Reason for dismissal

shortcrust

In the OP's position I'd go and put a brave face on. All you can be expected to do is what you're able to do, and in my experience these things are geared up for people of all abilities. They probably wouldn't be fazed if you turned up with wheelchair and oxygen tank!

I wouldn't worry about it too much in advance. Deal with things as and when they need to be dealt with. Writing letters about reasonable adjustments for a team building trip doesn't quite strike the right note.

charlies-aunt

Thank you everyone for your thoughts - I feel a lot more positive about the experience now and although still not happy about having to share a room.


Tempting as it is - throwing a sickie is not on the cards as I need to keep a clear absence record.

browneyedbazzi

FBaby wrote: »

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.

The above is what I was thinking. Being part of a team isn't all about everyone being able to do everything. Recognising people's strengths/abilities/weaknesses/limitations and then working together to get the best out of everyone is key to good team work. If you can't do some of the physical tasks then your role may be to support and encourage the others who can....or even to hold the coats and fetch drinks. Even if you can't do a key task, a good team player will find a way to be useful and to support their team.

I really wouldn't interpret the statement about repercussions for non-participation as meaning that if you can't do the physical activities you won't have a job - I'd interpret non-participation as people who choose not to turn up or who don't engage with the activities (stand on the sidelines by themselves not talking to others etc). If you're there and engaged with the team (even if not doing the physical activities) then I think that would be very positive...especially as going along will be more difficult for you than the others.

pmlindyloo

Interesting article on this here:

http://www.askamanager.org/2014/01/im-being-penalized-for-not-participating-in-monthly-athletic-events-at-work.html

FBaby

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

...and win the teamwork effort award of the year!!

Another thought, one element of teamwork is organising. It might very well be that at an observer, you could point out errors they are making in achieving the task and making suggestions. You role could be to keep everyone calm and co-operative. There are so many ways you can show to be an excellent team worker without having to be in the middle of the activity (just like your boss is not always there to do the everyday tasks, but still very much part of the team).

whitewing

I agree with everybody that the company running the event will make it a priority that people are safe and have a good time.

I wouldn't be thrilled about sharing a room, but I think plenty of people will moan about it. You may actually find you end up in your own room anyway if there are spares.

I think I would just accept that it will probably happen, ensure that you have suitable clothes etc and then just blot it out of my mind until it happens. You can worry yourself silly over things.

Slinky

Hopefully it'll be one of those things that you dread before the event, but it turns out to be much better when you get there.

PlymouthMaid

Hope it isn't too bad but I understand entirely why you are worried. It sounds a horrible event and the sharing rooms with work mates is awful.

dandelionclock30

If you are definatley going, you could ask for your own room due to health problems. My friend did this she said she was up and down to the loo all night and had a snoring problem.
If you genuinely do have health issues then they have to cater for you.At 60 and in poor health you deserve your own room.
I think you have been great going along with it, I'd have told them where to get off.

Takeaway_Addict

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

If you are definatley going, you could ask for your own room due to health problems. My friend did this she said she was up and down to the loo all night and had a snoring problem.
If you genuinely do have health issues then they have to cater for you.At 60 and in poor health you deserve your own room.
I think you have been great going along with it, I'd have told them where to get off.

You know this isn't true, they only ever have to do anything if it is deemed covered under the equality act and even then it is only things that are reasonable.