Why Team Building Outside of Work Hours May Not Always Be the Best Choice (And How to Make It Work During the Workday)
In today’s fast-paced, highly competitive business environment, team building is often viewed as a cornerstone of successful organizations. When done correctly, team building can foster communication, improve collaboration, and create a stronger sense of camaraderie among employees. However, a challenge many employers face is how to encourage team-building activities that happen outside of regular work hours. While some team members may eagerly participate in these events, others may feel reluctant or resistant.
If your employee or team doesn't want to engage in team-building activities after hours, is it a sign of disengagement or just a matter of personal boundaries? Let’s explore the reasons why employees might be hesitant to spend their personal time on these activities and why it’s important to recognize their concerns. Moreover, we’ll discuss why shifting team-building efforts to work hours might be a better solution for your organization.
The Issue with Team Building After Work Hours
At first glance, it may seem harmless to organize team-building events after work hours—happy hours, bowling nights, or offsite team-building workshops. But many employees may view these activities differently, and here’s why:
Work-Life Balance: After a long day at the office, employees are likely eager to unwind, spend time with family, or engage in personal hobbies. Forcing or encouraging team-building activities outside of work hours can intrude on their personal time, leading to frustration and burnout. This can be particularly difficult for employees with family commitments, personal obligations, or those who already feel their work-life balance is slipping.
Burnout and Overwork: In many companies, there’s a subtle expectation that employees should always be "on"—answering emails, attending after-hours meetings, and, yes, even participating in after-hours team-building events. This can quickly lead to feelings of burnout. The last thing employees want is for their "off" hours to be consumed by more work-related activities.
Exclusion or Pressure: Not everyone is comfortable with social events outside the office. Some employees might feel alienated, especially if they don't drink alcohol or prefer not to socialize outside of work. Others might feel socially awkward or not have the time due to family or personal commitments. Making these events mandatory or expected can unintentionally create exclusionary environments, where some feel like they don’t fit in or can’t attend due to personal circumstances.
Decreased Engagement: Forcing team-building events after hours can feel less like a fun, voluntary activity and more like an obligation. When employees feel compelled to attend, the underlying purpose of team building—to foster genuine relationships and collaboration—can be undermined. Involuntary participation leads to disengagement, and employees may attend only because they feel they have to, not because they genuinely want to connect with their team.
Team Building During Work Hours: A More Inclusive Approach
If team building is important to you and your company’s growth, it's worth considering how you can incorporate it during work hours to avoid the issues mentioned above. By making team-building activities part of the regular workday, you can maintain a focus on team collaboration while respecting your employees' time.
Here are several ways to make team building a part of your workday:
1. Create Structured Team-Building Hours
Consider setting aside a specific time each week or month for team-building activities. Whether it’s during a lunch break or in a scheduled afternoon slot, employees know in advance that they will be expected to engage in an activity that fosters collaboration. This way, team building becomes a normalized part of the work culture rather than an additional burden outside of regular hours.
2. Incorporate Team Building into Meetings
You don’t always have to organize an elaborate event to encourage team bonding. Start meetings with icebreakers or collaborative problem-solving activities. This can be as simple as introducing a fun challenge or having a rotating team member lead a brief activity to get everyone talking. Even short activities can build trust and help employees develop stronger relationships.
3. Hybrid or Remote-Friendly Options
If your team works remotely or has hybrid work arrangements, it’s essential to tailor team-building activities to their situation. Virtual team-building games, online trivia, or collaborative workshops that don’t require physical presence can help create a sense of unity among remote employees. Allowing everyone to participate, regardless of location, promotes inclusivity.
4. Focus on Professional Development Activities
Another approach to team building is incorporating professional development activities that enhance skills and knowledge. Group learning experiences, whether via workshops, webinars, or training sessions, allow employees to collaborate in meaningful ways while also benefiting from the growth opportunities offered by the organization.
5. Prioritize Employee Well-Being
Well-being initiatives—such as mindfulness sessions, team stretches, or mental health days—can serve as team-building experiences. These activities promote team cohesion while addressing the personal and professional needs of your employees. It’s a win-win!
6. Offer Flexibility and Voluntary Participation
Perhaps the best solution is offering flexibility. Allow employees to choose which activities they feel most comfortable with, ensuring that participation is optional and doesn’t feel forced. If certain team-building activities are done during work hours, ensure they’re enjoyable and don’t interfere with essential deadlines or work responsibilities.
Why It’s Important to Prioritize Team Building
Ultimately, the goal of team building is to help employees collaborate better, trust each other more, and feel connected to the organization’s mission. If employees feel like they’re being asked to sacrifice their personal time for these activities, it can lead to resentment rather than engagement. By conducting team-building exercises during work hours, you show respect for your employees’ personal lives and help create a more balanced and supportive work environment.
Team building doesn’t have to be a chore. With thoughtful planning and consideration for your team's preferences, it can be a valuable tool for enhancing employee engagement, strengthening collaboration, and promoting a positive workplace culture.
Conclusion: Making Team Building a Win-Win
If team building is important to you, you should make it a priority to incorporate it into your workday. The shift in perspective—from requiring extra hours to fostering team bonding within the workday—could make all the difference in how employees view these initiatives. By aligning team-building efforts with your team’s well-being, you create a culture of mutual respect, fostering a more engaged, motivated, and cohesive workforce.
