SaffronStays for Corporates: Luxury Villas & Homestays For Your Next Offsite

Company trips are essential for every successful firm because they enhance performance, teamwork, and morale. Discover our luxurious homestays, which are perfect for team-building getaways, breaking the ice with new joinees, business reunions, and corporate conferences. Whether you want to improve the mood of your company, interact with colleagues, or celebrate a milestone, these private villas for rent can conveniently handle big parties under one roof in absolute privacy. The respite from regular life at these villas helps business teams break the ice. Give your team members a break by bringing them on an offsite, and then watch them return as a family. Here’s why SaffronStays luxury villas & homestays are perfect for corporate offsites and events.


Build a Bond with Your Colleagues

SaffronStays Waters By Kosha Villas is a popular choice for corporate groups searching for a modern-feel getaway to connect with their team members on an interactive and personal level. With a serene atmosphere, this 8-bedroom estate comprises three villas: SaffronStays Kaia Waters by Kosha Villas, Pawna, SaffronStays Yahvi Waters by Kosha Villas, Pawna, and SaffronStays Ahilya Waters by Kosha Villas, Pawna. They all are nestled near Mumbai and Pune, overlooking Pawna Lake and the surrounding hills. The bedrooms, with a velvety sunken poolside and outdoor dining, offer excellent space to connect with each other for up to 24 guests.



Celebrating Team Success

The turning points at various points in the company’s growth doesn’t truly resonate with all, unless recognised, appreciated, and celebrated joyously by the team together. Homes like SaffronStays Juniper, Lonavala, a luxury private villa near Mumbai with 10 spacious bedrooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a vast lawn, is perfect for a team success party. Juniper is a short drive from Mumbai to Lonavala and consists of two-holiday homes, each with five bedrooms and complete privacy. Aside from the pool and sun terraces, outdoor amenities include a play zone with tennis and snooker tables and a gym. The spacious lawn is ideal for holding a party to celebrate cracking a business deal, profit milestones and reward and recognition for the hard work of your team.


Welcoming New Joinees into the Company Culture

The mailer announcements, in-office introductions or chat familiarisation just don’t cut it anymore! Take a novel approach to welcome new joinees into your company’s culture by hosting recreational trips and offsites. SaffronStays Amaltas, Nashik, is the perfect haven for the occasion. This opulent, pet-friendly villa can efficiently conduct special events such as an orientation programme or a welcome breakfast for your team. The villa has a stunning pool and vast grounds and resides in the heart of lively Nashik. Bond with the new members over a game of badminton, football, or plain old-fashioned cricket. If you enjoy indoor sports, then a game of table tennis or foosball awaits you. Also, you can play board games such as scrabble, sequence, and ludo. What’s more? The villa is fully-staffed to provide you with a comfortable and relaxing experience.



Craft Your Next Strategy by The Pool

Creativity blooms its best when you’re inspired from within and a taste of the vacation life amidst nature truly gets the juices flowing! Huddle up with your team, take a refreshing swim and give your brainstorming and strategy sessions a wonderful twist. Private estates like SaffronStays Kairos Athena, and Kairos Zeus Karjat, give you just what you need. The 5-bedroom Greek-style lakefront estate near Mumbai boasts an azure pool and a spacious living area. The Signature pool villa in Karjat is set amidst acres of manicured grounds and provides a soothing team outing experience. In the evening, reward your team with a chill by the lake and camping site (Camp Max). You can also spend the day taking a boat trip (on request), kayaking, doing pottery, visiting the petting zoo, and so much more.


Switch Zoom to Team Meets, Pun Intended!

Zoom meetings sound convenient when we think about it, but lack the in-person contact and spirit you build when you physically work with your team. With the normalcy of work from office or onsite settling in, why not indulge in work-with-a-view? Give your meetings the perfect backdrop at luxury villas like SaffronStays Casa Del Palms, Alibaug, near Nagaon Beach: a beautiful 7-bedroom private estate, 30 minutes from Mandwa Jetty. The luxury villa in Alibaug is ideal for business meets since it has a huge lawn that can easily accommodate a team. In addition, the villa has a swimming pool, gazebo for evening conversation or high tea, badminton net, and yoga station. Fans of novels and books can relax in the first-floor reading corner. Outdoor enthusiasts can unwind by the pool or play Pétanque, an ancient Greek outdoor bowling game.



Mix Business With Pleasure, Literally!

You know what they say, you don’t always have to play it by the rules! Your workplace will thrive when your team feels inspired, energised and in sync with one another. Nothing better to achieve that mojo than some leisurely activities and bonding sessions post working hours. Take your team to SaffronStays Odyssey, Karjat, a 6-bedroom pool villa with a spacious lawn and expansive patio to discuss an important plan of action. Later, team members can swim under the open sky, go for walks, or have a bike session on the private track. Spread over an area of 10 acres, SaffronStays Odyssey, Karjat can accommodate up to 18 guests. If you are seeking ways to entertain your team members here, then they can spend time playing Jenga or scrabble. If people wish to become a bit more competitive, then they can try a game of table tennis.



Just Take The Day Off With Your Colleagues

Don’t we all eagerly look forward to the late nights, parties or lazy weekends? Perhaps, a refreshing road trip with your colleagues will bring you closer to them and boost morale. Featured by GQ India as one of the ‘best weekend homes near Mumbai’ SaffronStays Summer Salt, Alibaug, is a great spot for corporate trips if you’re looking for a villa for rent. The nicest feature of this pet-friendly beachfront villa is the ample space this estate provides. Hidden amongst tall coconut trees, it’s tucked near Akshi beach. The in-house chef prepares the most delectable Alibaug-style dishes, such as chicken sukka and prawn fry. The outdoor lawn and the massive pool is a terrific place to hang out with your coworkers; enjoy a conversation with a cup of tea or some splashes of water in the pool. The bungalow also maintains a library with a handpicked collection of must-reads set up in a cosy nook of the living room.



Uninterrupted Views, Pool Games and More

Are you looking to get away from the rush and bustle of corporate life? Imagine a private resort surrounded by a lake on 3 sides and endless greenery…that’s SaffronStays Foresta By The Lake, Kamshet, a spacious 70-acre villa anchored in serenity. This villa is a terrific choice for business events, with six bedrooms, a gazebo, a lakeside area, and a private pool. On the multipurpose court, there are opportunities to indulge in several activities, including tennis, volleyball, and badminton. Also, indoor gaming alternatives such as billiards, card and carrom tables, and board games are available in the dedicated games area.



From Crowded Bars to Private Sundowners

Move on from crowded bars to private villas for a sundowner with your team. While restaurants and bars can be good places, they are often too noisy and too crowded to talk. While after-work sessions have to end in a few hours, head out of town on the weekend and opt for a private sundowner instead. Sitting, cherishing and enjoying a glass of wine or a pint of beer with your colleagues and watching the sun go down is a new treat your employees would like to experience. True to its name, SaffronStays Sundowner, Karjat is the 8-bedroom party-perfect home where your corporate offsites with colleagues will truly be unforgettable!



What’s better than a corporate offsite? An offsite amidst the snow-capped hills! Make the best of the season as you head to North India with your colleagues for the ultimate party and work-from-the-hills staycation!

Plan a corporate getaway with handcrafted, Signature experiences at SaffronStays Ekam, Chail: A stately regal escape amidst the Himalayan forests of Chail. The 4-bedroom homestay near Shimla has a large outside space, lush-green lawn, an organic farm and stunning interiors that serve as the ideal fun place for a group. The outside space can host games and matches to foster team spirit.
If you’re a rather larger group, SaffronStays Amlyn, Manali, is a 5-bedroom estate that consists of three bungalows: SaffronStays The Amlyn (Family Rooms), Manali, SaffronStays The Amlyn (Duplex Suite), Manali, and SaffronStays The Amlyn (Couple Suites), Manali. These bungalows serve large groups with jolts of fun, laughter and memories.


For businesses based in Maharashtra, SaffronStays Raanwaara and Aranya Villas, Kamshet, a huge hillside estate with 10 furnished cottages makes for excellent accommodation for a corporate team. This villa is located amidst the dense forest, close to Thokarwadi Dam and features a uniquely designed seating area made up of stones and glass bottles. Also, there are balcony hammocks to relax.


Moreover, you could also explore SaffronStays Casa De Familia, a 6-bedroom luxury pool villa in Karjat that unfolds over 7 acres, with plenty of activities to keep your colleagues entertained. A multipurpose turf, large gazebo, indoor and outdoor game area, azure pool and endless greenery, perfect to host team-building activities and work with luxury!


Whichever villa you choose, your off-site will be ideal, thanks to the admirable and inviting SaffronStays villas and homestays, their amenities and the fine hospitality from the caretakers.


SaffronStays can additionally organise, subject to availability, and at a cost – projector, Flip Chart, Pens, DJ, Music, Mikes, Bartender, Decor, Team-building events coordinators. So, what are you holding out for? Spend the day off with your coworkers or plan your strategy by the pool.

Need some more options? Click on the link below to plan your next company retreat with SaffronStays: SaffronStays For Corporates

10 Infinity Pool Villas Near Mumbai & Pune For A Dreamy, ‘Grammable Getaway

Whether you are looking to enjoy a pool party with friends or simply wish to relax, having access to a gorgeous infinity pool is always a plus. There are myriads of beautiful villas with a private pool you can visit over the weekend to unwind and rejuvenate. Not only do these villas allow you to spend as much time as you want soaking in the pool but also provide several other amenities to ensure a memorable staycation. So, here is a list of some of the most popular infinity pool villas near Mumbai.


1. SaffronStays Kaia Waters by Kosha Villas, Pawna


Situated on a 2-acre estate in Pawna, Maharashtra, this 3-bedroom luxury villa is one of the most popular pool villas near Mumbai. It houses a gorgeous infinity pool charmed with breathtaking views of Pawna Lake. Featuring an elegant verandah, spacious living room and well-appointed bedrooms, the private villa in Pawna is beautifully designed in shades of blue and white; it’s Greece that awaits!

Maximum number of guests – 9

Book This Infinity Pool Villa: SaffronStays Kaia Waters by Kosha Villas, Pawna


2. SaffronStays Blue Infinitum, Pawna


When it comes to looking for luxury villa rentals, this 6-bedroom private villa in Pawna, Maharashtra, cannot be ignored. It flaunts an infinity pool out on the deck, offering mesmerising views of Pawna Lake. The villa for rent features a gazebo, lovely lawns, a fully-stocked bar on wheels and an organic herb garden chock full of lemon, chikoo and jamun trees.

Maximum number of guests – 18

Book This Infinity Pool Villa: SaffronStays Blue Infinitum, Pawna


3. SaffronStays Falcon Hill, Lonavala


Located on a 16-acre private forested estate in the beautiful hill station of Lonavala, this 6-bedroom Signature estate is counted amongst the most popular luxury pool villas near Mumbai. It houses a beautiful infinity pool that provides you with enchanting views of Aamby valley. Moreover, it comes with 6 bedrooms, an outdoor bar and a private terrace to catch the best sunrises from.

Maximum number of guests – 16

Book This Infinity Pool Villa: SaffronStays Falcon Hill, Lonavala


4. SaffronStays One Tree Farm, Karjat


Known for being one of the most sought-after private pool villas in Maharashtra, this 3-bedroom luxury villa in Karjat has a gorgeous infinity pool that offers spectacular views of the gushing River Pen and surrounding lush green landscapes. Moreover, the estate is home to an expansive organic farm that has paddy fields, and mango, lemon and cashew trees as well as seasonal vegetables.

Maximum number of guests – 10

Book This Infinity Pool Villa: SaffronStays One Tree Farm, Karjat


5. SaffronStays Ambe Moha, Karjat


Counted amongst stunning pool villas near Mumbai, this 3-bedroom Signature By SaffronStays villa is situated on a lovely mango farm in Karjat, Maharashtra. Surrounded by chikoo and coconut trees, it has an ‘open to the sky’ infinity pool, amazing hammocks as well as swings and a cosy library.

Maximum number of guests – 6

Book This Infinity Pool Villa: SaffronStays Ambe Moha, Karjat


6. SaffronStays Bellini, Karjat


This 3-bedroom private villa for families in Karjat is one of the best luxury villas with a private pool. It has a large infinity pool and a kids’ splash area, offering amazing views of the thick greenery and scenic landscapes. Adding to the experiences are several other highlights like a TV room, amphitheatre, BBQ corner, bird-watching gallery and deck that offers beautiful views of the rolling valley.

Maximum number of guests – 14

Book This Infinity Pool Villa: SaffronStays Bellini, Karjat


7. SaffronStays Reva Infinity, Karjat


Situated along the banks of River Tez, this estate comes with four charming cottages, an infinity pool and lovely lawns. The fully-staffed cottages are equipped with comfortable king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms and private balconies. Overlooking the gorgeous River Reva, it offers a myriad of exciting experiences like riverside dining, river rafting facilities and complete barbeque setups.

Maximum number of guests – 25

Book This Infinity Pool Villa: SaffronStays Reva Infinity, Karjat


8. SaffronStays Moira, Kamshet


This 5-acre private estate in Kamshet, Maharashtra, is home to one of the top luxury pool villas near Mumbai. The beautifully designed 6-bedroom private estate houses an azure infinity pool that overlooks Thukarwadi lake, verdant lawn and farms dotted with vibrant orchards. Moreover, the veg-only villa in Kamshet has a massage room, 6-seater open Jacuzzi, a bar lounge, and playroom equipped with table tennis and carrom equipment.

Maximum number of guests – 18

Book This Infinity Pool Villa: SaffronStays Moira, Kamshet


9. SaffronStays Vedika, Palghar


Equipped with a plethora of luxurious amenities, this veg-only, 4-bedroom private villa is on the top of the list of the most popular luxury villa rentals in Palghar, Maharashtra. With a beautiful infinity pool overlooking River Pinjal, it has a spacious living room, pretty verandah and vibrant lawn surrounded by mango orchards.

Maximum number of guests – 13

Book This Infinity Pool Villa: SaffronStays Vedika, Palghar


10. SaffronStays Happy Fields, Pune


Built across two floors, this 3-bedroom farmhouse in Pune features a pool filled with fresh water sourced directly from the farm. Furnished with wooden interiors and exposed brickwork, the charming home is surrounded by a lovely farm that houses various animals like hens, cows and goats. One of the most prominent highlights of this villa is its cosy attic with a glass ceiling, which serves as a perfect spot for a night of stargazing.

Maximum number of guests – 9

Book This Infinity Pool Villa: SaffronStays Happy Fields, Pune


So, for those of you looking to chill out at one of the most incredible luxury villa rentals with an infinity pool, check out the above-mentioned options for a memorable experience.

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10 Corporate Villas With Perfect Conference Rooms

We know exactly what you need for your next company offsite — peaceful surroundings, a refreshing environment and the perfect spot for boardroom meetings. At SaffronStays you will find villas that satisfy your need for large conference rooms and business-like vibes, but also provide you with a means to escape and take a break. Here are 10 corporate villas with conference rooms where you can do your highest quality of work and your deepest level of unwinding! 

1. SaffronStays Calamondinn Bungalow, Coorg

Spaciousness: 4BHK

Imagine having business meetings in a sprawling heritage home located in the midst of Karnataka’s lush greenery. This classically-styled, shingled-roof villa is also an eco-friendly zone! Tie in your sustainability goals by choosing an offsite location that uses solar power and recycles plastic. Once your business sessions are over, treat yourself to a session on beekeeping or a tour of the coffee plantation. 

No. of guests: 2-10

Book your next board room meeting: SaffronStays Calamondinn Bungalow


2. Sea La Vie, Alibaug

Spaciousness: 3BHK

Looking for a serene spot to discuss your company’s next steps? Choose this gorgeous beachside villa offering large, airy rooms that are ideal for goal-setting sessions. Strong Wi-Fi connections and several plush seating areas allow you to work from any spot of the private home in Alibaug, with the sparkling ocean waves always within sight. If you need to work, why not work with a view? 

No. of guests: 6-9

Book your next board room meeting: SaffronStays Sea La Vie


3. SaffronStays Gardenia, Kihim

Spaciousness: 4BHK

From the elegant living room adjoining the pool to the terrace with a spectacular view, SaffronStays Gardenia has multiple spots for an offbeat business discussion. Growth, after all, requires new ideas and perspectives. The modern vibe of this corporate villa will push you to reach new horizons while its bonfire and barbecue offerings are right there for you to relish some downtime. 

No. of guests: 8-16

Book your next board room meeting: SaffronStays Gardenia


4. SaffronStays Ocean Breeze, Guhagar

Spaciousness: 7BHK

A vibrant bungalow in Ratnagiri, this massive villa is best suited to large group seminars and board room meetings. This private homestay in the Konkan region has enough space for members of the corporate retreat as well as their spouses. While office work is ongoing, the others can busy themselves with board games, visiting nearby temples or going to Guhagar Beach which is only a short walk away. 

No. of guests: 2-21

Book your next board room meeting: SaffronStays Ocean Breeze


5. SaffronStays Aatman, Mahabaleshwar

Spaciousness: 6BHK

Give your brainstorming sessions and corporate seminars a touch of light and colour by choosing this stunning Mahabaleshwar homestay. The bohemian style of this corporate villa will not only get people comfortable but also encourage them to engage more. The large rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi and quirky outdoor seating areas to work from, all create a vibe that will make your offsite the next big thing!

No. of guests: 8-15

Book your next board room meeting: SaffronStays Aatman


6. SaffronStays Falcon Hill, Lonavala

Spaciousness: 6BHK

Being within two hours away from Mumbai and Pune makes this luxurious Lonavala villa an ideal space for an office retreat. The sleek, high-end interiors bring out the perfect vibe for important conferences and conventions. Simultaneously, the private villa also offers an infinity pool overlooking Lonavala valley for those much-needed hours of relaxation. 

No. of guests: 12-16

Book your next board room meeting: SaffronStays Falcon Hill


7. SaffronStays Foresta By The Lake, Kamshet

Spaciousness: 6BHK

If you’re looking for a corporate villa with conference rooms where your party can spend a few days, try out this amazing 6-bedroom villa that will function as your own private resort. While you can spend the day at work in large and elegant rooms, your evenings can be spent recharging your minds at the multipurpose court or with several indoor games. Try out this lakeside villa near Mumbai to make the best of your office retreat!

No. of guests: 8-16

Book your next board room meeting: SaffronStays Foresta By The Lake


8. SaffronStays Aurelia, Panchgani

Spaciousness: 3BHK

Nothing says peace and quiet like this dreamy villa hidden in a nook of the hills, with a mesmerizing view of Panchgani valley. All those talks about deadlines and numbers will be easier within the old-world charm of this holiday home. Need to make hard decisions? Just head to the gazebo for the view and a dose of fresh air. Need a break? Parsi Point, Sydney Point and the Bhilar Waterfall are just a few minutes away! 

No. of guests: 6-9

Book your next board room meeting: SaffronStays Aurelia


9. SaffronStays Vedika, Wada

Spaciousness: 4BHK

This luxury holiday home combines heritage architecture and modern amenities to create the perfect villa for work. Coupled with the surrounding natural beauty, the environment makes it an ideal home for professional events. Bird-watching, butterfly chasing and walks by the far are all great options for breaks between meetings. And what’s more, it’s only a two-hour drive from Mumbai!

No. of guests: 8-10

Book your next board room meeting: SaffronStays Vedika


10. SaffronStays Heritage Waada, Nashik

Spaciousness: 13BHK

Give your colleagues and employees a treat with this one-of-a-kind experience in wine country. You get to enjoy the beauty of a traditional Maharashtrian house — with a central courtyard, verandah and lawn — while also being an active part of your corporate retreat. With a 56 person capacity, SaffronStays Heritage Waada is a great private villa in Nashik for office retreats and work getaways!

No. of guests: 2-56

Book your next board room meeting: SaffronStays Heritage Waada


From dreamy sea-facing villas and holiday homes in the heart of the hills to quiet nature’s retreats amongst farms and orchards, the variety of SaffronStays corporate villas offer something to match every mood and every person. Plan the perfect work retreat today!

Want some more options? Check out this ethereal Greek getaway. 


Need some more options? Click on the link below to plan your next company retreat with SaffronStays: SaffronStays For Corporates


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Don’t worry, we won’t spam you… we’ll only give you exclusive first access to our new launches!

Click HERE to know more about SaffronStays Club Infinitum.

Inspire and Motivate Teams With A Corporate Getaway

With more than 2 years since the COVID-19 outbreak, most workspaces have efficiently adapted to the new style of working in a hybrid model, with complete or partial work from home and partial work from office. But on days when you think in-person communication would have eased the process of understanding, there is a unanimous appeal for team-bonding sessions. A one-day corporate getaway in and around the city that collaborates professional goals with personal bonding can work wonders for a team’s productivity. If you are considering where and how to go about planning a corporate getaway around Mumbai and Pune, we have some ideas for you.

Welcome New Joinees Into The Company Culture

If your company has welcomed a set of new employees in the last few months, then host a one-day retreat to induct them into the work culture. It is a significant way to include them in the larger team, communicate your expectations of them, help them know their coworkers, and forge connections. A one-day corporate getaways as a welcome will leave a lasting impression on the first go, especially if you choose luxury and uber-luxe private villas in Alibaug like SaffronStays Summer Salt, SaffronStays Casa Del Palms and SaffronStays Hacienda By The Sea, Alibaug. Located close to beaches, these pool villas flaunt stunning outdoor spaces like gazebos, well-manicured lawns, verandahs and balconies surrounded with thick greenery, that make for the perfect spot for bonding sessions.


Mix Business With Pleasure, Literally!

Other than getting away from the confines of conventional conference rooms, you need to have refreshing activities where the team can forget about their work, at least for a few hours. You need not decide what the team should do, but let them make the most of their time. At stunning private villas near Mumbai like SaffronStays Juniper, Lonavala, SaffronStays Carpe Diem, Lonavala & SaffronStays Amaltas, Nashik, it will be difficult to choose between pool time, a game of cricket on the lawn, downtime in the gazebo and the crossfit/gym workout. Make this one-day trip near Mumbai an experience of not just work meets leisure, but where work meets luxury!


Craft Your Next Strategy By The Pool

Enough of Zoom calls to lay down your strategies, it’s time to change that approach. Picture a blue poolside for your presentations, which eliminates the redundancy of just another meeting. Or hold your training sessions in open spaces which inadvertently fuel an openness to learn in the attendees. Our beachside and waterfront Signature villas like SaffronStays Sundowner, Karjat, SaffronStays Waters By Kosha Villas, Pawna, and SaffronStays Gardenia, Kihim have spacious pools for the ideal pool-with-a-view workation. The spacious properties can accommodate about 20+ people to sit together and attend the presentations, while cool breezes and the soft sounds of nature refreshes them by the side.
Also Read: Steps to planning a successful corporate offsite.

Making A Well-Planned Corporate Getaway

A corporate getaway that communicates goals and collaborates efforts is a well-planned retreat. But certain things have to be considered- distance, strong internet connection and facilities for enjoyment. SaffronStays Foresta By The Lake, Kamshet, SaffronStays Kairos, Karjat and SaffronStays Reva Infinity & Beyond, Karjat are ideal for every kind of corporate holiday near Mumbai and Pune. Be it hosting select top leaders or a larger team gathering, these spacious, well-connected homes have lawns to host your meetings outdoors. Your work presentations can later turn into fun parties, with the mini-bar setup by the pool. 

So, be inventive and plan a one-day corporate retreat with SaffronStays where colleagues bond as friends and come back reenergized to tick off their goals highly motivated.

How Work From Home in Pandemic Affects Productivity

Work from home desk

Living through a pandemic has taught us many lessons. The importance of good health- both physical and mental became a talking point in the year gone by. As work cultures switched from cubicles to homes, employees had their fair share of challenges to deal with, which in turn took a toll on their productivity, for better or worse? Has work from home culture raised the expectations vs performance bar? Let’s understand in more detail how working from home impacts productivity.

Understanding History of Work From Home 

A majority of Indians (the senior working force) may have been introduced to the work-from-home routine due to the lockdown, remote working has not been a novel concept abroad. Working from home or ‘remote working’ is decades old, but the conversation about productivity becomes more relevant today, as a majority of people globally function from home, irrespective of their choice. 

Coping Up With the Changes 

Working from home
Working from home (Credits: Pexels)

Back in March 2020, when people cocooned in their homes and worked, there were reports of working from home improving productivity. By May 2020, exactly three months into the lockdown, Prodoscore, a leading productivity intelligence tool revealed a 47% increase in efficiency of people working from home. Employees were saving their travel time, they could work in their pyjamas, meetings were either cancelled or virtual, you could munch while you work. The idea of working from home was new for many and seemed a great start.  

Technological Barriers

Technological errors
Technological errors (Credits: Pixabay)

For the millennials and the seniors experienced with WFH setting, the transition of shifting from desks/cubicles was not difficult. But for others, the challenges began from dealing with all technical problems on their own. From something, as basic as, inability to connect to an internet connection or complex tasks of scheduling/attending Zoom meetings, the non tech-savvy populace faced the brunt. “You’re on Mute” can be called the key phrase of this pandemic-induced working culture.

Extended Work Hours

Work stress
Work stress (Credits: Pixabay)

One of the greatest disadvantages of working from home is the inability to disconnect. Not everyone is able to demarcate between work and personal life. Working hours stretched beyond stipulated 8 to 9-hour shifts. Employees were spending more time in front of their laptops, than their families, despite constantly being under the same roof. You are not alone if you are feeling worked up; over 3 million people share the same sentiment! As per a research by Harvard Business School, an employee’s average workday increased by 8.2%, i.e. an extra 48.5 minutes each day. The study analysed emails and meeting times of 3.1 million people across 16 global cities. 

The immediate effects were seen on mental health issues. Mental health experts saw a spike in cases where people complained of work stress, and anxiety fuelled by work pressure. Productivity was naturally seeing a downward slope, even though the graph of working hours steeped. 

How Do We Exactly Measure Productivity

Productivity can be called an umbrella that covers – efficiency, timeliness, consistency, promptness, tackling crises to deliver the work. So how do we collectively measure these metrics? Productivity of a person is the amount of time he/she takes to finish a task. It is quite possible that out of an 8-hour shift, a person is productive only 4 hours, and the other 4 are spent contemplating about it. It also depends on an individual’s skill sets, nature of work, their resources to get work done in an expected time-frame. But considering all these factors were favourable, were employees still feeling productive? The perceived ‘benefits’ of WFH were evaporating towards the end of 2020. A report by 451, S&P Global Market Intelligence affiliate states only 11% of employees felt productive and engaged during this work from home. This report dug deep into the quiet opposing findings of another study by Boston Consulting Group, that stated 75% of employees were able to strike the balance and perform well. Know some ways to increase productivity while working from home.

The Counter Perspective

Working from home desk
Working from home desk (Credits: Pexels)

To every research, there could be 5 more with diverse findings. So while some part of the workforce longs to go back to the office, another comfortably set-up their work-desk aesthetic at home. Some of the biggest IT companies have experienced a surge in productivity of their employees, so much so, they decided to implement a permanent WFH policy. Indian IT majors like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL, Tech Mahindra and Microsoft believe in WFH model even after the pandemic is over as the teams are now used to the shift and saw an increase in productivity. Gartner CFO Survey revealed that 74% of CFOs and Finance leaders intend to move at least 5% of their staff to permanently work remotely. Search giant Google has already emailed their staff to work from home till September 2021. The company is testing a ‘flexible workweek’ where employees attend three days a week from office and remaining days from home. Twitter and Square have announced permanent WFH.

Steps to Improve

A break from office
A break from office (Credits: Pixabay)

The findings of increase or decrease in workforce productivity differ industry-wise. But as things are slowly getting back on track, employees do need a break more than ever. Things look brighter with COVID-19 vaccinations being rolled out, a sense of relief is washing over, and that has to be celebrated. Fixed day offs or a little breather to go on a getaway, to step out of home and explore what we missed will instill a positive sense to get back to work again. A corporate offsite could work wonders as an appreciation to those who showed their productivity, or enhance those who were too fatigued of working hours. A little gesture of appreciation can go a long way to fuel one’s motivation to work. And a motivated task force will drive your business to success.

Plan Successful Corporate Offsites With Positive Outcomes

Corporate offsites are a great way to inculcate team bonding within your work culture. Working from home has made most employees miss out on their daily informal interactions with their colleagues or ‘work friends’. As things slowly come back on track, it would be a great way to welcome your team to an offsite. After conversing in terms of work targets, strategies, to-do lists, everyone would long for a refreshingly good break. If you are wondering how to plan a successful corporate offsite trip for your team, we have some tips for you.

Status Update: Out of Office

Group of people chilling.
Bond offline with your colleagues. (Credits: Pexels)

Break out from the virtual meetings, go offline and bond offsite. Returning to office will be a reunion of sorts but the real bonds between colleagues will flourish when they are off their laptops chattering about things other than work. Change the status updates from ‘At Work’ to ‘Out of Office’ and transform the mood from run-down to rejuvenation.

Decide Your Objective

An objective of what you want to achieve is crucial for planning a corporate offsite. A clear intent makes it easier to plan things ahead – like booking of a conference room, arranging team-bonding activities or mapping the itinerary. But you can get hassle-free booking and secure stay, if you opt for a private villa like SaffronStays Summer Salt, a 6-bedroom stunning villa on Akshi Beach in Alibaug. Hold your brainstorming sessions under the canopy of coconut plantations, a palpable setting to come up with fresh ideas. Post the session, you can chill in the pool or swing away your worries in the hammock with a seaview. Your entire team will be catered with healthy home-cooked meals by our trained chefs on site, so everyone goes back satiated, be it stomach or the mind.

Discuss With The Group

Ensure everyone is on the same page about their expectations of this offsite trip. Plan it in a way to make everyone feel comfortable. Have elements involving the less expressive or newly-joined members. If there are adventure activities, check the number of employees open to participate. It is not financially feasible to make bookings for a large group when only a cluster of them turn out.

Choose a Place That Matches The Vibe

SaffronStays Constellations in Khandala
SaffronStays Constellations Orion

One of the most striking attributes of planning a corporate offsite trip is deciding upon a location. ‘What will be your location’, ‘will it fit in the budget’, ‘how to reach there’ are some of the many branches to the location mindmap. An interesting place will also tickle the excitement of your employees. 

One of the wisest options to have an undisturbed team outing is choosing private villas, with the whole property to yourself. There’s no worry of somebody hearing on your team secrets, weaknesses and successes being heartily discussed. SaffronStays Constellations, a private villa complex in Khandala will leave your team spoilt for choice! A set of 3 villas with 5 bedrooms each have enough scope to bond on several activities. Spend time lounging by the spacious pools or play team games in the lush lawns. The barbecue set-up right by the pool, or an outdoor bar setting, there are plenty of euphoric spots to cheer on. Your group pictures clicked outside these expansive villas will make your friends jealous of having such a wonderful work-fam to fall back on! 

Socialize Offline

People socializing over food and drinks.
Socialize with your colleagues offline

If your corporate offsite is meant for team bonding, let everyone unwind at their own pace. Have activities that fuel more conversations among the team. Be an anchor to the members who need to improve, socialize in a way that the guards of hierarchy are dissolved for a while. Choose a spacious site that accommodates everyone physically while unknowingly developing their emotional bonds. SaffronStays Kenzen in Alibaug is a 7-bedroom villa with an ample outdoor area and a pool that serves as the best meeting point a team could ask for. The outdoor space can be utilised to play games, organise matches and cultivate team spirit. 

Take Feedback

Feedback is Important (Credits: Pixabay)

Hosting an offsite drives an impetus to improve the productivity of your employees. It would take a little while to know how successfully yours worked. Once everyone returns to check their emails, don’t forget to take feedback about what could have been better, what more they would’ve liked, did it help them know the team better. With an affirmation to whether they look forward to more such outings, you know you have been off to a great start, outdoors. Check out SaffronStays Corporates to know more about our campaign and the perfect places to host your corporate offsite trips.