Return to Office? Nah. Retreat Yo' Self? Yes!

Our annual “Retreat Yo’ Self” is more than just a getaway—it’s our chance to step back, recharge, and reconnect as a team. It’s a break from daily routines that sparks fresh ideas and strengthens the connections that make our work more than just a job.

We’re all about flexibility and real connections, and “Retreat Yo’ Self” is a huge part of that commitment. This retreat lets us fully experience the kind of workplace we aim to create—a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute. While some companies are pulling people back to the office, we’re investing in each other and building relationships that make us a stronger team.

These retreats bring us closer, reminding us why we do what we do and who we’re doing it with. Whether we’re cooking together, trying out creative workshops, or taking a morning run, every experience reflects our values of collaboration, empathy, and respect. Being together, away from the usual work grind, lets us connect on a deeper level. We leave feeling like we’re not just coworkers but a community.

There’s just something about being together in person that can’t be recreated over Google Meet. “Retreat Yo’ Self” is where ideas flow naturally, and the energy is contagious. It’s in these moments that new ideas take shape—whether it’s a brainstorm, a hands-on workshop, or an unexpected chat over coffee. Every “aha!” moment isn’t just about innovation; it’s about building an environment where curiosity and ambition thrive, so we return with new ideas and energy for our work.

Sessions like “Owning the Craft” and “Owning the Context” helped specific teams—like Design, Engineering, Project Management, and Business Development—focus on taking ownership of their roles and understanding how they can drive quality and consistency in their work. Design and Engineering explored ways to push creative boundaries, while PM and BD teams zeroed in on sharing client insights and improving handoffs to reduce knowledge gaps. These focused discussions allowed each team to step back, see where they’re excelling, and identify opportunities to own their craft more deeply.

We also mixed things up with sessions like “Opportunities for More Ownership / Looking Forward to the Future”, where teams from Design, Development, Project Management, and Business Development came together to brainstorm improvements. Teams reflected on their experiences at Savas and came up with actionable ways to strengthen cross-departmental processes with a future-focused mindset. By blending our different perspectives, we found creative ways to align on shared goals and ownership across teams.

Nothing builds relationships like real time together. Sure, we’ve gotten good at collaborating online, but face-to-face time takes things to a whole new level. Being in the same space brings a richness to our interactions, making it easier to build the trust and understanding that are harder to create remotely. This time together builds empathy and belonging that strengthens us as a team and makes a real difference in our day-to-day work.

Our leadership sees the retreat as an investment in us as people, not just a team. By prioritizing meaningful connections over physical office space, we’re building a team that’s resilient, adaptable, and aligned with our mission. And it’s not just about feeling connected—it’s about becoming better collaborators, problem-solvers, and a stronger team, with bonds that last long after the retreat ends.

The team also got a creative boost with “Beat the Bomb” and a creative ideation workshop led by Mitch Bennett and Wes Whitener from Guesthouse, who inspired us to take pride in our craft by pushing creative boundaries. This session encouraged everyone to tap into new ways to generate ideas and stretch our thinking. The workshops brought out the best of our talents and helped us reconnect with our work on a new level.

Through these sessions, personal stories and reflections shine through, giving a real sense of what this experience means to each of us. From small moments that sparked big ideas to conversations that deepened connections, these insights capture the true spirit of “Retreat Yo’ Self.” They show why meaningful connections matter to us and how this time together strengthens our purpose. One team member put it perfectly: “Return to office? We’d rather ‘Retreat Yo’ Self!’”

Senior Designer Drew Glover captured some memorable quotes from the weekend.

As we dive back into our routines, we carry the retreat’s energy with us. This experience has deepened our sense of purpose, strengthened our commitment to each other, and renewed our passion for what we do. Big thanks to everyone who made this retreat special! These moments remind us that what we accomplish together is so much more than what we do individually. “Retreat Yo’ Self” isn’t just a retreat; it’s part of who we are—a time to come together, embrace our values, and recharge for the journey ahead.