Team building has become an almost mandatory practice in modern companies. But how effective can it truly be if employees participate out of a sense of duty rather than genuine desire? At Komunikacijski laboratorij, we believe the true power of team building lies in freedom of choice, not in obligation.
Different Employees, Different Priorities
A seemingly simple question — “Why doesn’t someone want to join team building activities?” — reveals a complex picture of workplace dynamics. Some colleagues are already engaged in training, others prefer spending evenings with family, while some simply have different ways of unwinding.
That’s why meaningful team building must be flexible, diverse, and voluntary. The goal is not to force participation, but to inspire it.
The Real Benefits of Team Building
It strengthens team cohesion
Team building allows colleagues to connect informally, improving communication and collaboration within projects.
It reduces stress and promotes wellbeing
Activities such as workshops, walks, or shared learning sessions are proven to lower stress and boost psychological resilience.
It develops new skills
From guest speakers to hands-on workshops, team building can significantly expand employees’ knowledge and skills — far beyond their job descriptions.
Team Building Pitfalls — When Good Intentions Backfire
When team building becomes a “calendar item” instead of a genuine opportunity to connect, it can have the opposite effect:
- A sense of obligation kills enthusiasm
- Poorly designed activities cause frustration
- Ignoring personal time fuels burnout
True team building acknowledges that employees have a life outside of work. Participation should be an invitation, not an expectation.
The Legal Perspective and the “Right to Be Boring”
Did you know that under EU law and legal practice, participation in internal “fun” activities outside working hours cannot be mandatory? In a landmark ruling in France, a court upheld an employee’s right to refuse team building if they didn’t feel comfortable.
A culture that respects freedom of choice builds loyalty, not resistance.
How to Design Meaningful Team Building
- Offer choice – Instead of one activity, provide multiple options (sports, learning, culture, relaxation).
- Respect personal time – Schedule most activities during working hours or offer flexibility.
- Listen to feedback – If employees don’t attend, ask why — without judgement.
- Communicate value – Explain the purpose of the activity and what employees gain — personally and collectively.
- Reward, but don’t punish – Participation should bring benefits, not consequences for absence.
Practical Example: What Happens When Team Building Works?
At Komunikacijski laboratorij, we organised a nutrition workshop with Zorana Jagodić, author of “Snažna i zdrava – Kako postati i ostati fit nakon četrdesete” (Strong and Healthy: How to Stay Fit After Forty). The result? Colleagues spontaneously started talking about nutrition, sharing recipes, and motivating one another — all without a single formal “requirement”.
The secret? Authenticity and freedom of choice.
A Culture That Inspires, Not Imposes
Companies that nurture respect and flexibility don’t lose team spirit — on the contrary, they gain more: genuine engagement.
A healthy organisational culture is built on:
- Trust in employees
- Listening to their needs
- Creating space where participation comes from motivation, not fear of judgement
Team building is a powerful tool when it’s thoughtful, inclusive, and respectful of personal boundaries. Let your next event be more than just another date on the company calendar. Let it be a genuine contribution to a culture where people want to participate.