Companies and organisations are constantly looking for new, exciting teambuilding activities for their personnel. In addition to being fun, though, these programmes also need to accomplish a purpose, which is often aimed at engendering a spirit of open communication, taking initiative, identifying leadership qualities and working together for the benefit of the team as a whole. Various spas now offer bespoke packages for corporate groups to fulfil these precise needs.
Learning and working together helps individuals to connect on a completely different level. Within the calm, serene ambience of a spa, your team will be relaxed and, probably, excited about the new experience, which is very different from being cooped up in a board room.
Spas often have on-site accommodation, which is important when you have a large group of people, as the price will be inclusive of the lodging costs. Food and some beverages are usually provided and are in line with the concept of healthy body and mind. Therefore, the menu is likely to contain only healthy, natural ingredients, free of excess sugar and preservatives. Some spas are committed only to providing organic food and drinks. Ensure that they understand the dietary requirements of your team before you arrive so that they can cater accordingly.
Different spas are likely to offer different activities and services for team events. However, some popular options include:
- Yoga classes
- Hiking
- Cooking classes
- Gardening
- Tennis games
- Manicures and pedicures
- Group Indian head massages
Some spas may also offer less run-of-the-mill options, such as reading auras and regressing into ‘past lives’. It is of utmost importance that you consider the religious and ethical values of the team with whom you are dealing before organising such events as they may conflict with their personal ideologies and feelings.
While the spa will likely provide the professional health- and beauty experts, you may want to bring along other knowledgeable personalities (such as vegan chefs or someone that specialises in the management of stress, for example). Alternatively, you may require a motivational speaker or a lecturer to give a presentation. Confirm with the spa that this would be acceptable and that the added person has food and accommodation, if necessary.
The event planning staff member(s) of the spa should be responsible for putting together a comprehensive programme and package for your unique needs and group of people. Ensure that there is a little something for everyone to enjoy; whether male or female, old or young. Also, consider that going to a spa can be embarrassing for some that are not comfortable with walking around in a robe or not having make-up on in front of their colleagues. Try to be sensitive and allow as much discretion and sensitivity as possible.
You have flexibility at a spa, while granting your team of employees a fabulous opportunity to break out of the corporate mould and experience something relaxing and revitalising for body and mind. This is sure to spark their creativity and to kick-start their motivation.
Image Courtesy of Discover Tambourine Mountain
