Recently, I received quite a number of comments from people who absolutely hate team building.
Some even suggested that companies should stop wasting money on team building and give employees better salaries instead.
Interesting.
But since when did employee engagement become a choice between paying people fairly and investing in relationships?
Why can’t we have both?
I have spent over two decades in the corporate world, and one thing I have learned is that people don’t necessarily work well together just because they work in the same company.
You can sit next to someone for five years and still know absolutely nothing about them.
And sometimes, the people you find difficult to work with are simply people you have never taken the trouble to understand.
That’s why I believe in team building.
Not because I enjoy watching grown adults bicker over game points like little kids, although I must admit I do. 💀
But because getting people out of their usual working environment creates opportunities for conversations and connections that might never happen in the office.
Of course, if you organise it on employees’ rest days, force them to participate, make them pay for it, or repeat the same boring activities every year, don’t be surprised when they complain.
And please, don’t expect two days of team building to repair 363 days of broken workplace culture.
So yes, team building cannot replace good leadership. But good leadership should not underestimate the value of bringing people together.
Team building is not a waste of money if we know how to do it properly..
Happy weekend, everybody!
Think about it.
xoxoxo, AuntyHR.
P.S. FYI, if you’re planning your next team building, ATAG Team Building is offering a 5% discount when you mention AuntyHR. Jangan kata Aunty tak share!
