Say Yas to team spirit

Whether it's racing down a waterslide, bouncing on a trampoline or bonding during a whitewater rafting session, companies in the UAE are turning to increasingly wacky team-building sessions to motivate their employees.

Managers are turning to more and and more unusual ways to build teams and bond staff, such as a day out at Yas Waterworld. Courtesy/ Yas Waterworld

You may have played a round of golf or competed in a bowling session – and most companies have treated their employees to at least a meal in the name of team-building.

But more UAE businesses are now signing up for alternative activities, according to the companies that offer them.

“We have seen a healthy increase in team-building bookings overall,” says Tim Mow, the general manager at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.

Yas Waterworld started by offering “athletic” team-building activities but it has since opened up to different options, including a race down the slides with tennis balls, a swim around the river and even a slush-drinking contest. The cost depends on how many people there are, how much of the park a company wants to rent and for how long, says Mr Mow.

But what is the point? Why should businesses sign up for alternative team-building activities?

“It’s to get the companies out of hotel ballrooms and bowling alleys if you will, the traditional thing that you do. It’s really about getting them out in a different environment that is all based around fun,” says Mr Mow.

“However, it can be competitive. We can set up activities that make them forget about their everyday grid and get them to know each other better. That’s the real draw.”

Trampolining may be perceived as a solo pursuit but that is not the case, says Doran Davies, a co-founder of Bounce, a huge indoor “spring-loaded playground” in Dubai.

The company offered packages to business groups from the outset after opening in late 2013, but it quickly learnt that there was demand for more structured team-building activity.

“That was looking at what everyone else is doing around us but also listening to the customers,” says Mr Davies. “We were actually asked by a number of companies if we do team-building, which prompted us to put together a specific programme and sell and market that.”

The two-hour programme, costing Dh240 per person, gives participants access to five areas, and includes specific games and activities such as ultimate Frisbee, dodge ball or Simon Says, which is designed to foster leadership skills.

“We are careful not to put together a programme that can be constituted as a jolly for a business because we know that they will be spending money and will want to get something tangible out of it,” says Mr Davies.

Ferrari World, which has offered team-building since it opened, has also become more popular – and not just with UAE companies. The amusement park says it has received “a lot” of bookings from Asia.

“I would say it is more local but it is great to see we are attracting companies from abroad,” says Victoria Lynn, the park manager.

However, it is not just about having fun. There are a range of meeting rooms available where companies can organise training sessions or conferences.

Wadi Adventure, a man-made whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing centre at the foot of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, even includes the option to book a leadership consultant.

“The inclusion of a leadership consultant will naturally increase the overall price per person, but the benefits of skill development through professionally designed challenges far outweigh the added investment,” says Maya Hanna, the sales and marketing manager of Wadi Adventure.

It offers a five-hour package including rafting, the airpark and zip line, giant swing and low ropes for 15 people or more at Dh495 per person.

But what motivational activities do the employees of the alternative team-building venues do? Ironically, it is often of the traditional variety. Ferrari World, Bounce and Yas Waterworld have all had dinners, cinema visits or barbecues as part of their own group-bonding activities.

“We do internal events where we will have team-building at the park or even at our sister park, Ferrari World. Or we may just get out and have dinner or something of that nature. It’s nice to be traditional every once in a while,” says Mr Mow.

Many people see a water park and think it must be a fun place to work, but standing in the 50° heat and staring at the water for nine hours a day is challenging, he says.

“If we have a formal function it gives them the opportunity to get dressed up and put on their best cologne if they will and have a good time. So they absolutely benefit from them,” says Mr Mow.