Reason for dismissal

charlies-aunt

I have worked for a large company for the last six years. A recent change in management has lead to a focus on "teamwork" and the company are investing huge amounts of money in promoting this.


The latest project for our team is a three day outdoors activities event with the emphasis on very physical activities - rock climbing, assault course, orienteering etc. Due to accommodation restrictions we are all having to share rooms overnight - who shares with who has been decided by management and all meals are going to be team events.


This is going to be great for the majority of the team who are under 30 and they are full of enthusiasm ... however I am almost 60 with significant chronic health problems and I am really worried how I'm going to cope with doing the activities over the three days. I have talked to my manager & was told that I was worrying unnecessarily.


I was hoping to stay in my present job for the next 6-7 years until I hit retirement age. I feel under pressure to try to go beyond what is physically comfortable as its been made very clear that participation is mandatory, failure to do so will be regarded very seriously as lack of commitment to the team/company. I have been warned that there will be repercussions for non-participation and that there will be no place in the team for non team players


My employer acknowledges my health problems & I have had adjustments done to my office environment and work routines following an Access to Work assessment.


I feel really worried that because of my health problems I am likely to be unable to show the required level of participation in the team activities and that the company will use this to either downgrade me or dismiss me


Am I worrying unnecessarily?

ohreally

Outline your concerns in writing (email for traceability) to your line manager, cc'ing in HR. This may focus their thoughts towards being reasonable especially if adjustments have already been accommodated.

FBaby

Surely if it is about team building, it is about how you help and encourage other and vice versa rather than accomplishing the actual task. I expect they will want to see your young colleagues being there for you, and to respect your limitations and for you to appreciate their support. You can't be forced to do what you are not comfortable doing. I expect that's why you've been told not to worry.

Go with the flow and remember, it is about the team, not individuals.

Transformers

Ask them to undertake a risk assessment for the event. This should address health and safety issues.

Also ask for further reasonable adjustments for the event itself outlining the bits you will not be able to do and what adjustments you need. Offer to go but stay at base camp whilst they're climbing. You could organise a quiz night for when they get back etc.

They can't force you to take part in activities that will be detrimental to your health, but at the same time, you should try to attend the rest of the event to still appear to be interested in team working.

boliston

I noticed you mentioned the bit about having to share rooms overnight - I'd probably not be over keen on that idea either but I guess it's only for a few nights. Only ever been on one company trip where the whole company actually goes away for a few days and luckily everyone got their own room. Not sure how a meal could be a "team event" - does that just mean you have to eat at the same table as other staff members?

tomtontom

If you explain your health problems to the course instructors they will ensure you are not doing anything you shouldn't. That doesn't mean that you cannot be there and joining in with the team building, others will need support and encouragement and it will be an opportunity to get to know your colleagues more informally.

dandelionclock30

I'd phone in sick a day before, I wouldnt be messing about with all that. I especially wouldnt be sharing rooms, its a regular job not the army.
I cant stand all that team building stuff absolute utter rubbish.

BillJones

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

I'd phone in sick a day before, I wouldnt be messing about with all that. I especially wouldnt be sharing rooms, its a regular job not the army.
I cant stand all that team building stuff absolute utter rubbish.

Most people don't throw sickies, though, and those that do generally don't go far at work.

If you are someone who does, have you not found that it's been hard to get ahead?

theoretica

Is there an external organisation involved in organising this shenanigans? I would ask - for the sake of your own stress - what their plans are to include the less athletic and health problems.

pmlindyloo

I can totally understand your concern.

There are many courses that exist for team building and they do not have to include such physical exercise.

Your employers/organisers of the course will have had to do a risk assessment because of the implications of the risks involved and possible law suits which may follow if they didn't. Think 'I'm a Celebrity get me out of here' and all the celebs that were excused on medical grounds.

So have no fear that you will be asked to do something you are not capable of doing.

I disagree that you should remain at base camp unless requested to. Cheering on your colleague, supporting them is all part of the team building concept.

Sharing with someone else is not ideal but I am sure your room mate will be as nervous as you! Be up front with them and find ways to allay your fears. eg take your might things into the bathroom and get changed. Take a pretty light dressing gown. Take some ear plugs for you and your room mate (just in case!)

Have a lovely time.

Apologies if you are male!

PS as regards participation is mandatory then I would take this to mean that it is mandatory that you attend not that you have to take part in anything that would be harmful to your health. As I said this would be totally wrong.

jenfa

Personally this wouldn't appeal to me either but backing out without a thought for your colleagues could go against you.

Some of the advice you have been given I totally agree with, have a quiet word with the organisers when you get there, who will encourage you but also continually check that you feel comfortable.

Part of team work exercises usually involve observers to analyse how the team are working it could be for the parts you couldn't do that this be your role for that exercise. Being part of a team is pooling your resources, the younger ones may have fitness on their side but your experience will also help the team so don't do yourself down. Encouraging others when they are struggling and maybe facing their demons of heights or water etc will also be looked out for. Don't assume because you are older with health issues that younger staff aren't also feeling trepidation too, they may feel threatened by your perceived experience and be in awe of someone who joins in.

The anticipation of attending something like this is often a lot worse than the event, I speak from personal experience having to attend a team event when at university after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which of course most people didn't know I suffered from. You don't have to tell everyone it could be you open up to a couple of people on the parts you struggle with, you'd be amazed how supportive people can be when they see you try something and achieve what you first thought you couldn't.

Talking from an HR background; many different types of people make up a team, you need those that get stuck in but you also need those that take a step back and look at the whole before they tackle the problem. There's no point having lots of starters if you have no finishers.

Have faith in your abilities, you have just as much to give if not more than those under 30.