Green team building: why try it?

A corporate retreat is a chance to bring together team members or the whole company off-site. Strategy presentations, exotic coworking sessions, victories to celebrate - these are just some of the reasons for organizing these getaways between colleagues. It's an opportunity to forge new bonds with office mates, and to ensure smooth day-to-day cooperation. When it comes to inviting employees to a team building event, the possibilities are vast. Why should you opt for a company seminar in the countryside? In this article, we explain the many advantages.

‍
Enjoy the benefits of nature on a team holiday

‍
Forest baths, sylvotherapy, these practices are finding more and more followers. Numerous scientists have shown that being in contact with nature has positive effects on our mental and physical health: reduced respiratory disorders, lower cortisol (stress hormone) and improved immune defenses. The mere sight of nature has soothing virtues. A study carried out in Pennsylvania (USA) in 1984 showed that patients in a hospital with a room overlooking a park recovered even faster than other patients. Your employees work most of the time on screens: they click, scroll and talk to each other on video. Even when they're working remotely, they're not taking advantage of the time saved by the absence of transport to take more breaks, as we've already mentioned. Instead of booking your next seminar in Paris, you can go and work in the middle of the fields. This will have a significant impact on their well-being.

‍
Choose an eco-friendly alternative with a corporate retreat in the countryside

‍
There's no need to fly for a memorable experience with colleagues. Planning your event in France will reduce its carbon footprint, especially if you choose to travel by train. To compare carbon emissions for the same itinerary, we recommend the following website: https: //impactco2.fr/. At The Oasis House, coworking residences are located close to train stations. Meals are locally sourced using seasonal produce, and the activities on offer are low-emission. What's more, renting a house for your seminar means you can limit one-off uses, such as washing up. Your staff will undoubtedly appreciate the anti-wasteful aspect of the stay. Protecting the environment has become the second biggest concern of the French (1). Employees, especially younger ones, expect their companies to take concrete action to tackle climate change.

‍
Betting on unifying outdoor activities during a business trip

‍
When we think company seminar, we sometimes imagine extreme or surprising activities: paragliding, kayaking, circus.... However, not all your employees may have the adventurous spirit of a Mike Horn. Remember that these activities leave out people who are less athletic, suffer from health problems, are less daring or introverted.

Back to basics. Back to basics? What could be more unifying than a picnic followed by a game of pétanque? Make room for moments of conviviality without pressure, as if you were with friends or family. A good atmosphere and a climate of trust will quickly settle in among participants. In today's fast-paced world, where one notification chases another, employees need to slow down and disconnect. In the countryside, you can alternate work sessions with screen-free time: brainstorm around a lake, go for a run, practice yoga in the grass, cook with colleagues... The panoramic views invite you to observe and let your thoughts wander. Further proof of French people's desire to disconnect, sales of board games and puzzles have been climbing steadily in recent years. So, after closing your Keynote, why not relax with a game of Monopoly?

‍
Boosting creativity with green coworking

‍
Your team meetings come and go. They always take place in the room next to your office. It's hard for you to come up with innovative ideas and think "out of the box". To stimulate everyone's creativity, get your staff together in an original location. This could be the perfect place to develop a new offer or launch a new project. A study carried out on 150 students by the University of Melbourne demonstrated that contemplating nature encourages concentration and productivity. The students were shown images of the natural environment and visuals of urban landscapes. It was found that their performance was much better after they had focused on the images depicting nature.

‍
Discover the region's heritage during a country team building event

‍
France is the world's leading tourist destination, with 49 properties listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By selecting and renovating characterful residences, The Oasis House offers you the chance to live in exceptional places that bear witness to the history of our regions: a Norman manor house, a Provencal farmhouse, etc. You can also book a chef to come and cook local dishes. Cultural visits can complete the program. The more regular use of telecommuting calls for new ways of motivating and retaining talent. From company seminars in the countryside to coworking sessions in the great outdoors, these solutions reinforce employee cohesion and well-being. So, which destination will you choose for your next team building event? Discover our warm and welcoming homes, featuring real workspaces in the countryside, for unforgettable moments with your team.

(1) "Fractures françaises" study, an annual survey conducted by Ipsos-Sopra Steria for Le Monde, the Fondation Jean Jaurès and Cevipof.

‍
Sources:
https://www.lepoint.fr/sante/comment-la-nature-fait-du-bien-a-notre-sante-mentale-29-07-2015-19531
83_40.php#11
https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter/sciences-comment-la-nature-nous-fait-elle-du-bien-1017576

https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2022/02/25/jeux-de-societe-l-engouement-des-francais-renforce-
par-la-crise-sanitaire_6115152_4408996.html

‍