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We're building a markdown copy of the handbook. This page is still the source of truth, so please edit it here as normal AND drop a note in #proj-buffer-brain-team-handbook so the copy stays in step. Nothing changes for you until the whole handbook has moved.
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Company Retreats are the rare events where Bufferoos from all over the world meet up in-person for a week of coworking, collaborating, and bonding. We like to do these annually, when possible (considering budget or global health situations!).
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Despite the name, company retreats are high-intensity weeks focused on aligning, learning, brainstorming, and problem-solving. Of course, we also schedule some fun activities, and try to squeeze in some downtime to recharge, but these are working weeks.
Attendance is strongly encouraged! If it’s at all possible for you, please try to attend. There is an extra level of connection that happens in-person. However, we know that work travel can be challenging for some; if there’s a way we can accommodate your needs to help you attend, please let Caro or Jenna know.
Since we’re a distributed team, retreat locations can pretty much be anywhere in the world, so be prepared for some international travel! Retreat weeks generally run from arrival on Sunday or Monday (in some cases, teammates can arrive on Saturday to get adjusted to big timezone shifts) to departure the following Friday or Saturday.
During the week, teammates work together from approximately 9am until 5 pm in a common work space. There is also ample opportunity to enjoy meals and select activities together, as well as a bit of time for solo recharging or calling home.
Each retreat has its own “personality” because the location, company, and team change each time, but you can read about some of our past retreats by searching the word retreat on our Open blog, or checking out old Tweets and Instas using #bufferretreat. Here’s a great summary of our past gatherings!
Buffer covers your airfare, accommodations, food, and sometimes activities during the annual retreat. We also cover transportation costs to and from your local airport.