Why Small and Mid-Size Companies Are Leading the Offsite Boom (According to the Latest Data)

For years, corporate offsites were seen as something reserved for Fortune 500s with deep pockets and sprawling HR teams. But recent research tells a very different story. Today, it’s the small and mid-size companies that are driving the momentum behind offsites—and they’re setting the tone for how the future of work and culture will look.

According to The State of Corporate Offsites 2025 report from Emburse, 67% of companies with 51–100 employees and 64% of mid-size companies (251–500 employees) are actively investing in offsites. That’s compared to just 54% of large enterprises with more than 500 employees. In other words, the companies with fewer resources are outpacing the giants.

So what’s behind this shift? Let’s break it down.

Offsite participation rates by company size (Source: Emburse, The State of Corporate Offsites 2025)

Agility Over Bureaucracy

Smaller companies move fast. They don’t have layers of approvals or rigid structures slowing them down. This agility translates directly into how they approach culture and team development. While large enterprises might still be debating budgets or policies, smaller firms are booking retreats, experimenting with new formats, and creating memorable experiences for their people.

The data supports this. High-performing companies overall were far more likely to increase offsite budgets in 2024—69% boosted their investment, compared to just 40% of underperforming companies (Emburse, 2025). Many of those high performers are in the small-to-mid-size bracket, proving that decisive investment pays off.

Changes in offsite budgets by company performance (Source: Emburse, The State of Corporate Offsites 2025)

Culture Is a Competitive Edge

When you don’t have the same resources as a Fortune 500, culture becomes one of your most powerful assets. Offsites are one of the best tools for building and sustaining that culture.

The same report shows that successful organizations strike the right balance in their agendas: only about one-third of offsite time is dedicated to work-focused activities, while the rest goes to team building, social interaction, leisure, and wellness. Smaller companies, where collaboration and connection are essential for survival, are leaning into this model. It’s no surprise that employees from these companies report higher engagement and stronger bonds after retreats.

Distribution of time spent on work, team building, social interaction, and wellness during offsites (Source: Emburse, The State of Corporate Offsites 2025)

Retention and Recruitment in a Talent War

Smaller organizations are often competing with industry giants for top talent. They can’t always win on salary alone—but they can win on experience. Offering regular offsites signals to employees (and candidates) that this is a place where culture, wellness, and community matter.

And employees are taking notice. The report notes that 72% of attendees from high-performing companies look forward to offsites, compared to just 49% at underperforming firms. Excitement matters. It keeps people engaged, loyal, and talking about their company in a positive light—something money can’t buy.

Why Get Lost Is the Right Partner

At Get Lost, we’ve seen firsthand how small and mid-size companies use offsites to transform their teams. Whether it’s a quarterly strategy retreat, a wellness-focused reset, or a culture-building adventure, these organizations are proving that you don’t need thousands of employees to create impact—you just need the right approach.

We handle the logistics, locations, and experiences, so you can focus on building the connections that will carry your team forward. For companies ready to grow, strengthen culture, and stay ahead of the curve, offsites are no longer optional—they’re a necessity.

Final Thoughts

The numbers are clear: small and mid-size companies are leading the offsite boom, and they’re reaping the rewards in performance, engagement, and culture. Large enterprises may have the resources, but it’s the agile, culture-first organizations that are setting the example.

If your company falls into that category, now is the time to embrace this trend. With the right partner, your next offsite could be the spark that fuels your next stage of growth. Explore how Get Lost designs tailor-made corporate offsites that deliver lasting impact.