Published by Neil ThompsonFoxhills Club and Resort, a premier destination for business retreats and corporate meetings, has unveiled the findings of its recent research on business meetings and away days.
Results of the survey highlights how hybrid working has effected what motivates employees, the importance of engaging offsite meetings, and preferences for meeting times and activities.
72% of those surveyed believe that delegates gain more from a full-day meeting that includes an activity, underscoring the necessity of incorporating team bonding and wellness exercises into away days to foster engagement and productivity. To counteract the notorious post-lunch dip, 43% favour an outdoor walk, highlighting the desire for fresh air and mental clarity after intensive strategy discussions.
Elsewhere in the study, the majority (58%) of respondents find mornings to be the best time for creative thinking. This aligns with Foxhills’ client trends, where meetings are often scheduled in the morning, followed by activities in the afternoon to maintain high energy levels and creativity throughout the day.
A reassuring 98% of those surveyed prefer to attend strategy days and brainstorming sessions offsite. With a change in environment likely fostering clarity and fresh perspectives on business matters, making offsite venues an essential choice for effective strategic planning.
Thursday emerges as the favourite day for strategy sessions, with 45% of respondents indicating it as their top choice. This opens up opportunities for venues to create special offerings and experiences around Thursdays to capitalise on this trend and extend stays into the weekend.
The research also reveals that the majority (45%) of attendees prefer to stay and socialise after meetings, highlighting the importance of choosing venues that offer excellent food and drink options to encourage team members to build relationships outside of the workplace.
“The results from our survey are really interesting and certainly correlate with the conversations that we’re having with our clients. The majority of people surveyed only have up to five offsite meetings annually, highlighting the importance of making business away days impactful and engaging. We are working hard with our array of activities on offer to create unique business days for our clients to inspire their teams.”
Kelly Elton, Group Director of Sales, Foxhills
With over 200 activities on site, Foxhills is committed to understanding and adapting to these trends to provide exceptional meeting and retreat experiences. The resort’s facilities are designed to foster creativity, engagement, and team bonding, ensuring that every offsite meeting is productive and memorable.
Read the full survey report here.
