Breakout Room exercises - why are these popular? (employer, work, company)
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Has anyone else had to participate in a breakout room exercise with their employer? I was informed my team will be participating in one soon as part of a team-building exercise. I looked up the place, and the rooms all involve being blindfolded, handcuffed, and gagged. Why on earth would my employer think that I would want to be subjected to this? This seems like it will be an exercise in humiliation.
And why do employers think team-building exercises work? My team works pretty well. We hit our goals last year, and are on track to do the same, even while reducing headcount due to some internal promotions. I really resent having to go through this experience. Anyone else had to deal with something similar?
Has anyone else had to participate in a breakout room exercise with their employer? I was informed my team will be participating in one soon as part of a team-building exercise. I looked up the place, and the rooms all involve being blindfolded, handcuffed, and gagged. Why on earth would my employer think that I would want to be subjected to this? This seems like it will be an exercise in humiliation.
And why do employers think team-building exercises work? My team works pretty well. We hit our goals last year, and are on track to do the same, even while reducing headcount due to some internal promotions. I really resent having to go through this experience. Anyone else had to deal with something similar?
This is insane!! Do you work for the NSA, CIA or Cobra Command? I have heard of team building exercises (sports, games, puzzles etc) but this sounds extreme. I would never participate in something like this. if someone gets hurt the company could be sued i would imagine.
HR probably wanted to "stress" test the team? The only people here that go through anything similar to this are the cops, and they aren't blindfolded/etc, but tested on how they respond to unknown events or whatever they do. They come around and have us press the alarm/panic button once in a while and see how the cops respond. Multiple alarms in close timing and area = they come running with guns drawn for example. most of the hospitals i was at did this, so it isn't just one employer
I would probably find it "fun" enough that I wouldn't mind doing it. The bosses here are pretty good about covering us when they remove people for meetings/events. So work is not affected, and it gives people a break from the same old-same old work day. I know some people are resentful for it, but well, they are resentful for things that break their "normal" routine. So them running out of coffee would do it too, so can't say they resent the exercise itself but that they didn't like the change.
is there a reason you wouldn't want to do it? Why not just take it as a "day off" in terms of work and go hang out with coworkers in a non-work environment?
@DScott, it's kind of growing, there is a local company that sells break out rooms to family/friends as a fun event for people. Guess they are doing it for company events now? http://breakoutgames.com/
For those wondering, I work for a company that sells software to colleges and universities. No connection to military, police, etc.
Other teams at my company get to do activities like these, but this will occur during a mandatory week of meetings. So I can't really opt out, as much as I would love to.
... this will occur during a mandatory week of meetings. So I can't really opt out, as much as I would love to.
I assure you, yes, you CAN opt out of being handcuffed and gagged at a work-sponsored event (that is not military/police in nature).
Politely decline. If pressured, simply say "I don't feel comfortable with that". Be firm but polite and don't make a scene. Excuse yourself from the room for "fresh air" if you need to.
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Originally Posted by eyeb
is there a reason you wouldn't want to do it?
Handcuffs, blindfolds and gags in a roomful of people you probably don't know that well outside of the work environment? Sure, what's not to like about that....Sorry, you could not pay me enough to walk blindfolded into a room of my co-workers!
I have done these before and they did not include being handcuffed or gagged. It was more of a puzzle game leading to other clues in the room. Once you solve the puzzle you can "get out" of the room.
I have done these before and they did not include being handcuffed or gagged. It was more of a puzzle game leading to other clues in the room. Once you solve the puzzle you can "get out" of the room.
That is different indeed. Escape the room and similar type venues I can see that as being good for team building. Being bound and gagged crosses the line though. Its like a twisted kidnapping fantasy.
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Being bound and gagged crosses the line though. Its like a twisted kidnapping fantasy.
And could be a trigger event for someone with PTSD, someone who was a victim of a crime, etc.
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