Is it appropriate for companies to foster team-building activities for non-work related events?
It’s game time! Super Bowl XLIV is fast approaching and the excitement
and friendly competition is building all across the country. Does your
organization promote or foster any internal Super Bowl pools or other
similar events? Do you find that these types of activities promote a
stronger company culture, or does it alienate those that do not
participate? What are the risks for supporting such activities?
We have a Focus Community member that is looking for some help with this - any insight?
http://www.focus.com/groups/human-resources/topics/view/it-appropri...
and friendly competition is building all across the country. Does your
organization promote or foster any internal Super Bowl pools or other
similar events? Do you find that these types of activities promote a
stronger company culture, or does it alienate those that do not
participate? What are the risks for supporting such activities?
We have a Focus Community member that is looking for some help with this - any insight?
http://www.focus.com/groups/human-resources/topics/view/it-appropri...
Tags: bowl, building, companies, human, resources, super, team
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Cat Chang on -
I currently work in a Call Center in Manila and Super Bowl Mania is being encouraged in operations since we are mostly dealing with american clients and they would like us to better understand the culture of the persons that we are talking too but of course this has not really been successful as we are not really that into it though for other activities that have been implemented on the floor; I have seen it to be successful to have a Dress Up Day to mini food celebration. It helps create a fun environment for employees to be encourage to come to work.
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Permalink Reply by Trish Johnson on -
Hello Trevor
Most organizations that I have worked with fully support this type of thing as it 'brings various divisions and all staff levels' together. The concern however, is how much 'time' is being spent in organizing these events, and how much of a person's day is removed from their own duties to supporting this 'pool'? I personally believe from a professional perspective that these types of events help in 'breaking down the 'silo's'.
Regards,
Trish
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Permalink Reply by Enrich Employee Benefits on -
Completely agree with you here. We would say however, that if the downtime created from this activity filters down and helps to foster a sense of community and closeness between employees, then it's time well spent.
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Permalink Reply by People Management on -
Team building also works on a social level, making people bond on a personal level. It really helps with the atmosphere at the workplace.
Yours,
Abc Hrm
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Permalink Reply by Trish Johnson on
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Yes, any 'team building' activities are great. However, in my experience, some firms go 'overboard' where others are strictly business. In the absence of 'social networking' tools to share, there has to be something in its place. Keep in mind that many firms now 'monitor' their employees through the use of cameras and as far as 'networking' socially goes, that is usually not permitted. For those that are 'shy' any social function is typically going to be an awkward situation, and not welcomed, even though these people are very nice and appreciate others, and enjoy their teammates.
Cheers,
Trish
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Permalink Reply by Guy Farmer on -
I've found it give team building activities the weight and importance they merit by making them free-standing events where everyone focuses exclusively on building skills and practicing positive behaviors. Bonding activities are great but team building tends to work better when everyone, including leadership, works together to find ways to collaborate well and do it long-term.
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Permalink Reply by Danial Kahn on -
In light of this, HR departments should see them as opportunities in their workplace. These events should not be seen as obstacles or something that distracting employees. Instead these to be viewed as chance to engage employees, drive business performance and build communities which are long lasting. Its aims to improve teamwork and foster a sense of community.
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