Why an Outdoor Corporate Event Is the Cure for Zoom Fatigue

Remote and hybrid work have become the norm, but they’ve brought a new kind of challenge: disconnection. Zoom fatigue, lack of spontaneous collaboration, and weakened team bonds are affecting company culture and productivity. More than ever, employees need a reason to step away from their screens and back into shared experiences. That’s where outdoor corporate events come in.

At Forest Lodge Catering, we help companies bring their teams together through unforgettable outdoor experiences that rebuild morale, refresh minds, and reignite team spirit.

The Disconnection Dilemma

Since the shift to remote and hybrid work, companies have been facing a growing challenge: how do you maintain a strong team culture without shared physical space? According to Buffer’s State of Remote Work report, 65% of remote employees say they feel less connected to their coworkers.

"Zoom fatigue" isn’t just about screen time—it’s about the loss of human energy. No hallway chats, no spontaneous brainstorming, no laughter over lunch. Just meeting after meeting, pixelated faces, and muted microphones.

This lack of casual connection chips away at collaboration, creativity, and employee engagement.

Why Outdoor Corporate Events Are the Answer

In-person company events are the most powerful way to restore what remote work has taken away: trust, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. And when those events happen outdoors, the impact multiplies.

Outdoor corporate events offer:

  • A low-pressure, high-reward environment for team bonding
  • Fresh air and open space to reduce stress and screen burnout
  • A setting that encourages natural, unscripted conversations

Whether your team is fully remote, hybrid, or distributed across offices, bringing people together in person—even once a year—can reignite culture in a way no virtual call ever could.

Give Your Team a Reason to Show Up

Let’s face it: your employees don’t want another formal seminar or awkward icebreaker. They want something that feels worth it.

Here’s what makes outdoor corporate events at Forest Lodge so successful:

  • Delicious food prepared by our executive chef
  • Interactive activities that spark fun and connection (from volleyball to mini golf)
  • Beautiful 40-acre property with plenty of space to relax and recharge
  • Turnkey planning support, so you don’t have to stress about logistics

It’s not just a picnic. It’s a reward for everything your team has accomplished during tough, isolating times.

Rebuild Culture, One Memory at a Time

A well-executed outdoor corporate event can do more than bring people together—it can restart your culture. When coworkers laugh together, share stories, and collaborate in person, trust builds. And trust is the foundation of high-performing teams.

The ROI of reconnection is real:

  • Teams that socialize informally perform better under pressure.
  • Face-to-face interaction builds stronger relationships than digital communication.
  • Employees who feel emotionally connected are 87% less likely to leave their company.

At Forest Lodge, we’ve hosted events that helped remote teams meet for the first time—and leave feeling like old friends.

Plan an Event That Actually Works

Not all company events are created equal. If you want your team to show up, it has to be something they want to attend. That’s why outdoor events are the go-to solution for reconnecting hybrid teams.

Forest Lodge offers:

  • Flexible event packages for small teams or company-wide gatherings
  • Covered spaces and rain date options
  • A range of outdoor activities tailored to your team’s vibe
  • Full-service planning support from concept to clean-up

Let Forest Lodge Bring Your Team Back Together

Your remote or hybrid team has done incredible work from a distance. Now it’s time to celebrate, reconnect, and reenergize in person.

Schedule a tour of Forest Lodge’s 40+ acre property and discover how easy (and impactful) it is to host your next outdoor corporate event.

Give your team a reason to unplug—and a day they’ll never forget.