Best practices for corporate retreat accessibility

A corporate retreat lets your team step away from the bustling office, reset, and recharge.

But corporate retreats are more than just about taking a breather — they’re about fostering teamwork, sparking innovation, and nurturing a culture of collaboration. And that means accessibility is a must.

In this Basejam article, we will talk about some of the best practices to make your corporate retreat accessible to every individual, including those with disabilities. We’ll show you how to create an environment where every participant can enjoy the events to the fullest, regardless of their abilities.

Let’s get started!

What is corporate retreat accessibility?

Accessibility for company retreats means that event organisers need to consider the needs of all participants, including those with disabilities. It’s a commitment to ensuring everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported.

Creating an accessible event starts with a checklist that covers all aspects of accessibility, including (but not limited to):

• Mobility
• Hearing
• Vision
• Dietary needs

Basejam’s user-friendly search tool helps you find venues tailored to your unique requirements and group size. You have a direct line of contact with venues to ask about their accessibility policies and facilities. You can also call on the Basejam team to find you a venue that meets your accessibility needs.

Why is corporate retreat accessibility important?

Here are some of the reasons why corporate retreat accessibility is important:

• Legal Compliance & Increase National Awareness: Laws mandate equal access for individuals with disabilities at public events, including corporate retreats. Plus, with the awareness of accessibility issues driven by advocacy groups, your company contributes to a more inclusive society and fosters a culture of belonging among your employees.
• Address the Needs of Your Employees: A retreat is meant to be a unifying experience where all team members come together to learn, collaborate, and build stronger bonds. To make this possible, ensure every participant's requirements are met, regardless of their abilities.
• Inclusivity: By offering accessibility options, organisations empower all attendees to participate fully in retreat activities. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and unity among team members, promoting a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.

Corporate retreat accessibility best practices

Accessibility best practices for a strategic planning retreat prioritise inclusivity, ensuring every team member can fully participate and contribute.

Here are a few best practices you should consider:

1. Choose an accessible venue

Selecting the perfect venue for your corporate retreat is crucial, especially regarding accessibility. To make your retreat less stressful, try to pick a venue that's centrally located.

If the venue is nearby, visit in person to familiarise yourself with the layout and points of interest. Alternatively, talk to venue management to ensure their facilities are accessible and accommodating for everyone in your team. Then, provide employees with clear information about location, accessibility, and parking options.

With Basejam, you can browse tons of inspiring, accessible retreat locations across Europe.

Our platform offers a curated selection of retreat-ready venues, including inspiring hotels, cosy cabins, working farms, and wellness spas — all handpicked by us. You can message venues before booking and use Basejam to easily create a custom retreat experience that meets your team's needs.

2. Plan inclusive activities

When planning a corporate retreat, it's crucial to prioritise accessibility to ensure all team members can fully participate, regardless of their abilities. Think about the people who make up your team and build activities around their abilities and preferences.

For example, if a team member uses a mobility aid (e.g., wheelchair) and needs to avoid strenuous activity, arrange activities that don’t require as much movement — things like board games, discussions, debates, and puzzles.

For large retreats, it might be possible to offer multiple activities at a time so that each team member can participate in something they like without anyone feeling left out. But for smaller retreats, stick with events that everyone can join in.

3. Arrange accessible transportation

If your company is arranging transportation to and from the retreat, it needs to be accessible to everyone.

That might mean providing wheelchair-accessible vans or buses for team members with mobility aids or making sure that the destination is close enough to public transportation if team members are travelling on their own. If you’re flying to the destination, plan ahead and contact the airport(s) to arrange wheelchair assistance and special needs accommodations well in advance.

Converted millhouse and nature oasis in the Ardèche →

Don’t forget about transportation around the venue, either. Many retreat venues (like this converted millhouse in the Eyrieux valley) can have difficult terrain surrounding the venue, making it difficult for guests with mobility issues. Work with the venue to determine if they have accessible transportation options and alert the team.

4. Make yourself available at all times

An accessible event also fosters an environment where assistance is available when needed. When someone requests assistance, respond promptly and attentively. Be prepared to offer guidance, provide information about the team building activities, or assist with tasks like opening doors or navigating the event space. Your responsiveness ensures that attendees' needs are met efficiently.

5. Ask for help from experts

When you're exploring new ideas or trying to make your event more accessible to a diverse group, it's a smart move to ask for help from event planning experts. They have the knowledge and experience to guide you in the right direction.

Host an accessible corporate retreat today!

Prioritising accessibility ensures that every team member can actively participate, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, regardless of their abilities. By following the best practices we've explored, you are one step closer to a successful event that leaves a positive and lasting impression on your guests.

With Basejam, you can effortlessly discover retreat-ready locations, eliminating the need to comb through countless comparison sites or wait for recommendations. There are no booking fees, meaning you can find the ideal accommodation without any unexpected costs.

Find the perfect venue today!