The Ultimate COVID-Safe Company Offsite Playbook

In this article, we provide a comprehensive playbook for organizing a COVID-safe company offsite. We delve into strategies, guidelines, and best practices to ensure the health and safety of employees while creating a productive and engaging offsite experience.

1. Pre-Planning Phase:

• Conduct a risk assessment and understand local health guidelines.

• Set clear objectives and define the purpose of the offsite.

• Determine the format (in-person, virtual, or hybrid) based on the current situation.

• Create a budget and secure necessary resources.

2. Venue Selection:

• Choose a spacious venue that allows for social distancing.

• Ensure the venue follows strict sanitization protocols.

• Verify the availability of outdoor spaces for activities and breaks.

• Consider accessibility and transportation options for attendees.

3. Health and Safety Measures:

• Implement temperature checks and health screenings for all attendees.

• Provide hand sanitizers, masks, and other personal protective equipment.

• Arrange seating to maintain social distancing.

• Implement regular cleaning and sanitization protocols.

4. Travel and Accommodation:

• Provide guidelines for safe travel to and from the offsite location.

• Select accommodation options that follow stringent health and safety protocols.

• Arrange for private transportation, if required, to minimize exposure risks.

5. Agenda and Activities:

• Design a well-balanced agenda that includes a mix of work sessions, team-building activities, and downtime.

• Incorporate virtual elements for remote participants, if applicable.

• Plan outdoor activities that promote physical distancing.

• Ensure breaks are scheduled to avoid prolonged indoor gatherings.

6. Communication and Engagement:

• Clearly communicate the purpose, schedule, and expectations to all participants.

• Use a combination of virtual tools and in-person interactions to engage remote and in-person attendees.

• Foster virtual collaboration through dedicated online platforms and communication channels.

7. Food and Beverage:

• Work with caterers to ensure safe food handling and serving practices.

• Provide individually packaged meals or opt for pre-packaged options.

• Accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.

8. Contingency Planning:

• Have a backup plan in case of unexpected changes in the COVID situation.

• Stay updated on local health guidelines and regulations.

• Communicate the contingency plan to all participants.

9. Post-Offsite Follow-Up:

• Gather feedback from participants to assess the success of the offsite.

• Address any concerns or suggestions raised by attendees.

• Follow up with action items and next steps identified during the offsite.

By following this comprehensive COVID-safe company offsite playbook, organizations can prioritize the health and safety of employees while creating a valuable and memorable experience that fosters team collaboration, engagement, and productivity.