Back to Basics: Our Adventurous Nature Offsite
Since the pandemic, remote work has become the norm for our team. While we all enjoy the flexibility, we recognize the importance of carving out moments to disconnect from work and reconnect with each other. Alongside our weekly office day, monthly team lunches, and quarterly events, we also host an annual offsite. It’s a multi-day experience where we balance reviewing company results and brainstorming with plenty of relaxation and fun.
For last year’s offsite, the team overwhelmingly voted for the theme 'Adventurous Nature.' Forget luxury villas with private rooms and en suites; we opted for a more back-to-basics approach, surrounded by nature. The organizing committee came up with a brilliant glamping concept on an island in the middle of the ‘Hollands Diep’—a wide tidal river that forms part of the main channels of the 'Waal' and 'Maas' rivers in the Netherlands.
Before heading to the island, we made a pit stop at 'Oesterdam' for a team challenge: raft building. Split into groups, we raced to build rafts and then competed in a race across the lake. Afterward, we enjoyed a well-deserved lunch.
Next, we made the crossing to the island, where we walked to our campsite, and our bags were delivered for us. Each team member had their own tent and was greeted with a fun surprise: a 'Magic Box' from McDonald's—not with burgers, but filled with a camping survival kit and new Yondr merch for the whole team. You might be wondering, why McDonald’s? Well, it wasn’t just a random choice. We had recently wrapped up a major project for them in Barcelona, where we delivered an immersive mixed reality experience powered by Apple Vision Pro.
Our days were filled with hiking, traditional games, board games, and just enjoying a cold beer around the campfire. It didn’t take much more than that to create an unforgettable time.
We dedicated one morning to reviewing the past year’s business performance and worked in small groups on ideation exercises focusing on yondr’s future.
By Friday afternoon, it was time to leave the island and cross back into Belgium. We wrapped up with a final walk through the 'Kalmthoutse Heide' and ended the trip with one last lunch together. From there, everyone went their separate ways to kick off the weekend. It was an incredible experience, impeccably organized, and we’re already excited to see where 2025 will take us.
