Foxhills Club and Resort, a premier destination for business retreats and corporate meetings, has unveiled the findings of its recent research on business meetings and activities during away days.
Results of the survey highlights how hybrid working has effected what motivates employees, the importance of engaging offsite meetings, and preferences for meeting times and activities.
Activities during away days enhance the benefit of meetings
72% of those surveyed believe that delegates gain more from a full-day meeting that includes an activity, underscoring the necessity of incorporating team bonding and wellness exercises into away days to foster engagement and productivity. To counteract the notorious post-lunch dip, 43% favour an outdoor walk, highlighting the desire for fresh air and mental clarity after intensive strategy discussions.
Elsewhere in the study, the majority (58%) of respondents find mornings to be the best time for creative thinking. This aligns with Foxhills’ client trends, where meetings are often scheduled in the morning, followed by activities in the afternoon to maintain high energy levels and creativity throughout the day.
A reassuring 98% of those surveyed prefer to attend strategy days and brainstorming sessions offsite. With a change in environment likely fostering clarity and fresh perspectives on business matters, making offsite venues an essential choice for effective strategic planning.
Thursday emerges as the favourite day for strategy sessions, with 45% of respondents indicating it as their top choice. This opens up opportunities for venues to create special offerings and experiences around Thursdays to capitalise on this trend and extend stays into the weekend.
Don’t forget to add socialising to away days
The research also reveals that the majority (45%) of attendees prefer to stay and socialise after meetings, highlighting the importance of choosing venues that offer excellent food and drink options to encourage team members to build relationships outside of the workplace.
Kelly Elton, Group Director of Sales at Foxhills said: “The results from our survey are really interesting and certainly correlate with the conversations that we’re having with our clients. The majority of people surveyed only have up to five offsite meetings annually, highlighting the importance of making business away days impactful and engaging. We are working hard with our array of activities on offer to create unique business days for our clients to inspire their teams.”
With over 200 activities on site, Foxhills is committed to understanding and adapting to these trends to provide exceptional meeting and retreat experiences. The resort’s facilities are designed to foster creativity, engagement, and team bonding, ensuring that every offsite meeting is productive and memorable.
Read the full survey report here.
About Foxhills Club & Resort
- The history of Foxhills Club & Resort dates back to the 1780s when mercurial politician Charles James Fox resided at the estate.
- The Manor House, built in the 19th century, is now at the heart of the 400-acre estate, situated just minutes from the M3 and M25 in Ottershaw, Surrey.
- Pam and Ian Hayton purchased the club in 1983. In addition to strengthening the club’s reputation as a family-friendly leisure destination, Foxhills has expanded its sporting facilities far beyond a golf course to cater for the diverse interests of its members and visitors.
- The golf club was established in 1975 and now features two superb 18-hole courses – Bernard Hunt and Longcross – as well as the fabulous par-three nine-hole Manor Course.
- The resort now features 66 bedrooms, three restaurants, newly-refurbished gym with first-to-market Symbio cardio technology, 9 tennis courts, 3 padel courts, 2 pickleball courts, five swimming pools, an award-winning HealthSpa, creche, soft play area, as well as conference, meeting, wedding and event facilities.
- Non-members and non-residents are welcome on day visits, while there is a range of memberships available, along with accommodation and meeting packages.
PA Life is pleased to have Foxhills as a Recommended Supplier.
