It was a dream come true for Team Edstem. After a long, isolating period of remote work, the very prospect of gathering together for a four-day company offsite was electrifying. This corporate retreat was highly anticipated, offering a chance to combat work-from-home burnout and strengthen workplace relationships. The "old-timers," some of whom hadn't seen each other in person for a considerable time, were eager to reconnect. For many of the newer team members, it was the first opportunity to meet their colleagues face-to-face, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the event. The buzz of excitement was palpable in the days leading up to the retreat. Everyone was ready for a break from the digital world and a chance to forge stronger bonds with their teammates, improving employee engagement and contributing to a positive startup work culture. This corporate meet-up was designed to be an unforgettable team experience.
The Idyllic Venue: AELI Hills, a Prime Location for a Corporate Retreat in Kerala
The chosen venue, AELI Hills at Keezhmadu, near Aluva, proved to be the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation, making it one of the best offsite locations in India. Nestled in the lush Kerala landscape, AELI Hills offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. From its vantage point, one could see the bustling Kochi International Airport and even catch a glimpse of the shimmering Arabian Sea on the horizon. This made it an ideal location for a company team outing near Kochi. The eco-friendly campus itself was a haven of tranquility, boasting a sylvan atmosphere with a vibrant array of trees and flowers. The expansive grounds provided ample space for leisurely strolls and outdoor team activities.
The facilities included a large stadium ground perfect for games like cricket and football, ensuring that sports enthusiasts had plenty of options for team-building exercises. Adding to the appeal were not one, but two swimming pools, with a secluded pool specifically designated for women, catering to everyone's comfort and preferences. The serene and picturesque setting of AELI Hills truly set the stage for a memorable team-building retreat.
Meticulous Planning: Setting the Stage for Fun and Employee Wellness
The camp, held from the 11th to the 14th of November 2021, was the result of meticulous corporate event planning and organization. From the very first ice-breaking session on the inaugural day, the programs unfolded seamlessly, like a smoothly flowing stream. Each day offered a unique and engaging experience, contributing to the overall employee wellness programs.
The days began with a revitalizing breakfast, providing the fuel for the activities that followed, and continued with a diverse range of programs until 10:30 p.m. The carefully curated activities were designed to cater to a wide range of interests and talents, ensuring that everyone felt included and engaged. Participation was entirely voluntary, yet the enthusiasm was infectious, leading to full and active involvement from all team members. The organizers had clearly put a lot of thought and effort into creating an experience that would be both fun and beneficial for the team, promoting work-life balance.
Team Formation and Bonding: Fostering Camaraderie and a Strong Workplace Culture
To encourage interaction and collaboration, the participants were divided into four teams, each named after popular UX software platforms: Marvel, Balsamiq, Sketch, and Zeplin. This playful nod to the company's focus on user experience added a touch of branding to the team dynamics, particularly relevant for a UX design team-building event. The various team-building games and competitions were designed to test not only the physical prowess of the participants but also their artistic flair and intellectual capabilities.
The team-based activities fostered a spirit of healthy competition and encouraged members to work together, communicate effectively, and leverage each other's strengths. This team-based structure proved to be a highly effective way to break down barriers, build rapport, and create lasting bonds among team members, enhancing the overall workplace culture. The shared experiences and friendly rivalries contributed significantly to the overall camaraderie of the retreat.
A Plethora of Games and Activities: Something for Everyone at this Corporate Retreat
The sheer variety of indoor team games and outdoor team activities ensured that there was something to pique the interest of every participant at this corporate retreat. Outdoor enthusiasts could indulge in spirited games of cricket, football, and badminton, or participate in classic field games like Tug-of-war, Lemon race, Candle race, Water relay race, Dodgeball.
Team-building exercises such as the hula hoop challenge further emphasized collaboration and communication. The indoor games offered an equally diverse range of options, including the ever-popular Dumb Charades, a rapid quiz, the strategic Glass Pyramid game, and engaging robotic games. Other indoor activities included Balloon game, Separation-anxiety game, Dart game, Draw-on-my-back challenge, Chinese whisper game, Carroms,
The healthy competitive spirit that permeated all the games ensured that everyone was engaged, entertained, and having a great time. Whether it was a physical challenge or a mental puzzle, each activity contributed to the overall experience of fun and team building, crucial for an IT company team bonding event or a developer offsite retreat.
Culinary Delights: Fueling the Fun and Employee Happiness
The adage "the way to a person's heart is through the stomach" holds true, and the organizers of the Edstem retreat clearly understood this. The success of any event is often judged by the quality of the food served, and in this regard, Edstem went above and beyond. They enlisted the services of a renowned catering agency, one of the leading providers in the state, to ensure a culinary experience that would delight every palate.
Each buffet meal was a gastronomic adventure, with a wide array of dishes to choose from. The continuous supply of snacks throughout the day kept everyone energized and satisfied, further contributing to the positive atmosphere and employee happiness. A special shamiana, a tent-like structure, was erected on the hilltop, providing a picturesque setting for dining.
Winners and Prizes: Recognizing Achievements and Boosting Morale
The prize distribution ceremony held during the official meeting on the final day was a moment of celebration and recognition. The winners of the various competitions were handsomely rewarded. Notable awards included:
- Aravind Sankar won an iPhone 12 Pro for his "Fabulous Shot."
- Varun Karanda, the "Spirit of Edstem," received an Amazon Echo Show.
- Midhun Madhavan and Megha Augustine were honored with Amazon Echo Shows for their long-standing commitment.
Conclusion: A Resounding Success and a Look Ahead at Future Corporate Retreat Ideas
The meet-up concluded with a visionary session by Jerrish Varghese, outlining Edstem's future plans. These four fun-filled days was an exhilarating and rejuvenating experience for everyone. It was a temporary respite from the all-work-and-no-fun regime of the work-from-home period. One noteworthy feature of the meet-up was the camaraderie that prevailed throughout. It was an exercise in team bonding and collaborative work culture. Each Edstem team member felt that their career growth is linked to the progress of the Company. While packing their bags for the return journey, the question in everyone's mind was when are we going to have another one like this?
This successful retreat will undoubtedly contribute to increased employee happiness and productivity in the long run.
