Is it okay to skip the team building day because it's on a Saturday?
The complainant says
My company has organised a team building day on a Saturday: a morning of workshops, an outdoor activity and dinner. It's described as 'optional but strongly encouraged'. We don't get a day off in lieu and it isn't paid.
I said I wouldn't be going because weekends are my only time with my family. My director replied that it's 'a great chance to show commitment' and that most people are attending.
The other side says the employer, as the complainant tells it
The company says it's a free day out with food and drink included, it was scheduled on a weekend so it didn't interrupt client work, and it's important for morale after a difficult year. Nobody will be penalised for not attending.
Jury discussion (5 comments)
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Optional but strongly encouraged, unpaid, on a Saturday. That's not team building, that's a loyalty test.
'A great chance to show commitment' means it isn't optional. At least they told you.
If it's so important for morale, do it on a Friday.
The fact that they didn't tells you how important it really is.
Sometimes these days are genuinely fun, but that's beside the point. You're allowed to say no.