In a pandemic-transformed world, employees may go from onboarding to exit interview without ever meeting colleagues in person. Salesforce is taking a fresh approach to create meaningful connections between employees through its new Trailblazer Ranch, a gathering place that reframes the concept of workspace. While it explores a permanent location, the software company is partnering with wellness center 1440 Multiversity and its 75-acre center amidst the redwood forests of Scotts Valley, California.

The ranch is intended for off-site meetings, onboarding, and talent development and offers employees a chance to unplug and reset with yoga, hiking, and enrichment activities such as journaling and group cooking classes. It also provides them opportunities to connect—or reconnect—to the corporate culture in a meaningful way.

"Learning, planning, and team-building are important to the Trailblazer Ranch experience, but we can accomplish this in a whole new way—surrounded by nature, with wellbeing, giving back, and fun at the center," says Chief People Officer Brent Hyder. Salesforce is ready to discover whether gathering with co-workers is more engaging around a fire pit or a watercooler.