Many have asked me, “Do we get replacement leave if the company runs team building on a weekend or public holiday?”
This is a very tricky one.
If it falls on your Off Day (i.e. the 6th day like Saturday for 5-day work week), probably not.
No legal requirement for replacement leave.
But if it’s your Rest Day (i.e. the 7th day like Sunday for 5-day work week) or Public Holiday, then yes. Only if attendance is compulsory and actual work is involved.
One major factor to consider is whether attendance is mandatory.
If it’s voluntary, you can choose not to go, then no replacement needed.
But if they say things like “Attendance is compulsory and disciplinary action will be taken if you’re absent without official leave,” then yes.
If it’s on a Rest Day or Public Holiday, replacement leave or appropriate compensation applies.
And this doesn’t just apply to team building.
It covers training sessions, town halls, company dinners, or any event organised by the employer.
Can understand? Pening tak hahahaha…😵💫
Anyway, here’s my advice to all employers:
Just do it on a working day. Simple.
Team building should build teams.
But when you organise such events during employees’ supposed downtime, chances are you’re building resentment instead. Even if it’s a fancy gathering at a grand hotel.
Please understand people have lives.
We already give so much of our waking hours to work.
What more do you want from us?!
Let us live lah!
