By: Heather Johnson

Hosting an office retreat is a great way to unify the workplace and make employees feel valued. Complicated issues between co-workers can be settled in a productive way while everyone is away from the office. Also, the retreat can simply serve as a relaxing vacation for tired and anxious workers.

It is important that employers plan a truly enjoyable office retreat. Otherwise, this excursion will be viewed as a chore and employees could become even more discontented. Below are five simple tips for engaging employees with a productive and entertaining office retreat.

1. Choose a fun destination. I've known some companies that fly their employees to a beach resort once a year. Obviously, this may not be practical for your particular office. However, you should consider the needs (and wants) of your employees as well as your budget when you choose the destination. Even a trip to a local lake could be a great change of scenery.
2. Make everyone feel comfortable. Every day should be "casual Friday" when you are on an office retreat. Tell your employees to dress for comfort and to feel relaxed. This may be a time for constructive workshops, but it is also a vacation.
3. Lead the staff in creative team-building exercises. Use this time to build and strengthen the bonds of your team. Yes, you should lead the crew in some exercises and/or lectures. However, be creative and don't rely on the old "fall back and have your co-worker catch you" routine. No one wants to endure another corny workshop, as those of us in the business world have attended plenty.
4. Single out people for their accomplishments. According to the Department of Labor, 64% of Americans quit their jobs because they don't feel appreciated. Take the time to give your employees a pat on the back while on the office retreat.
5. Give them a well­-deserved break. What is the point of choosing a nice destination if your staff can't enjoy it? When the speeches have commenced and the exercises are over, be sure to pencil in enough time for your team to relax and have fun.

After a staff returns from a successfully planned company retreat, they should feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Hopefully, any animosity between co-workers can be settled in a constructive way during the trip and the office can resume on Monday morning with a positive and unified attitude. Companies should plan a yearly or even semiyearly trip in order to increase employee retention.

Heather Johnson is a freelance business, finance and economics writer, as well as a regular contributor at Business Credit Cards, a site for best business credit cards and best business credit card offers. Heather welcomes comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com.