapes to Google Maps.
• Add images and videos, then link each to a specific place.
• Find and save particular destinations.
• Maps created by other users can get imported from a spreadsheet
• It also supports Google Drive collaboration on a single Google Map.

3. For Organized Packing: PackPoint

Do you dislike making lists more than you dislike missing things? Think about exploring PackPoint. This travel management app generates customized packing lists based on climate forecasts and questions regarding your trip.

The app’s free edition comes with all these features, but you can also pay $2.99 for an in-app purchase to create custom activities and store the bonus items for another trip.

Features:

• Provides a checklist of items to pack based on gender, destination, weather, purpose (reason for the trip), trip duration, and so on.
• Synchs PackPoint to Evernote 
• Share your list with family friends Via emails, text, and social media.
• Makes helpful remainders

4. Sleep and time zone management: Timeshifter

Jet lag may cause your travel to become unorganized. Scientists have used sleep and circadian neuroscience to design this app. Astronauts and professional athletes trust the use of Timeshifter, and you should try it too.

You can use the app to determine when to expose yourself to bright lights, avoid caffeine, and the best time to nap. It considers your sleeping patterns, habits, and routines when creating a custom jet lag approach for you. A plan with an easy-to-follow timeframe is significantly simpler to implement. 

Features: 

• Simple input of work schedules
• Push notifications for tailored guidance
• Practicality filter with straightforward guidance
• Anticipates and helps prevent exhaustion
• Using clear guidance and charts

5. Itinerary creator: TripCase 

The free TripCase app helps you plan your holiday by generating an itinerary. The schedule can include flights, lodging, car rentals, meal reservations, and other items. To establish an itinerary, send TripCase your travel confirmation emails, and it will handle the rest. When you open this travel management app or log onto the website, a complete chronological rundown of your trip awaits you. Input can also get added manually. 

Features: 

Helps you manage

• Flight itineraries
• Hotel bookings
• Rental car reservations
• Restaurant table bookings

6. For a world-class eating experience: Eatwith

Let’s be fair; the whole point of traveling is sampling the local cuisine. Nothing is more disheartening than going somewhere expecting delicious food and finding a tourist trap. One way to experience the flavors of the locals is to taste what the locals eat.

Eatwith carefully selects local people to host from more than 130 different countries. These local hosts organize dinner parties, food tours, and culinary workshops. Travel on a culinary experience as you taste macarons in Paris, attend a paella cooking class in Barcelona, or have a fancy meal prepared by a Michelin-starred chef in London. 

Discovering one of over 5000 dining options that Eatwith provides might not be a bad idea.

Features:

• Food: A cooking expert will host brunches, lunches, dinners, picnics, aperitifs, and tea time.
• Workshops for cooking or wine and food tastings with a professional chef
• Food tours: A stroll through the area of the host, visiting stalls to sample local specialties and street food.
• Online cooking: Study recipes from experienced chefs across different countries and cultures.

7. Event Finder – Meetup

Meetup has evolved since its inception in 2002 to rank among the most widely used applications for finding events. Perhaps you’d like to attend a marathon when you’re there, or you may wish to find a professional photographer to help you chronicle the splendor of the country you’re touring. Perhaps you’re simply searching for a stand-up performance for entertainment. Meetup facilitates such connections. 

The app has more than 225,000 meetup groups worldwide to list regional events in 130 nations. 

Features:

• Locate your local interests
• Options based on geography
• Organize events
• Calendar notifications
• Join or start groups

Closing Thoughts

Having the right iPhone apps can make your trip simple and stress-free. This guide has all the best tools to make your travel adventure smooth and organized. 

15 Employee Incentive Programs That Actually Get Results

 The primary objective of an employee incentives program is to increase engagement and productivity while promoting the company’s goals. Incentives can positively impact employee behavior and business performance.

A poll claims that employees place a high value on workplace recognition and rewarding initiatives. Recipients are more likely to remember and cherish rewards apart from money.

Here, we have listed some of the most popular workplace incentives to help your company rise above the rest. 

Some Monetary Employee Rewards

#1 Spot Rewards/ Bonuses

Spot bonuses, often known as spot rewards, are modest financial incentives provided to staff members to recognize a successful performance for challenging tasks or for working outside the scope of their job.

#2 Sharing of Profits

Splitting profits is a flexible reward given to the employee whenever the business is profitable. The organization might distribute a portion of its income as an incentive amongst its staff. An increase in sales revenue, a rise in net profit, or both can determine the amount.

#3 Salary Increments Based on Performance

Structured increment processes can also be a good motivator. Salary increments are merit-based and determined by employee performance appraisals. Those who receive performance-based raises benefit from long-term earnings potential. 

#4 Referral Incentive

One of the best methods to hire new staff in a business is through referrals. Since it relates to their credibility, employees who provide referrals are eager to discover the “perfect” candidate for a position. They spend time looking for candidates who would be the right match. 

Employee referral incentives attract suitable candidates to an organization as the individual has a stake in the performance of the person they suggested. Also, it is a very cost-effective means of employment.

#5 Rewards for Suggestions

Several businesses use a suggestion reward system to let staff members know their feedback counts. The company recognizes employee suggestions that increase earnings, profitability, or convenience.

Reward staff members for their innovative ideas, no matter how minor. Besides that, it produces an ideal win-win scenario for your business and your staff.

Non-monetary Incentives and Rewards

Appreciation is about a person’s identity, whereas recognition is about what a person does. When Oprah Winfrey spoke during Harvard University’s commencement a few years ago, she addressed this topic powerfully. She stated that the most valuable lesson she had learned from her 25 years of speaking with people was that everyone wants to feel validated.

#6 Business Travel Incentives

Providing business travel incentives can be a motivating gift to employees after Covid restrictions. Business travel using employee travel management software is a popular option among those who wish to continue working while traveling.

46% of companies in the United States offer incentive travel to their staff. Business travel incentives could include complimentary rental vehicles, food reimbursements, flight discounts, accommodation and travel packages, and more.

#7 Gift Cards

Gift cards offer you more flexibility if you want to provide a great incentive. Gift your staff members a gift card to a retail store, eatery, beauty saloon, or gym based on their tastes. 

For example, an employee with the highest monthly target might be awarded a gift card to any retailer of their choice.

#8 Prizes and Awards

An excellent strategy to enhance workplace relationships and promote corporate ethics is through a unique system of rewards.

Honors such as “Best Employee of the Year” or “Best Achievement” are excellent ways to convey the value and importance of every employee.

Companies can enhance workforce loyalty while reducing expenses by implementing an internal appreciation system.

#9 Positive Experience Rewards

The concept of what an organization should offer its workers has transformed over the last decade. Companies today take on a more hands-on framework of rewarding and celebrating staff members.

Experience-based incentives are a great way to recognize individual milestones and team achievements. The reward could be anything from movie tickets to concert passes to local art workshops.

With these kinds of experience-based inducements, employees can wind down from their hectic schedules. They are less pressured; they become contented and more productive with customized incentives based on what they enjoy.

#10 Corporate Get-togethers

Staff can relax from workplace demands at company picnics or get-togethers. It also works wonders for fostering teamwork. Other alternatives to the classic picnic include visiting a theme park or any tourist resort or camping site.

Employees can have fun themselves at office parties, annual day events, and quarterly ceremonies. It gives them something to anticipate enjoying. Staff can also receive public honor during such celebrations.

#11 Option of Remote Work Days

The freedom of remote working is a preference with many employees post the pandemic. Think about allowing them a day where they can log in at their convenience and work remotely. It gives people a feeling of autonomy at work.

#12 Fitness and good health

Healthcare incentives are crucial for companies that are trying to minimize exhaustion. They encourage physical and mental health because unwell employees can’t work at their best. 

With the pressures employees are under right now, this is extremely important. Complimentary healthy meals, on-site medical check-ups, standing workstations, and regular health fairs are a few simple ideas that can get implemented in any company.

#13 Fringe Perks and Benefits

The bonuses many businesses give their workers on top of their salary are fringe benefits. These include non-cash benefits like health insurance, overtime payoff, paid holidays/vacations, etc.

Fringe benefits are appealing to both employees and the company. It may lower the employer’s overall tax and compensation expenses.

#14 Club Membership

A few membership ideas include subscriptions to coffeehouse clubs, book clubs, food delivery services, spa memberships, or sports clubs, to name a few.

#15 Trademark Merchandise

Provide complimentary branded items to staff members, such as t-shirts, water bottles, and coffee mugs with the brand name and company logo. It also serves as an additional promotional activity.

Final Reflection

Numerous businesses adopt inventive tactics to inspire and motivate their workforce. With a fiercely competitive employment market, it can get tough to find and retain talented workers.

Your incentive system should remain focused on sustaining or growing your monthly turnover if the company’s success relies on sales revenues. But while numbers are critical, put a focus on quality as well.

Ensure you speak with the company lawyer before launching an incentive program to guarantee compliance with taxes and labor regulations. Let your accountant evaluate the long-term effectiveness of your system.