When planning an away day, it’s tempting to focus almost entirely on the agenda: what information needs to be covered, who will speak, and how much can be fitted into the time. But away days that prioritise only content often fall flat. The missing ingredient? Connection.
Why content alone isn’t enough
Information overload is common. Teams sit through long presentations, take notes, and nod along – but a week later, much of it has been forgotten. Without space to reflect and connect, content rarely translates into action.
Precious time together
Away days aren’t just team meetings in a different room. They’re precious opportunities to step away from the day job, meet face-to-face, and re-energise as a team. With so many people working remotely and under pressure, that time together matters more than ever. It’s also a chance to have fun and bond – because laughter, motivation, and team spirit are what make people want to work well together and collaborate long after the event.
The power of connection
Connection is what turns an away day into a turning point. When colleagues talk, share stories, and build relationships, they create the trust and energy that makes collaboration smoother and more enjoyable. And when that connection is linked back to a shared vision, it builds long term commitment and shared goals.
Creating balance: content + connection
The most effective away days weave content with connection:
- Short, focused presentations
- Table discussions to explore challenges
- Icebreakers and energisers that spark laughter and insight
- Reflection time to make the day personally meaningful
What this means for leaders
As a leader, you don’t just need to ask “What content do we need to cover?” You also need to ask “What opportunities are we creating for people to connect?” Both matter equally – and building a strong sense of connection strengthens the impact of the content.
Conclusion
If you want your next away day to inspire genuine change and inspiration, design it as much for connection as for content. Because when people leave feeling closer to each other – and reminded that work can be motivating and fun – they’re far more likely to carry the day’s messages back into their everyday work.
if you’d like support designing a balanced, energising away day that combines content with connection, I’d love to help – contact me to arrange a free consultation.