Future Trends in Corporate Offsites: 10 Changes to Expect in the Next Five Years
- Get Lost
- May 23
- 5 min read
It’s safe to say the role of corporate offsites has changed—drastically. What once felt like a rare, luxurious escape for executives is now a powerful, strategic tool for alignment, culture building, and keeping people connected in increasingly hybrid work environments.
And with the way we work continuing to shift, it’s only natural that the way we gather is changing, too.
If you’re responsible for planning offsites or wondering how to make them more impactful, here’s a closer look at 10 trends that are reshaping what corporate offsites look like—and what they’ll likely become over the next five years.
1. More Frequent and Purpose-Driven Offsites
Gone are the days of once-a-year gatherings. Today, companies are embracing more frequent and purpose-specific offsites, often held quarterly or biannually, each tailored to a distinct goal—be it strategic alignment, product development, or team bonding.
Corporate offsites have shown steady growth since 2019. Most organizations (54%) now hold 1–2 offsites per year, up from 45% in 2019. The number of companies organizing 6 or more offsites annually has grown from 6% to 8%, while 34% maintain a steady cadence of 3–5 offsites per year.
If this upward trend continues, we can expect even higher adoption rates over the next five years—especially as companies increasingly recognize the link between offsites and improved team performance, retention, and alignment.
Source: Emburse 2025 State of Corporate Offsites
2. Strategy Meets Soft Skills: A Holistic Approach to Team Development
Modern offsites are designed not only to plan—but to grow. Companies are blending traditional goal-setting sessions with soft skill development, including emotional intelligence, collaboration, and leadership.
Offsite agendas increasingly include:
Conflict resolution workshops
Executive coaching
DEI and empathy training
Team storytelling and narrative building
This evolution reflects a deeper understanding that strategic success hinges on human connection. Moving forward, offsites will serve as safe, energizing spaces to build psychological safety and leadership resilience.
Source: MCI Group – Event Trends
3. Global Offsites, Local Impact: Travel That Means Something
More teams are heading abroad—but not just for beautiful views. Companies are curating offsite experiences that create a meaningful connection to the local culture and environment.
Rather than just staying in resorts, teams are:
Engaging with local artisans and food producers
Supporting community-led sustainability efforts
Participating in cultural exchange workshops or nature-based activities
These immersive offsites not only strengthen team dynamics but also align with company values around global citizenship and purpose-driven work. In the coming years, conscious travel will be a defining characteristic of forward-thinking offsites.
4. Sustainability as a Baseline, Not a Bonus
Sustainability is now a non-negotiable part of event planning. Companies are seeking offsite experiences that align with their environmental and ESG goals.
This includes:
Hosting retreats in eco-certified or low-impact venues
Offering locally sourced, plant-based meals
Reducing print materials and waste
Offsetting travel emissions
As stakeholders—especially employees—hold companies accountable for their climate impact, we expect sustainable offsites to become the new norm, not an exception.
Source: Wellhub – Wellness and ESG
5. Hybrid Offsites: Blending Physical & Digital Connection
With teams spread across multiple cities and time zones, hybrid offsites are becoming a necessity. These events combine in-person experiences with virtual elements to ensure every team member can participate.
Popular formats include:
Livestreams of keynote sessions
Interactive apps and real-time Q&As
Remote-friendly workshops and digital whiteboards
Asynchronous recordings for follow-up
As technology improves, so will the richness of these hybrid experiences. In the years ahead, we’ll see virtual and in-person components blending seamlessly—helping companies maintain culture and alignment across global teams.
6. Wellness-Centered Offsites: Combatting Burnout by Design
Burnout is real, and companies are paying attention. Offsites are increasingly incorporating wellness elements—not as a luxury, but as a core part of the agenda.
We’re seeing:
Guided mindfulness sessions and meditation
Forest walks and nature immersion
Cold plunges, sound baths, and breathwork
Balanced schedules with downtime and no-screen zones
Wellness will continue to play a central role in offsite design, especially as more companies view team wellbeing as directly linked to retention and performance.
7. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Built Into the Experience
Inclusion is no longer an afterthought—it’s a foundational part of planning offsite retreats. That means designing every element of the experience with care and equity in mind.
This includes:
Ensuring accessibility in venues and activities
Catering to dietary and cultural needs
Creating space for neurodiverse individuals
Offering gender-inclusive lodging options
As DEI moves from policy to practice, offsites are evolving into environments where every participant feels seen, safe, and able to contribute fully.
8. Data-Driven Planning and Post-Offsite Measurement
Companies are no longer guessing whether their offsite was a success—they’re measuring it. With the rise of data tools, offsite planning now begins with feedback and ends with clear, actionable insights.
Teams are using:
Pre-event surveys to tailor content
Engagement tools and real-time polling
Post-event evaluations and NPS tracking
Long-term metrics on collaboration, morale, and productivity
This feedback loop allows companies to continually refine their offsite strategies and prove ROI to leadership. In the future, we’ll see more standardized systems for tracking the lasting impact of offsite experiences.
9. Smaller, Targeted Retreats Over One-Size-Fits-All Events
Instead of one large annual retreat, companies are hosting smaller, more focused gatherings for specific departments or goals. These micro-retreats allow for deeper connection, tailored programming, and greater agility.
Examples include:
Executive alignment sessions
Onboarding intensives for new hires
Creative sprints for product or design teams
Regional offsites for satellite offices
This model is especially effective for hybrid or remote-first teams, where frequent, high-impact gatherings can better support culture and collaboration.
Source: BizBash – Corporate Event Future
10. The Rise of Expert Offsite Planners
With higher stakes and rising expectations, companies are increasingly turning to professional offsite planning agencies. These specialists bring local knowledge, cultural expertise, and logistical support—freeing up internal teams to focus on content and strategy.
Agencies like Get Lost help companies:
Select the right destination and venue
Curate meaningful local experiences
Coordinate vendors and transportation
Ensure every detail aligns with team goals
In the years to come, outsourcing offsite planning will become a best practice—especially for companies looking to scale impactful experiences across regions and time zones.
Final Thoughts: Offsites Are Becoming Strategic Assets
The future of corporate offsites is clear—they’re no longer “extra.” They’re essential. As businesses adapt to hybrid work, talent retention challenges, and a more values-driven workforce, offsites will play a bigger role in shaping how teams connect and grow.
Whether you're planning a focused leadership retreat, a wellness reset, or a multi-day strategy session, the trends shaping the next five years point toward one conclusion: the right offsite can change everything.
Looking to future-proof your offsite planning?
Let Get Lost help you create unforgettable, purpose-built offsites across Greece and Europe. From logistics to local culture, we handle it all—so your team can focus on what matters.
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