The Reasons
This month’s challenge may cause you to say, “How can I take a full day away from patient care?” But what if that one day allowed you to align your team, improve the culture, and implement big-picture goals? I recently did a podcast episode with an OD who, after some initial hesitation, called the team retreat “the most valuable day of the entire year.”
Why It Works (Benefits)
• It builds camaraderie across locations and departments.• It creates space for connections and team bonding.
• It provides a setting for collaborating on new initiatives (ie, new tech, specialty services).
• It reinforces culture and values—staff of the aforementioned OD describe it as their “favorite day of the year.”
How to Make It Work
• Block off one day (ideally when patient volume is lowest).
• Choose a theme (teamwork, practice growth, customer service).
• Mix education, interaction, and fun (part learning, part breakout sessions, part games).
• Keep it simple—use your office space, a simple agenda, and let the day unfold.
A “Reboot” Optometrists shouldn’t let the fear of lost production hold them back from having a team retreat. This is because a well-run retreat pays for itself in staff engagement, staff buy-in, and long-term practice growth. It’s a “reboot” for the office. OM