As a dedicated member of the Artisan Venture Tours (AVT) team, based in the breathtaking state of Montana, I'm thrilled to share how we specialize in crafting memorable outdoor team retreats that cater to the evolving landscape of remote work. Our mission is clear: to create an environment where teams thrive, whether we're in the heart of Montana's natural beauty or exploring inspiring global destinations.
1. Stress Reduction: Finding Peace in Nature
In recent years, stress levels among employees have been on the rise, with 44% reporting stress in Gallup's surveys (McCord, 2022). In response to this modern workplace challenge, AVT has embraced the rejuvenating effects of serene forest environments and natural settings. Inspired by the concept of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, our retreats offer participants the opportunity
to lower stress hormones and reduce anxiety/depression (Li, 2022). Activities like guided hikes and forest exploration allow our participants to de-stress and reconnect with nature.
2. Enhanced Team Cohesion and Bonding: Strengthening Connections
At AVT, we believe in the power of teamwork. Our approach to team building draws inspiration from research conducted at the annual Ten Tors Challenge (TTC) in the United Kingdom (Cohen et al., 2023). This research highlights the deep connections between interdependence, support, team bonding, and overall well-being that outdoor team challenges can foster. That's why we design activities like ropes courses and wilderness challenges that encourage collaboration, interdependence, and the development
of strong team bonds.
3. Improved Job Performance: Empowering Growth
During our outdoor corporate retreats, participants engage in problem-solving activities that require teamwork and strategic thinking. They also participate in activities like group yoga sessions in nature, fostering teamwork and unity. A study led by Outward Bound illustrates the remarkable impact of outdoor team activities on participants' performance. Over just four days in a natural setting, there was a notable 50% increase in performance, highlighting the transformative power of engaging with the outdoors (Atchley et al., 2012). Our retreats not only promote improved team dynamics but also foster individual career growth, ultimately creating a more productive and harmonious workplace.
4. A Holistic Approach to Employee Health: Nurturing Well-being
Our commitment to supporting a healthy, balanced lifestyle extends to a holistic approach to employee health. Research has shown that outdoor team-building activities have the potential to enhance human natural killer (NK) cell activity, increase anti-cancer protein levels, and reduce blood pressure and heart rate, thereby preventing health issues like hypertension and heart diseases (Li, 2022). Moreover, these activities positively impact sleep quality. By integrating them into our corporate retreats, we align with our mission to create an environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally.
In a world where remote work and rising stress levels challenge the modern workforce, Artisan Venture Tours stands as a guiding light, offering outdoor team experiences that promote well-being, team cohesion, and professional growth. Whether we're surrounded by Montana's breathtaking landscapes or exploring inspiring global destinations, AVT's retreats provide a unique opportunity to rejuvenate, connect, and thrive. By embracing the power of nature, we're paving the way for a healthier, balanced, and more harmonious work environment, where teams excel, and individuals flourish.
Sources:
Atchley, R. A., Strayer, D. L., & Atchley, P. (2012). Creativity in the wild: improving creative reasoning through immersion in natural settings. PloS one, 7(12), e51474. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0051474
Cohen, E., Davis, A. J., & Taylor, J. (2023). Interdependence, bonding and support are associated with improved mental wellbeing following an outdoor team challenge. Applied psychology. Health and well-being, 15(1), 193–216. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12351
Li, Q. (2022). Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention —the Establishment of “Forest Medicine”—. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 27(0), 43–43. https://doi.org/10.1265/ehpm.22-00160
McCord, M. (2022, July 12). Workplace well-being: Stress increasing since COVID-19 began. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/07/workplace-well-being-pandemic-engagement-survey/
World Health Organization. (2022, March 2). COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. WHO. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide
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