Call me the Grinch but it’s mind-boggling that a senior executive from a reputable multinational company would cancel a business meeting at the last minute to rehearse for their annual company Christmas party dance-off. How can a company operating in a modern business district like BGC still hold onto such outdated practices? Enter ENTRENCHED INCOMPETENCE
A Culture of Entreched Incompetence
In the grand scheme of workplace efficiency, dance performances seem to reign supreme. While employees grapple with tight deadlines and mounting workloads, they are expected to choreograph routines and perfect dance moves. It’s a truly inspiring sight: dedicated professionals transforming into amateur dancers, all in the name of “team building.” The primary culprit is the poor leadership that many of these companies have.
Some local governments, in their infinite wisdom, have taken this trend to new heights. Instead of focusing on delivering essential services, and better employee wellness programs, they prioritize dance competitions. It’s a truly remarkable achievement: turning taxpayers’ money into a spectacular display of mediocre entertainment.
Source: https://quezoncity.gov.ph/p-pop-craze-dance-contest-qc-employees-day/
Dancing as a Misguided Team-Building Activity
Dancing, unlike other stress-relief activities such as meditation or light games, is often physically demanding and mentally taxing, particularly when employees are coerced into participation. It requires time for rehearsals and performances, often eating into work hours or extending beyond them, which can lead to frustration rather than enjoyment. Forced or irrelevant activities can decrease employee engagement and satisfaction for obvious reasons.
The Real Costs of Unnecessary Activities
• Loss of Productivity: Time spent on rehearsals and performances could be used for more meaningful work or even genuinely relaxing breaks. According to estimates, unproductive activities cost businesses millions annually in lost productivity.
• Employee Disengagement: A survey by McKinsey highlights that employees are more motivated by tasks that align with their roles and personal development goals. Being asked to perform non-work-related tasks, like dancing, often leads to disengagement.
• Physical and Emotional Stress: For employees uncomfortable with performing, such activities can increase stress levels, undermining the intended benefits. This is especially true in hierarchical environments where saying “no” is difficult.
Alternatives That Truly Work
Companies should focus on activities that are inclusive, optional, and directly benefit team morale or individual well-being. Parlor games, intellectually stimulating challenges, or even simple celebrations with good food and music allow employees to relax and connect without feeling out of place or overburdened.
Be a good company and modernize your parties–intellectually.
Mandating dance performances is not only an outdated practice but also a clear misallocation of resources. It reflects entrenched inefficiency in workplace culture, prioritizing superficial entertainment over meaningful engagement. Organizations must shift toward evidence-based activities that enhance productivity and satisfaction, ensuring that time spent during such events aligns with the well-being and professional goals of employees.
By doing so, businesses can cultivate a modern, respectful, and truly enjoyable work culture.
Sources:
- [1]https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/some-employees-are-destroying-value-others-are-building-it-do-you-know-the-difference
- [2]https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/what-employees-say-matters-most-to-motivate-performance
