Troutbeck

As a native New Yorker whose entrepreneurial journey began at age 7 selling lemonade and baseball cards in front of my apartment building, I've seen firsthand how work environments shape our creativity and productivity. In 2021, I transitioned to full-time country living with my family and now serve as the Director of Culture & Commerce at Troutbeck. During Covid, I experienced the liberating freedom of remote work from a beautiful setting, but also the challenges of isolation when working where I lived and played with my young children. At Troutbeck, I've connected with numerous companies, from high-growth start-ups to multinationals. All have embraced hybrid work models, allowing employees to regularly work outside the traditional office. This significant shift, once unimaginable, highlights a new era in our work culture that emphasizes well-being, creativity, and connection. A key outcome of this change is the growing desire to work periodically from bucolic locations where creativity and inspiration come naturally. While this trend has been emerging over the past two decades, it has accelerated dramatically post-Covid, moving beyond the realm of digital nomads to the broader workforce. So how does this factor into the future of work? I believe the evolving workplace will include working from places outside the city where one can be surrounded by nature and afforded the comforts of a retreat. Let’s call it your company’s Country Campus. The premise is simple: work needs to include periodic respites where people can step away from the day-to-day grind into a serene setting, offering space for inspiration and refreshment. Here's why this is essential: Nature's Creative Influence: Research shows that spending time in nature stimulates creativity and problem-solving skills while reducing stress and boosting overall well-being. Intentional breaks in inspiring locations offer a refreshing change of scenery, allowing individuals to tap into nature's creative inspiration. Focus on What's Important: Amid busy schedules and constant distractions, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Periods in inspiring locations offer a chance to pause, reflect, and prioritize what's most important in both work and life. By stepping back and gaining perspective, individuals can make more informed decisions and set meaningful goals. Retention and Corporate Culture: Investing in employee well-being is foundational and contributes to retention and the development of a strong corporate culture. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay with the company long-term and contribute positively to its success. Where is your Country Campus? Share in the comments. If you’re searching for such a place, message me directly as we’re organizing a small cohort of early adopter companies and individuals to experience Country Campus at Troutbeck. Sincerely yours, Sascha

I’ve spent much of my career creating real life experiences and I firmly believe in the power of humans gathering with a shared intention. Since joining the stellar team at Troutbeck last year I’ve had a chance to speak with dozens of corporate retreat organizers and participants ranging from Fortune 100 companies to remarkable non-profits and high growth tech start-ups on the value of these types of gatherings. Here’s a few learnings I’ve distilled down from about the value of corporate retreats during my time at Troutbeck: Connection: We are social creatures.  Even though Troutbeck is only 2 hours from NYC, the countryside setting offers the opportunity to form bonds that extend beyond their roles and responsibilities.  These bonds lead to increased empathy, trust, joy and confidence which are foundational in flourishing working relationships. Recharge: Burnout is real.  A proper break from the hustle and bustle of city life lets team members recharge and return to work with renewed energy and focus. A brief disconnect from your inbox and daily meetings for a sojourn in serene surroundings leads to increased productivity in the long run. Resonance: History matters.  Troutbeck's remarkable history includes hosting esteemed guests like Emerson, Thoreau, and Du Bois and the distinction of being an incubator for the NAACP. These social and cultural footprints add a profound layer of significance to groups’ experiences. Inspiration: Freedom to think. Stepping outside the office environment into a tranquil ambiance sparks creativity and fresh perspectives. Removed from the pressures of daily tasks and placed into an idyllic landscape with a rich heritage inspires new ideas and ways of thinking. As a former CEO/executive of high-octane NYC based businesses I find it particularly rewarding that our historic estate serves as a “Country Campus” for teams that need a respite and recharge from their day-to-day environment.     Curious to hear if this resonates with your company retreat/offsite experiences?   Sincerely yours,  Sascha  

I’ve spent much of my career creating real life experiences and I firmly believe in the power of humans gathering with a shared intention. Since joining the stellar team at Troutbeck last year I’ve had a chance to speak with dozens of corporate retreat organizers and participants ranging from Fortune 100 companies to remarkable non-profits and high growth tech start-ups on the value of these types of gatherings. Here’s a few learnings I’ve distilled down from about the value of corporate retreats during my time at Troutbeck: Connection: We are social creatures.  Even though Troutbeck is only 2 hours from NYC, the countryside setting offers the opportunity to form bonds that extend beyond their roles and responsibilities.  These bonds lead to increased empathy, trust, joy and confidence which are foundational in flourishing working relationships. Recharge: Burnout is real.  A proper break from the hustle and bustle of city life lets team members recharge and return to work with renewed energy and focus. A brief disconnect from your inbox and daily meetings for a sojourn in serene surroundings leads to increased productivity in the long run. Resonance: History matters.  Troutbeck's remarkable history includes hosting esteemed guests like Emerson, Thoreau, and Du Bois and the distinction of being an incubator for the NAACP. These social and cultural footprints add a profound layer of significance to groups’ experiences. Inspiration: Freedom to think. Stepping outside the office environment into a tranquil ambiance sparks creativity and fresh perspectives. Removed from the pressures of daily tasks and placed into an idyllic landscape with a rich heritage inspires new ideas and ways of thinking. As a former CEO/executive of high-octane NYC based businesses I find it particularly rewarding that our historic estate serves as a “Country Campus” for teams that need a respite and recharge from their day-to-day environment.     Curious to hear if this resonates with your company retreat/offsite experiences?   Sincerely yours,  Sascha