Typically offsites (for me, as a senior level engineer) happen during the work week, not during a weekend. I feel that people are more productive and creative at offsites during regular work hours because they're not thinking about what they could be doing instead (like going on a camping trip with friends, for example).
I agree that my weekends are mine, and there needs to be a work/life balance no matter what position you are in.
Yes, all of my offsites have happened during the work week, as they should. The idea that senior engineers should ever be expected to work 12 days straight (5+2+5) is absurd. Yes, it's still a work day if it's an "offsite".
I agree that my weekends are mine, and there needs to be a work/life balance no matter what position you are in.