Zurich43 Retreat 2026: Rewiring Focus to Combat Distraction

At the end of January, Z43 colleagues gathered on Mount Pilatus for a two-day retreat to deepen their understanding of the brain and explore strategies to improve focus and efficiency at work.

From January 26–27, 2026, Z43 colleagues gathered for their annual retreat, titled “The Road to a More Brainy Z43 – Rewiring Focus to Combat Distraction”, to deepen their understanding of the brain and to develop a shared understanding of how mobile phones and other common distractions affect attention and performance in today’s workplace. For this purpose, participants made their way up to Mount Pilatus in central Switzerland with clear views across the snow-covered Alps, and just enough distance from day-to-day routines to think without interruption.

The first part of the retreat focused on building a broad, practical understanding of the science of the brain. Sessions covered the basics of functional brain networks, the role of neuroplasticity in rehabilitation and learning, and its relevance for attention, habits, and addiction. Participants also examined how modern technologies intentionally exploit attention and reward mechanisms, contributing to distraction and reduced focus.

The content was structured around short, book-based presentations and discussions, drawing from a curated selection of literature on behavior, intelligence, neuroplasticity, and attention. These included Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst by Robert Sapolsky, How the Mind Works by Steven Pinker, A Brief History of Intelligence: Evolution, AI, and the Five Breakthroughs That Made Our Brains by Max Bennett, The New Science of Consciousness by Paul L. Nunez, Neuroplasticity by Moheb Costandi, In Search of Memory by Eric R. Kandel, Irresistible by Adam Alter, Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke, and Stolen Focus by Johann Hari. The discussions were complemented by targeted online research and additional reference material.

The second part of the retreat consisted of three structured brainstorming sessions, in which participants explored how ownership, commitment, and efficiency can be strengthened by actively addressing focus deficits – both at the individual level and across the organization. The retreat thus established a shared language and reference framework for understanding how brain function, attention, and behavior affect everyday work. It also created space for focused discussion on how these insights can inform more deliberate and effective ways of working.

The next step is to take these insights back and translate them into concrete practices, structures, and long-lasting habits that support sustained focus and effective collaboration in daily operations.

Thanks to all participants for maintaining focus over two dense days – despite the altitude, the views, and the traditional cheese fondue in the evening!

Participants of the Zurich43 Retreat 2026