What makes a great offsite? As a company that works with hundreds of teams each year, we have a unique vantage point. From booking venues to organizing retreats, we’ve amassed a wealth of data on what works, and what doesn’t, when it comes to planning meaningful gatherings.
Last year, we decided to use that data for the greater good by analyzing insights from 90 survey responses and over 200 offsite events to uncover key trends, challenges, and strategies shaping company retreats today.
Here’s what the report will explore:
- Why offsites remain critical for remote and hybrid companies striving for alignment and morale.
- What types of companies are organizing offsites
- When offsites are typically held and how timing impacts success.
- The biggest challenges companies faced
- Where companies are hosting their retreats, with trending destinations and venue types.
- What agendas look like, from meeting room setups to team-building activities.
Discover how offsites are evolving and how your team can make the most of this essential tool for building culture and connection.
Why do companies host offsites?
- 57% of fully remote companies say offsites are essential for success
One of the first things we wanted to establish was the motivation behind organising an offsite. Why do companies invest time and resources into these events? Our data offers clear insights into the driving factors.
57% of fully remote companies told us that offsites are essential to the success of their business. This points to their crucial role in overcoming the challenges of remote work. Offsites provide a unique opportunity for teams to connect in person and encourage collaboration that’s difficult to replicate in virtual settings.
We also found that the top three benefits of hosting a retreat are:
- Improving team collaboration
- Employee engagement
- Boosting morale and motivation
These findings underline the transformational impact of stepping away from the daily grind and dedicating time to reconnect as a team. Retreats create an environment where employees feel valued, re-energised, and aligned with the company’s goals.
85% of companies identified team-building as the primary objective for their retreat. This insight reflects the importance organisations place on creating stronger relationships within their teams. Team-building activities, whether structured exercises or informal bonding moments, help lay the foundation for trust, communication, and a cohesive work culture.
Who organizes offsites?
- 91% operate in a fully remote or hybrid work arrangement
Next, we wanted to understand who is spearheading the trend of organising offsite retreats. The data shows a clear connection between work arrangements and the growing demand for these events.
91% of companies that participated in our survey operate in a fully remote or hybrid work arrangement. This finding demonstrates how offsites have become an essential tool for bridging the physical divide between team members. Remote and hybrid teams rely on these gatherings to nurture collaboration, create a sense of belonging, and strengthen bonds that are harder to build in a virtual environment.
Interestingly, 87% of companies reported having held an all-hands offsite for their entire team in the past. These large-scale retreats are a popular way to bring everyone together, creating opportunities for alignment on company goals while fostering deeper connections. All-hands events often serve as a cornerstone of team-building, providing a shared experience that strengthens company culture and enhances communication.
When are companies organising offsites?
- September takes the number 1 spot with 18%
Understanding the timing of offsite retreats is essential for identifying trends and best practices. Our data reveals clear patterns in the scheduling and planning of these events.
September emerged as the most popular month for offsites in 2024, accounting for 18% of all bookings. This timing suggests a strategic choice by companies to reconnect and refocus after the summer months. September often marks a return to routine, making it an ideal time to align teams and prepare for end-of-year goals.
Additionally, there was a notable increase in retreats during the low and shoulder seasons, with a 21% rise in bookings from December to March between 2023 and 2024. This shift further highlights companies’ growing interest in taking advantage of quieter periods to foster team alignment and productivity.
When it comes to frequency, 70% of companies host 1-2 offsites per year, while 10% opt for quarterly gatherings. This indicates that most organisations view offsites as a key annual or semi-annual opportunity to strengthen team dynamics. For companies hosting more frequent retreats, the focus may shift toward maintaining momentum and reinforcing connections throughout the year.
Planning these events requires significant lead time, especially for larger groups. Our internal data shows that offsites for fewer than 100 people are typically confirmed 17 weeks in advance, while larger gatherings are confirmed 23 weeks ahead. On average, the entire booking process takes about 6 weeks, reflecting the logistical complexity involved in finding the right location, venue, and activities.
These insights show that timing is a crucial factor in organising successful offsite retreats.
What were the biggest challenges in retreat planning?
- 51% of companies struggle with location and venue sourcing
One of the standout findings from our survey is that 51% of companies identified location selection and venue sourcing as their biggest challenge in retreat planning. This is a significant number, highlighting a key obstacle in organising offsites.
The process of finding the perfect location and venue often involves balancing multiple factors: accessibility, cost, capacity, and the unique appeal of the destination. For many companies, this can quickly become overwhelming, especially when paired with other logistical concerns like accommodation preferences, activities, and catering.
It’s not surprising that this challenge might deter some organisations from booking an offsite altogether. The fear of choosing a venue that doesn’t meet expectations, or the sheer complexity of sourcing and negotiating with vendors, can cause hesitation, even among companies that see the value of retreats.
Addressing this hurdle with expert guidance from Surf Office can make a significant difference.
Where do companies host offsites?
- Countryside settings see a 308% Increase
Location plays a pivotal role in the success of an offsite, and our data reveals fascinating trends about where companies are choosing to host these events.
62% of companies have hosted an offsite in a country outside their team’s primary location. This demonstrates a growing preference for destination retreats, as organisations look to provide unique and memorable experiences for their teams. In 2024, Lisbon and Barcelona were our most popular city destinations, while Greece and Mexico experienced an average 850% surge in demand, becoming the trending countries of the year.
Scenery also matters when choosing a location. 54% of companies indicated a preference for beachside retreats, while countryside settings saw a significant 308% increase in popularity between 2023 and 2024. This rise reflects a broader interest in tranquil environments that allow teams to unplug and bond away from urban distractions.
Unique venues are another standout trend. 31% of offsites were held in distinctive locations such as villas, castles, and palaces. These choices add a sense of exclusivity and creativity to the retreat experience. On average, offsite venues in 2024 featured 158 rooms, with 17% of events securing full buyouts to ensure privacy and focus.
Accommodation preferences leaned heavily toward comfort and individuality, with 85% of groups opting for single rooms. This reflects a desire for personal space during retreats, balancing team bonding with downtime.
When it comes to location selection, practical considerations also play a major role. The top three factors influencing decisions were:
- Unique activities available at the destination
- Ease of obtaining a visa
- Accessibility by train or bus
These elements highlight the importance of ensuring the location is both exciting and logistically convenient.
Overall, our data shows that companies are prioritizing unique and inspiring settings for their offsites, balancing memorable experiences with practical needs to create impactful retreats.
What happens during an offsite?
- 86% chose weekday scheduling
Understanding what takes place during offsites is crucial for identifying trends and best practices that make these retreats impactful. By analysing this data, we can offer a clearer picture of how companies structure these events to maximise their benefits.
The average offsite lasts 4.5 days and 3.5 nights, striking a balance between productivity and relaxation. 86% of offsites are scheduled during the weekdays, with 17% of groups checking-in on a Sunday, 43% on a Monday, and 15% on a Tuesday. This weekday scheduling helps teams focus on collaboration and strategic goals while leaving the weekends free for personal time.
Logistics and amenities play a significant role in offsite planning. 98% of groups book meeting rooms at their accommodation, ensuring dedicated spaces for presentations, workshops, and strategy sessions. Similarly, 92% of groups have 3 or more meals at their accommodation, reflecting the importance of convenience and team bonding over shared dining experiences.
Team-building remains a cornerstone of offsites, with an average of 2 team-building activities included in each retreat. Popular group experiences such as scavenger hunts and standup paddle-boarding combine fun with collaboration, helping teams strengthen connections while enjoying the location. These activities also allow participants to step away from formal settings and recharge.
Another highlight of offsites is the company ‘swag’. The top three most popular items include:
- T-shirts and hoodies
- Caps
- Tote bags
These items not only serve as mementos of the retreat but also reinforce a sense of belonging and pride in the team.
By blending structured work sessions with engaging activities and thoughtful touches like swag, companies are creating offsites that are both productive and memorable.
Summary
The 2025 State of Company Offsites report offers a detailed look at how businesses are leveraging retreats to strengthen their teams in a dispersed world. Offsites have transitioned from being occasional perks to becoming strategic investments in collaboration, morale, and culture.
Remote and hybrid work has heightened the need for meaningful in-person connections, and companies are rising to the challenge. As reported, 91% of offsite organizers operate in remote or hybrid models, underscoring the role offsites play in bridging physical and cultural gaps. The growing popularity of countryside retreats also reflects a trend toward quieter, distraction-free settings that encourage focus and bonding.
This report proves to be a reflection of how companies are adapting to modern work challenges. By applying these insights, businesses can make offsites a powerful tool for encouraging alignment, driving engagement, and building cohesive teams that thrive in today’s complex work environment.
About this report on
The State of Company Offsites 2025 combines survey insights from 90 respondents with internal Surf Office data from over 200 retreats. This report offers HR professionals, event planners, and venue partners valuable insights into the trends and best practices shaping the future of team offsites.
For media inquiries or to learn more about Surf Office, please fill out our contact form found here.
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