5 Reasons to Host Your Next Event Outside the Office

With hybrid working now the norm across the UK, stepping outside the office isn’t just a change of scenery, it can be a way to unlock better ideas and stronger engagement. It’s one of the reasons more teams are choosing dedicated off-site meeting rooms and event spaces, like The Fold in Leamington Spa, for the moments when getting people together really matters. 

The Shift in How We Work 

The way we work has changed dramatically in recent years. According to UK workplace research: 

• Around 40% of UK employees now work in a hybrid model 

• Over 60% say changing environment improves their focus and creativity 

• Workplace disengagement costs UK businesses an estimated £20+ billion annually in lost productivity 

• Stress and digital fatigue remain key challenges, with over 75% of UK workers reporting regular work-related stress 

In this context, it’s no surprise that businesses are rethinking where collaboration actually happens best. 

1. A Change of Environment Sparks Better Thinking 

Our surroundings influence how we think more than we realise. 

When teams leave the office, they leave behind routine, distractions and mental autopilot. This shift in environment helps encourage: 

• Fresh perspectives 

• More open discussion 

• Increased creativity 

• Better problem-solving 

Simply put, new spaces lead to new thinking. 

That doesn’t necessarily mean travelling far, either. Choosing a distinctive local venue can create that sense of separation from the working day. The Fold, for example, is set within a renovated 19th-century church in Leamington Spa, giving teams a very different backdrop to the typical office or conference room. 

2. People Are More Engaged Outside Their Usual Setting 

In familiar environments, it’s easy for meetings to become routine or passive. But when people step into a different space, engagement naturally increases. 

Research into workplace behaviour consistently shows that physical environment plays a major role in attention and participation. A change of setting helps people show up more present, focused and involved. 

3. Fewer Distractions, Better Outcomes 

Office environments, especially open-plan ones, are full of interruptions: 

• Emails and notifications 

• Ad hoc conversations 

• Background noise 

• Task switching 

Outside the office, teams are more likely to experience uninterrupted time, which leads to deeper discussion and clearer decision-making.  

4. It Helps Teams Reset and Reconnect 

Hybrid and remote work have made it harder for teams to connect naturally. Many businesses now rely on structured in-person time to rebuild that connection. 

Off-site events give teams space to: 

• Step away from day-to-day pressure 

• Reconnect as people, not just colleagues 

• Strengthen communication and trust 

• Align around shared goals 

This isn’t just “nice to have” it directly impacts how effectively teams work together afterwards. 

The best off-site days also create opportunities for conversation outside the formal agenda. Having breakout areas, comfortable shared spaces and somewhere to grab a coffee or lunch can make those in-between moments just as valuable as the meeting itself. 

It’s something we’ve deliberately built into The Fold: spaces for the structured part of the day, alongside more relaxed areas where teams can regroup, talk and reset. 

5. It Makes Events Feel More Purposeful 

When an event happens outside the office, it feels intentional. That shift in mindset matters. 

People are more likely to: 

• Pay attention 

• Contribute ideas 

• Engage in discussion 

• Remember outcomes 

In contrast, office-based events can sometimes blend into the everyday routine. 

A different environment signals that something matters and people respond accordingly. 

The venue itself becomes part of the experience. A strategy day in an inspiring setting feels different from another meeting around the same office table and a client event in a distinctive venue can make a very different first impression. 

That’s particularly important for larger occasions such as company away days, seminars, networking events, product launches and team-building sessions, where the setting helps establish the tone from the moment people arrive. 

At The Fold, our Grade II listed surroundings give corporate events a setting that feels deliberately different from the everyday workplace, while still providing the practical facilities businesses need. 

Creating Better Spaces for Better Conversations 

As more businesses rethink how and where they work, one thing is becoming clear: environment isn’t just the background to a meeting or event. It can actively shape the quality of thinking, collaboration and conversation. 

Choosing the right space can completely change the tone of the day. 

At The Fold in Leamington Spa, we offer meeting rooms and flexible event spaces for businesses, teams and organisations looking to step outside their usual working environment. From small team catch-ups and client meetings to workshops, strategy days, presentations and larger corporate events, there’s space to shape the day around what you want to achieve. 

Our meeting spaces range from private rooms for smaller groups to a dedicated boardroom and flexible spaces for larger sessions, while our wider venue can accommodate larger corporate and private events. 

And because a productive day isn’t only about what happens around the meeting table, teams can also make use of The Fold’s breakout areas, shared spaces and on-site café and bar. 

So, if you’re planning your next off-site meeting, team day or corporate event in Leamington Spa, it might be worth asking a different question. 

Not just what do we need to discuss?  

But where will we have the best conversation? 

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FAQs About Off-Site Meetings and Events 

What is an off-site meeting? 
An off-site meeting is a business meeting, workshop or team session held away from a company’s usual workplace. Businesses often use off-site venues for strategy days, planning sessions, client meetings, workshops and team events.  

Where can I hire a meeting room in Leamington Spa? 
The Fold offers meeting rooms in central Leamington Spa for groups ranging from small meetings through to larger team sessions. Rooms can be booked by the hour, half-day or full day. 

Can The Fold host corporate events? 
Yes. The Fold hosts seminars, product launches, team-building activities, networking events and other corporate and private events, with its main event space accommodating up to 150 people standing or 100 seated. 

Can I book a meeting room without being a member? 
Yes. The Fold's meeting-room page lists both member and non-member rates, with rooms bookable by the hour, half-day or full day.