Lagen presents corporate ‘workations’ offerings
LAGEN IS one of the four El Nido Resorts properties in Northern Palawan that has maintained its natural beauty — rugged limestone cliffs and crystalline waters amidst a rich diversity of animal, marine and plant life. In this setting, even the most taxing and stressful corporate exercises can take on a totally different atmosphere.
It is definitely one of the best places in the country — and in the world, according to Conde Naste Traveller — to enjoy the beneficial effects of nature. The prestigious travel magazine named El Nido, including surrounding islands like Lagen, Miniloc and Pangulasian among the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world in 2016. These islands are part of the El Nido Resorts group.
Executives who frequently hold meetings at Lagen, which has conference facilities, attest that once they arrive at this unique destination, they intuitively feel a greater sense of connection and a deeper sense of calm. Their observation is affirmed by reports stating that natural settings help maintain an even disposition and to control anxiety. A study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology adds that being immersed in nature helps boost inspiration and inventiveness.
An organizational development expert who recommends natural settings like Lagen for corporate exercises points out that the minds of participants “seem to recalibrate after at least a day in beautiful surroundings. That’s when they begin seeing things they didn’t before.”
Nature invites participants to be in the moment, he opines. Being in nature, after all, does not require directed effort or attention. It isn’t all consuming and allows the mind to wander or daydream, which gives rise to increased creativity.
This and other benefits are appreciated by the blue-chip and multinational companies and foreign firms that fly in for meetings, incentives and conferences. The profile of Lagen’s corporate guests consists of top-level partners, sellers and country managers of regional corporation, according to Joey Bernardino, El Nido Resorts sales and marketing director.
“They consider a meeting at Lagen a ‘workation,’” he said. Guests absorb information easily because they are away from distractions and irritations. They bond more quickly with colleagues on the boat ride to famous awe-inspiring sights like the Big and Small Lagoon or any of Bacuit Bay’s secret beaches and cavernous caves. The island hopping tours and the use of kayaks, paddle boards and other non-motorized are part of the fullboard accommodations at Lagen.
Even standard team building activities are dramatically transformed by the setting. When a relay race is conducted with the use of kayaks, it becomes more challenging and engaging. Scavenger hunts and other exciting activities become Instagram moments.