Work
Help me decide re: team building day
PositiveIntelligence · 09/02/2023 20:55
It’s optional but of course there is some expectation to everyone to make an effort to be there. We are a lovely team and I don’t have beef with anyone, I’m just not feeling it.
Pros:
- going to a venue I’ve never been before
- getting out of the house
- bonding with colleagues
- doing something different
- strenghtening the friendships I already have
- getting to know people I don’t directly work with better
- maybe having fun
Cons:
- having to pay out of my own pocket for activity, travel and meal (let’s say more or less £50 all together)
- the activity is not something I enjoy or would choose
- getting home later than my usual sign off time
- having to put on a front in case the day isn’t enjoyable
- getting extra tired (have important plans for next day)
In my previous work place, team building was all paid for including transpot. Depending on the venue we would have cars or mini buses available - also food and soft drinks were included and it would usually happen on a Friday so no work next day. However, it was mandatory and we would need to justify / request special leave if unable to attend.
This place will not force anyone and I could easily not go and work instead…but you know, office politics and all that.
Can’t make up my mind!
Riverlee · 09/02/2023 20:57
Must admit, I wouldn’t pay £50 for something I wouldn’t enjoy, unless there was a slap-up (three courses) meal, including drinks, involved.
MeghanThyStallion · 09/02/2023 21:00
You're having to pay for it yourself? That would be a no from me.
MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 09/02/2023 21:02
If it's something you won't enjoy (and are you the only one feeling like that?) then it's not really a team building exercise, IMO. Who decided on the activity? and paying for something you won't enjoy? hell no.
Weallgottachangesometime · 09/02/2023 21:03
You have to pay?? Heck no! Surely it should all be I work time (inc travel ifabove usual commute)?
GCAcademic · 09/02/2023 21:03
What sort of employer makes its staff pay to attend a team-building event? That’s ridiculous.
ShandaLear · 09/02/2023 21:10
No. If this is a work activity then its purpose is to develop the team to improve performance/or profit for the company. If that’s what the company wants to achieve then they need to pay for it. If not, you are paying the company to help it make more money. They either invest in their staff or they don’t. If I have a spare £50 I would want to spend it how I want, not how the company wants me to spend it.
I wouldn’t mind spending an extra hour or two with team members in the interests of building friendships/having a good laugh, but I would begrudge spending my own money on something the company wanted me to do for their benefit.
larchforest · 09/02/2023 21:25
GCAcademic · 09/02/2023 21:03
What sort of employer makes its staff pay to attend a team-building event? That’s ridiculous.
Seconded.
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