2. Think You Can’t Afford It? Staff Retreat Ideas on a Budget Amy Crowley- Montgomery College Kevin Webb- Towson University

3. Have you ever attempted an office retreat? -Where did you do it? -All day or half day? -Close the office? -How much did you spend?

4. What is a ‘retreat’? An opportunity for office mates to interact in a less-formal, stress-free environment Educate about new policies and changes Expound on existing policies Create dialogues Improve inter-office relationships and understanding

5. Where do you begin? -Who?-What? -Where? -When?-HoW? Remember the six ‘W’s….

6. Who? -Who will be in charge of planning the day? -Who will be attending? How many?

7. What? What are your goals? What outcomes are you expecting? What do you want your staff to experience? What will decide that the day is a success?

8. Where? Where will the retreat be? On campus/ Off campus Conference center Other….? Will transportation/carpooling be necessary?

9. When? When will the retreat be? Scheduling around critical dates Avoiding holiday/vacation times Avoiding popular campus events

10. How? How much are you willing to spend? How much can you rely on campus people and resources? How much can you do yourself?

11. Why? Why do a retreat? -Staff has the opportunity to interact in a more casual setting. -Establish a better understanding of each other. -Get a break! -Are there particular issues that you want to address?

12. Planning for YOUR retreat will likely be dictated by one factor- MONEY!!

13. COSTS: Speakers-$400- $1000+ (half day) Space-up to $1000+ Catering-$35+ per person Special Sessions- $100- $500 (hour) Materials-starting at $100 Give-aways (shirts)-$10+ per person

14. Problem: “I don’t have the money” Solution: “Get Creative” & “Do it yourself”

15. COSTS: Speakers-Volunteers (campus) Space-Office/Lounge/outside Catering-Deli Platter/Covered dish Special Sessions- Volunteers Materials-Take from office supplies Give aways (shirts)- Beg for freebies

16. Recommended working principles for your retreat Commit the funds Close the office Open your eyes and ears Be prepared to give more than take Staff only have to be present Have fun!

17. Identify problem areas Communication issues Conflicts between staff members Conflicts between administrators and staff members Dissatisfaction with pay and/or benefits

18. Before the retreat. Create excitement! Send periodic emails or invitations Ask for issues to discuss Anticipate the needs of your staff

19. Speakers/Sessions (1-3 hours) Ideas Meyers/Briggs test Hire someone off campus Hire someone from on campus Get a book and do it yourself! Roundtable discussions Role-Playing Play out situations from the office

20. Speakers/Sessions (1-3 hours) Ideas Human Resource issues Invite someone from Human Resources Dissatisfaction with environment/equipment Explain how budget is spent

21. Speakers/Sessions (1-3 hours) Ideas- Bring in the campus!! Bring people in from Fine Arts Upcoming performances/shows Bring people in from Facilities Management What is being planned for the campus?

22. Speakers/Sessions (1-3 hours) Ideas- Don’t be afraid of personal development!! Time management session Off campus speaker Faculty member? Stress reduction session Yoga instructor

23. Catering How much do you want to pay….? Feed them!!! Full entrees or deli platters/drinks Have lots of snacks!! Candy, cookies, & snack bags always on tables Constant drinks & coffee

24. Space Be mindful of the environment- make sure it is comfortable and pleasant Meeting room on campus or off campus Outside…? Someone’s home?

25. Give Aways Souvenirs for day Freebies from University Store Freebies from Athletics Department Freebies from Academic Departments (grants)

26. Follow up Follow up on any issues discussed during the day Create a questionnaire- evaluate yourself! Plan early for next year! Let your retreat become part of your office calendar.

27. Exercise. Role-playing- Three people are selected from the audience to play a role that is taken from their work experience Try to mix both staff and administrators Try to reverse roles!