Almost a third (31%) of employees dislike work team-building activities, according to a new survey by UK workplace expert Acas, putting it at the top of the list of most-disliked workplace social activities.
Acas asked employees which work-related social activities or engagements they favoured least. One fifth (20%) said they disliked after-hours drinks, with a similar proportion (19%) disliking any social activity with colleagues.
According to Acas, staff may have preferences for certain types of social engagements and may be uneasy about taking part in some others at work. Some neurodiverse staff, such as people with Autism, could find certain activities uncomfortable and may not enjoy certain social situations.
“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,” said Acas Interim Chief Executive, Dan Ellis. “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.
Employers could talk to their staff to create more engaging activities by asking what appeals to them most from a range of suitable options, he suggested. But equally, some staff value their personal time as important in maintaining their mental wellbeing.
“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,” Ellis said. “The secret is to ask, listen, respond and not just assume everyone will enjoy a specific activity, just because one person does.”
Ensuring that team building activities take place within normal hours will protect personal time and avoid excluding staff with parental and caring responsibilities.
Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in how people's brains behave and process information. As well as autism, other well-known types of neurodiversity include ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
Acas is raising awareness of neurodiversity at work and recently published new advice to help employers create inclusive organisations.