Beyond the Office Walls: Are Company Trips Worth It for Team Building?

At Reeracoen, a leading recruitment agency in Vietnam and APAC, we understand that high-performing teams don’t happen by chance. With hybrid work becoming the norm and employee engagement increasingly top-of-mind, many companies are turning to company trips as a strategy to strengthen team cohesion and boost morale. But are they truly effective—or just a costly distraction?

Here, we explore the pros and cons of using company retreats and offsites to build stronger teams.

Pros of Using Company Trips to Strengthen Teams

1. Encourages Real Communication and Trust

According to Harvard Business Review, face-to-face interactions are 34 times more effective than emails. Company retreats provide a break from digital overload, allowing teams to build rapport and resolve issues through open, in-person dialogue.

2. Boosts Employee Morale and Retention

A U.S. Chamber of Commerce report found that 83% of employees view corporate travel and offsites as a work perk. It enhances job satisfaction and helps reduce burnout—especially in fast-paced or high-pressure industries.

3. Sparks Creativity and Innovation

A fresh environment inspires fresh ideas. According to TravelPerk, 34% of workers say they have their most creative ideas during retreats, while 53% of Gen Z employees find retreats more stimulating than day-to-day work settings.

4. Strengthens Team Bonds Through Shared Experiences

Activities such as outdoor challenges, cooking classes, or cultural excursions provide a fun and informal way for employees to connect. 79% of workers surveyed by Teamland said team-building events made them feel more valued and motivated.

Cons of Using Company Trips

1. High Financial Cost

Flights, accommodation, meals, facilitators—it adds up quickly. Without a clear ROI, company trips can become budget drains. HR Daily Advisor warns that poorly planned retreats may end up being more of a vacation than a productivity booster.

2. Potential for Distraction

In a relaxed setting, it’s easy for the line between work and leisure to blur. Some participants may disengage from structured activities or see the retreat as downtime rather than a growth opportunity.

3. Cultural or Personality Mismatches

Not everyone enjoys group games or public sharing. Retreats that aren’t inclusive of different personalities or cultural preferences can alienate certain team members and lead to awkward dynamics.

4. Logistical and Planning Complexity

Coordinating a multi-day retreat requires significant planning—aligning schedules, managing dietary needs, securing approvals, and ensuring activities align with objectives. Without proper execution, the retreat may fall flat.

Final Thoughts

Company trips can be transformative, but only when thoughtfully designed with clear objectives and inclusive planning. They’re not a fix-all solution, but in the right context, they can drive collaboration, improve morale, and fuel innovation.

As a trusted recruitment partner across Vietnam and the APAC region, Reeracoen supports not only talent acquisition but also talent development. We believe that the strongest teams are built through a blend of strategy, shared experiences, and genuine human connection.

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References

1. TeamOut – 30 Statistics Showing Corporate Retreats Are Essential in 2025

2. TravelPerk – 27 Stats That Prove Corporate Retreats Are Still a Good Idea

3. U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Benefits of Hosting a Company Retreat

4. Teamland – Team Building Statistics Every Manager Should Know

5. HR Daily Advisor – Pros and Cons of Employee Retreats

6. Marguerite Orane – Thinking About an Offsite Retreat? Pros and Cons