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Could You Be Overlooking the Hidden ROI of a Nature-Based Team Retreat?
As the Partner and Founder of Green Office Retreats, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand just how powerful nature-based retreats can be for teams—both on a personal level and for the bottom line. Still, even with all the evidence and growing enthusiasm for wellness-focused company getaways, I often hear resistance from business owners who aren’t quite sold on the idea. Over the years, I’ve had a few things said to me that really highlight some common concerns.
Here’s a list of the things I’ve heard more than once:
"After all, they get paid to do a job, isn’t that reward enough?"
"You do company retreats? Oh… you mean it's just a company jolly!"
"Isn’t that just an excuse for people to get drunk on work time?"
"It’s not my job to manage people’s mental health… they don’t need a retreat to do that."
"We don’t have the budget for something like that. Our resources are better spent elsewhere."
"Retreats are for big companies with lots of resources, not small businesses like ourselves."
Now, I could easily write a blog about why these views are outdated or just come from people who haven’t yet experienced the real transformational effects that nature can have on teams. But in this post, I want to take a different approach.
Let’s talk about the hidden ROI of a nature-based team retreat.
In today’s hybrid and remote work environment, the importance of a well-executed team retreat has never been more critical—especially when you consider its impact on the bottom line from an operations, financial and staff retention. While traditional office meetings and virtual check-ins are important, they often lack the deeper connections teams make when they step away from the computer and come together in person in an inspiring, calming nature-based retreat.
For Office-Based Teams: Getting out of the daily norms is invaluable. Nature helps break down barriers, inspires creative thinking, and strengthens team dynamics leading to more streamlined operations and improved communication.
For Hybrid and Remote Teams: The magic of in-person interaction is irreplaceable. A face-to-face retreat restores a sense of connection, shared purpose, and alignment that virtual settings often fail to achieve.
I’ve seen it time and again: teams return from retreats with them a renewed sense of motivation, loyalty, and energy—a direct result of feeling valued and supported. Beyond the numbers, these experiences build resilience, wellbeing, and a renewed sense of purpose—key ingredients for a thriving, profitable business
"At AUK, we understand how important play is for productivity and wellbeing. That's why we value spending time together to become better connected and more creative..."
Sammy Mansourpour, MD and Founder of Agency UK (AUK), shared his experience of his company’s two stays at Green Office Retreat.
The Tangible Benefits of a Nature-Based Retreat: Why It’s More Than Just a Getaway
In today’s fast-paced work environment, employee wellbeing is no longer a luxury—it’s essential for both individual and organisational success. Research continually highlights the profound impact that nature-based experiences can have on employee performance, wellbeing, and retention.
A 2022 study from McKinsey & Company (Extremely) out of office: Let nature boost your team’s creativity and performance" - found that spending time in natural settings can enhance cognitive functioning, boost connections, and serve as a catalyst for both personal and team growth.
Forbes, in 2024, reported that nature-based retreats positively impact company culture by improving cohesion, communication skills, leadership, and problem-solving abilities
"3 Ways Nature-Based Retreats Positively Impact Company Culture".
Additionally, The Guardian (2024) highlighted how exposure to nature significantly improves mental health. Nature walks in environments rich with trees, flowers, and water bodies lower stress, enhance cognitive performance, and boost mood.
How It Works: Why Nature-Based Retreats Are Good for Business
1. Boosting Productivity Through Nature
Research consistently shows that time spent in nature directly enhances productivity.
EarthTrust.og who advocate for nature and its benefit talks about the 7 ways nature benefits from boosting our productivity from improved sleep, stress memory & encourage team bonding and other benefits.
A study from the University of Michigan found that nature exposure to the outdoors improves cognitive function around memory focus, and problem-solving abilities.
"ANN ARBOR—Go outside: It helps improve your focus—even when it’s cold out."
2. Reducing Staff Churn and Creating Stronger Teams
Employee retention is a key benefit of well-executed nature-based retreats.
According to Business in the Community's (BITC) toolkit,
"The Power of Nature for Employee Wellbeing," exposure to and engagement with nature can lead to reduced staff turnover and increased workplace productivity.
Nature-based retreats provide an ideal setting for employees to come together & bond in a relaxed, immersive environment, leading to higher satisfaction and better retention rates—ultimately reducing costs associated with staff turnover.
For a more in-depth discussion on staff wellbeing and the benefits of nature, check out my other blog
The Human Touch: How Company Team-building Retreats Nurture Employee Wellbeing.
3. Improved Team Dynamics & Communication
3. Improved Team Dynamics & Communication
Nature has a remarkable ability to enhance team dynamics and communication.
A 2021 study published in Advances in Physiology Education examined how offsite retreats contribute to team-building, highlighting that nature-based activities improve communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills. The study found that participants in these retreats developed stronger interpersonal communication, leadership abilities, and a shared sense of team identity, which are essential for effective collaboration in the workplace.
In addition, a 2022 McKinsey & Company article emphasized how spending time in nature enables teams to unplug from daily routines, leading to rejuvenation and enhanced cohesion. The article noted that nature-based settings allow teams to connect more authentically, reducing stress and boosting cognitive clarity. Employees return from these retreats with a broader perspective, enhanced trust, and improved decision-making capabilities.
Together, these studies underscore the profound impact that nature-based retreats can have on improving communication, trust, and collaboration within teams, paving the way for more effective and harmonious working relationships.
4. Wellbeing as the Foundation of Performance
Wellbeing is directly linked to high performance in the workplace.
We all know that sick staff impact performance in the workplace and can add extra stress on the team around them. Keeping our people supported in their well being (both physically & mentally) and is critical to businesses success.
A report by Mind Share Partners (2021) found that when employees engage in wellness and wellbeing activities, including nature retreats, their productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being significantly increase, while stress levels decrease.
This aligns with findings from The Lancet Psychiatry (2020), which highlights the positive impact of exposure to nature on mental health. The study shows that nature exposure can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, directly correlating with enhanced cognitive function, better decision-making, and reduced burnout.
By investing in employee wellbeing through nature-based retreats, companies can have a more engaged, productive, and resilient workforce.
5. Nature’s Power to Increase Creativity and Innovation
Nature helps us think more flexibly, push boundaries, and generate fresh, out-of-the-box ideas.
A study titled The Impact of Nature on Creativity (2014) highlights how natural environments support the early stages of the creative process, particularly during the Preparation and Incubation phases. Natural spaces with sensory elements like ‘Nature,’ ‘Space,’ and ‘Serene’ have been shown to be especially beneficial for creative professionals, providing the ideal environment for innovation to thrive.
As one of our past retreat guests, Dan Srokosza, Creative Director at AgencyUK—a leading global brand & comms agency—said:
“The site is beautiful and serene—exactly what a busy team of creatives needs to step away from the screen-based reality of everyday life. We spent quality time together around the campfire, climbing trees, and satisfying our competitive edge on their basketball court. It was like being a kid again... The memories made at Top of the Woods have helped bring my team even closer together, which is so important for the success of the whole agency.”
At Green Office Retreats, you’re immersed in over 350 acres of woodland and nature, a perfect backdrop for creativity, building stronger and more connected teams.
It's more than just a break from the office—it's an opportunity to reconnect, recharge, and let innovation flow.
Check out my other blog for an indeepth view on the impact on creativity when you are in nature.
"How a Team Retreat in Nature Boosts Creativity and Fuels Agency Growth"
Aligning Retreats with Business Goals for Maximum ROI
A retreat is more than a cost—it’s a strategic investment in your team, culture, and long-term business success, driving measurable impact on both the top and bottom line.
When designed with clear objectives—whether it’s leadership development, strategic planning, or strengthening team dynamics—a retreat becomes a powerful tool that drives performance and long-term results. In fact, PwC’s 2020 report on strategic HR investments highlights that companies incorporating team retreats into their overall strategy see measurable improvements in engagement, retention, and productivity.
Your Unique Nature-Based Experience
at Green Office Retreats
At Green Office Retreats, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all retreats.
Instead, we tailor every experience to align with your specific business goals, set within 350 acres of nature—offering space to think, reset, and reconnect.
Whether you’re integrating a wave of new hires, rewarding your team for hitting ambitious targets, or fostering creativity and collaboration through outdoor play, we design retreats that deliver real impact for your team and business.
Other Articles You Might Be Interested In
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The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Company Team Building Retreat
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The Human Touch: How Company Team-building Retreats Nurture Employee Wellbeing.
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How a Team Retreat in Nature Boosts Creativity and Fuels Agency Growth