To not want to go on company away day to build rafts

[Mascarponeandwine]

Just that really. It’s held off site, in the grounds of a Manor House. You are divided into groups of 7 or so, and given tasks to complete, such as survival skills, go carting, gladiator type duals or building a raft sort of thing. Does anyone actually enjoy these things, or are most of my colleagues secretly disliking it too. AIBU to bow out by booking leave? Or am I not being a team player?

I hope the Accoutants got RIchard the 3rd to do a 'now is the winter of my discount tent' joke.

@LellyMcKelly that made me LOL, v true though!

I never understand these things, no way would I go. Do you get paid extra for it?

In some jobs (mine being one of them) it's expected, and no you don't get paid extra. My boss expects us to have a team dinner every month month (in our own time). OK it's so paid for but personally I'd rather spend my free time how I choose rather than listening to my twat of a boss done on about himself all evening.

@springiscomming - even better if you tell the team they're doing the spaghetti/marshmallow thing... then produce doughnuts instead.

I have booked leave

A pp above hit the nail on the head. I’ve grown out of it. It does seem that in general the most enthusiastic are in their 20’s and30’s, and those in their 50’s and up really don’t want to be there. Last year I came across a guy in his mid 50’s sitting on the back patio gasping “I can’t go on not with my health, I’m knackered and it’s doing me in”.

I have an idea for ending such nonsense, at least for large companies and the public sector. Require all expenses on such events to be declared alongside annual accounts.

I'd be tempted to say "Gosh darn I'd love to do it but I'm allergic to rope/wood/oil drums/water. Such s shame."
I'm lucky that I've never worked anywhere that's tried this but my dad got out of one with the genuine excuse that he can't swim. Plus he was a software engineer so what raft building has to do with JavaScript or C++ he didn't know.

Dislike these things. I once had to do one (not so physical) in the throes of morning sickness. Grim.

Our company organised a two day meeting with a choice of team building activities. Thankfully many options were civilised, like a city walking tour. I did not fancy the relaxation session in the conference centre spa as this is a country where people do not wear anything in saunas. Some people did a bike ride, others an escape room, others a cookery course.

Another time a mountain hike with overnight stay was offered in our office but it was entirely optional, and was good fun but strenuous. I struggled, I have to say.

Generally I can’t be bothered with outwards bound activities, just take us for a nice meal where everyone can enjoy themselves and then go home.

Why do companies waste their money on these things -perhaps someone should direct the directors to this thread.