How Offsite Retreat Frequency Impacts Employee Retention and Satisfaction (Backed by Data)
- Get Lost
- May 16
- 3 min read
In today’s evolving workplace, where flexibility and connection are both non-negotiable, offsite retreats have moved from “nice-to-have” to “business-critical.” But the question many leaders still ask is: how often is enough?
If your team only gets together once a year, is that really enough to build lasting engagement and reduce churn? Or does a more regular cadence of retreats yield stronger long-term results?

Why Retreat Frequency Matters (More Than You Might Think)
It’s no secret that connected teams perform better. But what’s often overlooked is how retreat frequency — not just quality — plays a major role in employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
According to the 2025 State of Corporate Offsites Report by Emburse, high-performing companies host an average of 2.8 offsites annually, compared to 2.4 for underperforming companies. The difference may seem small, but its impact is huge:
72% of employees at high-performing companies report feeling excited about offsites.
In contrast, only 49% of employees at underperforming companies say the same.
That enthusiasm often translates to something more valuable than a good time — employee loyalty.

Data That Links Offsite Retreat Frequency to Retention
Here’s what the numbers reveal:
85% of employees say offsites strengthen their connection to the company and its goals (Emburse, 2025).
Gallup reports that 42% of turnover is preventable, often linked to disengagement — something offsites directly combat.
According to Quantum Workplace, 91% of employees feel more motivated and 85% feel more satisfied after a corporate retreat.
So while your weekly Zoom calls might keep projects on track, offsites are what anchor people to the bigger picture — your vision, values, and culture.

How Often Should You Host Offsites?
There’s no universal answer, but based on trends and performance metrics, here’s a quick breakdown:
Frequency | Best For | Outcome |
Quarterly (4x/yr) | Fast-growing teams, startups, hybrid orgs | Higher alignment, deeper trust, faster culture scaling |
Biannual (2x/yr) | Mid-size companies, remote teams | Strong engagement rhythm, renewed focus |
Annual (1x/yr) | Smaller teams or budget-conscious orgs | Still valuable, but may lose momentum |
The key isn’t just frequency — it’s intentionality. A biannual retreat that’s thoughtfully designed will outperform a quarterly one that feels like an afterthought.
Signs Your Team Needs More Frequent Company Retreats
Not sure if you’re doing enough? Watch for these red flags:
High turnover despite competitive salaries
Cross-departmental disconnect
Employee surveys showing disengagement
Declining energy or innovation in meetings
Lack of enthusiasm around your offsite events themselves
If your team treats your one annual retreat like a checkbox — not an energizing reset — it might be time to rethink your approach.

How High-Performing Teams Approach Retreat Planning
The Emburse report shows that 69% of high-performing companies have increased their offsite budgets since 2019. That’s not just to make retreats more extravagant — it’s a strategic investment in culture and retention.
These teams:
Integrate offsites into their annual planning cycle
Mix formats: strategy sessions, wellness retreats, team-bonding adventures
Focus on quality and rhythm — ensuring that every retreat has a purpose
In other words, they treat offsites the same way they treat product roadmaps and OKRs — as non-negotiables.

Final Takeaways
Retreats aren't just events — they’re retention tools.
Frequency matters: teams that gather more often build deeper alignment and stronger loyalty.
The data is clear: intentional, well-timed offsites lead to more satisfied, committed employees.
Need Help Planning Your Offsite Calendar?
At Get Lost, we specialize in designing high-impact offsites — from wellness retreats to leadership summits — tailored to your team’s rhythm and goals. Whether you’re planning your first retreat or refining your annual strategy, we’ll help you build something your team will actually remember (and thank you for).
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