By Kirk Reynolds
Remote work has become the norm rather than the exception, making it challenging for teams around the world to build culture, community, and loyalty.
It was this gap that inspired me to build Wilder Retreats, the leader in nature-based corporate retreats. As I witnessed the dramatic shifts in workplace culture, the statistics followed. I saw, and continue to see, people job-hopping at historically high rates, while citing “culture” as a primary cause.
As a supporter (and participant in) remote work culture, how could I make it work—for myself and others—long-term? The answer became clear, thanks to decades of witnessing transformations in the great outdoors.
Wilder Retreats builds custom corporate retreats around the world, rooted in nature. Whether we’re touring off-the-beaten-path enclaves in Yosemite, horseback riding on a Montana ranch, or hiking among ruins in Central America, our team retreats are meticulously designed to curate lasting bonds, company loyalty, and fresh ideas.
To help build our trips, we look to the research. Numerous studies point to the profound benefits of nature on mental and emotional well-being. According to the data, shared physiological experiences in outdoor environments can craft deep-rooted community bonds. Simply existing in nature cultivates gratitude and reduces feelings of self-importance among participants. These factors improve team cohesion and facilitate a revitalized sense of purpose among employees.
At Wilder Retreats, we've seen firsthand how getting outdoors can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity. Integrating nature-based activities into retreats instills a sense of confidence and resilience, which translate directly to the workplace.
I’m fortunate to work with amazing companies and leaders committed to fixing problems, supporting their teams, and improving culture. As we create their retreats, we talk about opportunities, challenges, and goals, so the experience is designed with intention.
Based on some of those conversations, here are a few ways to optimize your remote or hybrid workplace culture:
Consistent Connection: Find ways to create a consistent time and space for your team to connect, as a whole—with leadership—but also in small groups. Consistency reassures your team that connection and culture are a priority.
Invest in Retreats: Company and team retreats are a lot of work, and like anything, your experience will be enhanced by experts with connections, access, and expertise. Invest in doing your retreat the right way, so that your ROI is obvious long after the retreat itself.
Ask questions: Your employees want to share their thoughts, feedback, and ideas about the company culture. Make that possible, and safe, by asking questions. Demonstrate your commitment to making it a great place to work by being genuinely curious about their workplace experience.
Our mission at Wilder Retreats is to inspire connection, innovation, and growth through unforgettable, exceptionally executed retreats, rooted in nature.
To achieve this, we draw from decades of travel and outdoor industry expertise, and craft experiences bespoke to our clients’ needs and goals. Then we handle every detail, from start to finish, including onsite event support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to be “outdoorsy?" Absolutely not. Many of our clients have never been on a hike. One of the most beautiful qualities of nature is that she offers something for everyone. It’s our privilege to design exclusive experiences that engage and entertain each person on your team.
What if we need technology for presentations, meetings, etc.? We have long-standing relationships with lodges, resorts, and AV vendors around the globe. Most of our clients select a hybrid agenda of traditional onsite meetings and creative offsite events. It’s the best of both worlds.
What type of companies do you work with? All types, from global non-profits to Fortune 500 companies and startups. Our dream clients are simply ready for adventure.
What types of activities do you recommend? It depends on the client’s goals and the team’s appetite, but we’re game for just about anything. From white water rapids and rock climbing to sound baths, gratitude ceremonies, and hike-a-thons, the creative development is always exciting.
Looking ahead, our vision at Wilder Retreats is to expand our influence globally, and to continue leveraging research to support the effectiveness of nature-based interventions.
Today, it’s inspiring to see CEOs, founders, and HR leaders embracing unconventional strategies for fostering team cohesion and productivity. Taking employees into nature, we're not just building teams; we're creating lasting connections that support retention and employee NPS.
Statistically, we know that most employees value the option to work remotely, almost as much as their salary. But, we also know people leave jobs when they don’t feel connected—to their team, mission, or future. This is a solvable friction, and we’re confident that partnering with nature is the right path.
Kirk Reynolds is the founder and CEO of Wilder Retreats, the leader in global nature-based corporate retreats. With over 20 years of travel industry experience, Kirk has built and led adventures for more than 50,000 clients around the world. Together with his Wilder team, Kirk is challenging the limitations of the traditional offsite by blending meeting agendas with unforgettable nature-based experiences for all.
