Why Stepping Away Unlocks Your Team’s Potential: Benefits of Corporate Away Days

As an Events Director at Nature Valley Lodge, I’ve worked with teams of all sizes, and one thing is clear: stepping out of the office resets focus, sparks creativity, and strengthens team connection. Away from inboxes and interruptions, your team gets space to think strategically, collaborate meaningfully, and recharge. Done right, an away day doesn’t just feel good; it delivers measurable results. In this guide, you’ll learn what an away day is, why it matters, how to choose a venue and why Northeast Ohio is a smart location. 

What is a ‘Corporate Away Day’?

A corporate away day is a purpose-driven gathering outside the office, whether it’s half-day, full-day, or multi-day, where teams come together to focus on strategic planning, align on goals, and strengthen relationships. It typically includes a mix of:

• Strategy sessions or workshops

• Team-building exercises

• Time for reflection and brainstorming

• Group meals and social activities

From my perspective, the magic happens when the space supports focus, collaboration, and connection. A well-chosen venue, like Nature Valley Lodge, provides a quiet, distraction-free nature-framed environment that encourages deep work and genuine interaction.

Why Corporate Away Days Matter

Here are the core benefits I see time and again when teams step away from the office:

1. Strategic Clarity

Uninterrupted time helps teams to focus on the big picture, align on priorities and make decisions that might get lost in the day-to-day shuffle.

2. Team Engagement & Retention

Taking time to invest in your people shows you value them, boosting morale and engagement, ultimately helping retain top talent. They appreciate you for letting them “shine” and show their creativity, thinking outside the box.

3. Team Building

Shared experiences outside the office, such as lakeside walks, relaxed moments on terraces, and informal conversations, foster trust, camaraderie, and collaboration that lasts long after the day ends.

4. Enhanced Creativity

New environments stimulate fresh thinking. Natural surroundings, light-filled spaces, and flexible layouts, all things NVL offers, spark innovative ideas and solutions. 

The office is a box with four walls. Nature Valley Lodge is an open, serene landscape that allows your team to think outside the box. The feel of the sunshine, the breeze blowing through, the birds singing - all things that come naturally at Nature Valley Lodge, allowing clear minds and encouraging creativity.

5. Motivation Boost

Stepping away from daily routines and celebrating achievements together re-energizes your team and reignites momentum for ongoing projects.

Key Considerations When Booking Your Venue

The venue you choose plays a huge role in achieving your away day goals. Use this quick checklist to match a space to your goals: 

• Flexible Meeting Spaces – Can you switch from group work in small breakouts to company-wide presentations easily? NVL’s adaptable outside and inside spaces provide you with options to flow throughout the day.

• Natural Light & Inspiring Views – Natural light, serene scenery, and water views help keep energy high and focus sharp. For example, at NVL, no people are walking down hallways or cars passing outside windows, so your team can stay fully immersed.  

• Technology & Amenities – Reliable Wi-Fi, presentation displays, microphones and wall-mounted speakers.

• Indoor & Outdoor Options – Whether it’s a structured session inside or a creative brainstorm outdoors, NVL offers both with main lodge space, terraces, lakeside benches and trails.

• Accessibility & Flow – Ensure everyone can move through the space comfortably. NVL’s main lodge is primarily all on one level, making it easy for most guests to navigate. While the loft and upper terrace are accessible by stairs, the lower terrace still offers stunning lake views, and the main seating area in the lodge accommodates the majority of guests with comfort and ease.

• Accommodations Nearby –  Overnight retreats are easier with rooms nearby. NVL offers access to our nearby three Airbnbs for teams, as well as hotels within 20 minutes.

Why Northeast Ohio for Corporate Away Days

Close to cities, far from distraction. Northeast Ohio blends easy access (Cleveland, Akron–Canton, major highways, regional airports) with true nature—lakes, woodlands, open skies—so teams feel away without complex travel.

Seasonal advantages:

• Spring: Fresh energy, mild temps, outdoor brainstorming, and renewal themes.

• Summer: Long daylight, al fresco lunches, lakeside breaks, and outdoor team building.

• Autumn: Crisp air, peak foliage, reflective tone, ideal for planning cycles and off-sites.

• Winter: Fewer scheduling conflicts, great availability, cozy indoor focus with scenic views; perfect for strategic resets.

At Nature Valley Lodge in North Lawrence, your team gets a nature-framed, indoor-ready venue with terraces, trails, and a handcrafted lodge, all while being close to Akron/Canton and within reach of Cleveland.

Conclusion: Step Away, Reap the Benefits

Corporate away days deliver more than a pleasant change of scene… they drive outcomes: clarity, creativity, engagement, motivation, and stronger team bonds. The right environment amplifies these benefits, so choose a venue that supports your goals and your agenda will do the rest. 

Ready to plan your next away day? Schedule a tour and see how Nature Valley Lodge can help your team thrive.