Swindon & Wiltshire News
Please don’t make me go! Team-building is not for everyone, says ACAS
Team building tops the list of most-disliked workplace social activities, according to a national survey by ACAS, the public body committed to better employment relations.
Almost a third of employees polled by Acas said they disliked team-building activities, while a fifth said they did not enjoy any work-related social activities – from after-hours drinks to Christmas parties.
Some neurodiverse staff, such as people with Autism, could find some activities uncomfortable and may not enjoy certain social situations, said ACAS.
The organisation, which is funded by the Department for Business and Trade, said some neurodiverse staff, such as people with Autism, could find some activities uncomfortable and may not enjoy certain social situations.
ACAS is raising awareness of neurodiversity at work and recently published new advice to help employers create inclusive organisations.
‘Don’t just assume everyone will enjoy a specific activity’
ACAS interim chief executive Dan Ellis said: “Work social activities can be a great way for employers to improve their staff morale, wellbeing and rapport among colleagues.
“Our survey has found that over a quarter of employees like different types of social engagements at work.
“However, it is clear from our poll that certain activities are more popular than others and some employees dislike certain social situations with their workmates.
“The good boss will talk to their staff, find out what team-building and social activities will get everyone motivated and think about different activities that can appeal across the workforce.
“The secret is to ask, listen, respond and not just assume everyone will enjoy a specific activity, just because one person does.”
A quick poll of Business Biscuit readers with neurodiverse traits revealed the extent to which some employees actively dislike, or even dread, ‘fun activities’ organised by bosses.
One said: “Being an ‘inclusive employer’ does not mean including me in activities where the alpha males want to take charge as usual, just in a non-working environment.”
Another said: “Remote working was the best thing to happen to me. I dislike the lights and the noise in the office – so why would I feel comfortable at your Christmas party?”
“My ADHD brain gets so excited I forget the object is team building, rather than winning or completing the task in the quickest possible time,” said a third.
Image by Cori Emmalea Rodriguez at Pexels
