25 Wrong Reasons to Hold an Employee Team Building Activity

As a champion for positive and productive workplaces, I speak and write passionately about the value of shared experiences as a means of fostering group bonding and boosting morale (even unpleasant experiences). Yet to be a voice for employee team building activities in NYC and elsewhere is to recognize their shortcomings as well as their strengths, and to acknowledge that these events aren’t for everybody – especially if managers don’t have specific team goals in mind, or are motivated by the wrong reasons.

At least once a week, I receive an inquiry from someone who thinks they need my company’s services, when in fact they don’t. Check out the below list, and ask yourself: am I considering an employee event because:

1. 1.     We had a particularly rough day in an otherwise stellar week, month or year?
2. 2.     Half the office got laid off yesterday, and I want a morale booster for tomorrow?
3. 3.     I’m new to the department/company and want to get to know “my people?”
4. 4.     I read somewhere or saw on TV that it would be a good idea?
5. 5.     We did this sort of thing at my last company?
6. 6.     The “big boss” randomly wants to do one?
7. 7.     I like the idea, but haven’t asked my colleagues if they do?
8. 8.     As a means of punishing the team for something?
   
9. 9.     I have a budget line item which must be spent, lest it be cut next year?
10. 10.  I’m the 3rd boss the team has had this quarter?
11. 11.  I want my team to like me better?
12. 12.  My brother-in-law is a “team building expert?”
13. 13.  To make people forget I didn’t give them raises this year?
14. 14.  In hopes that they will suddenly be more productive?
15. 15.  As a quick-fix to a long-simmering issue?
16. 16.  I’ve been working really hard lately, and need a break?
17. 17.  To show senior managers that I care about employee morale?
18. 18.  Our competitors hold team building events for their staff?
19. 19.  I know a round of layoffs are coming, and think this will “soften the blow?”
20. 20.  I loved “trust falls” at summer camp, and think everyone else will, too?
21. 21.  I really screwed up recently, and this will make people forgive me?
22. 22.  As an alternative to a holiday party, which costs too much anyway?
23. 23.  To force teams who despise each other to play nice?
24. 24.  My staff are a bunch of whiners, and maybe this will shut them up?
25. 25.  Just because?

If any of the above are your primary reasons for holding an employee event, you may want to re-evaluate your motivations, as well as your team building goals, and ask yourself: is this reason really worth the time, effort and expense involved? Your answer may ultimately be yes – however, before you commit your resources, be sure you are doing it for the right reasons.

Agree? Disagree? Please share your thoughts below!