Thursday has overtaken Friday as the most popular day of the
week for businesses to hold off-site meetings, a survey has revealed.
More than 40% of organisations responding to the Mindful Mornings,
Active Afternoons survey claimed Thursday was their preferred day for off-site
meetings for their teams, with an increasing number saving Fridays – previously
the preferred day - for wrap-ups and flexible working.
Wednesday was the second most popular day for meetings, gaining
27% of the vote, and Tuesday followed with 19%. Mondays were the least popular
(5%) while Fridays were only chosen by 8% of respondents.
The survey, run by Foxhills Club & Resort, quizzed over
100 businesses on their wider meeting habits and preferences, revealing a growing
trend for full day (54%) and two-day (25%) meetings and events. Only 17% of businesses
were looking to hold off-site meetings for half a day while 4% prefer three-day
meetings.
Location was also most influential in terms of decision-making
for off-site meetings, selected by 54% of respondents. High-quality meeting
facilities and reliable technology were found to be important but were regarded
as supportive elements rather than the primary factor.
AM: innvovation, PM: wellbeing
When asked which kind of meetings should be held off-site,
respondents placed team engagement (85%), strategy (76%) and brainstorming
(61%) at the top of the list.
The research also reveals valuable insight for planners
seeking guidance around format. According to respondents, mornings are prime
time for innovation, with 70% opting to tackle creative tasks early in the day,
a rise of 12% on last year.
Nearly 90% of those surveyed view team building as a
priority, while wellbeing is also front of mind when tackling the post-lunch
slump, with outdoor walks the clear winner (66%), up 22% from 2024.
The survey also gave insights for venues looking to make
event management easier for clients. The majority (87%) of planners said they
valued swift responses during planning while delegate transport (32%) and menu
choices (22%), were helpful but secondary.
Kelly Elton, group director of sales at Foxhills Collection,
said the survey's results confirmed that off-site meetings and events are not
only here to stay but are growing in strategic importance.
She said: “Demand is rising, formats are diversifying, and
attendee expectations are becoming more sophisticated. Organisations are
placing greater emphasis on location accessibility, flexible agendas and
wellness-led schedules, with service excellence remaining a non-negotiable.”
