Just no budget for it

We see it as a luxury. But there are instances when a department will conduct its own teambuilding activities in-house to save money.

Global Sources Philippines administration manager,
Ms Marieylou Matiga
Global Sources produces trade publications for the import/export market

A thing of the past

Teambuilding is a thing of the past. Companies are now geared towards programmes that teach you how to hit the bottomline.

The programme we use is Inter-Active Management. It is a leadership programme designed to teach people how to co-ordinate, direct, plan and get results. Teambuilding is already assumed to be there.

Workers now are knowledge-based. They depend more on what they know and their skills, rather than getting things done through others. Each person should be self-reliant and self-motivated. What will click now in terms of programmes is not teambuilding, but leadership training such as, how to motivate people, coach them and remain interconnected in the computer sense.

Li & Fung Distribution Group (Philippines)
vice-president for human resources,
Ms Cynthia Tayao
The Hong Kong-based multinational handles manufacturing, warehouse operations, sales and distribution of major products such as Unilever, Philip Morris and Kellogg

More crucial than ever

We believe teambuilding is more crucial than ever to build strong morale and keep the confidence level high so as to defer employees' thoughts from the current (SARS) situation. We feel in order to strive and thrive beyond this crisis, we must stay motivated and upbeat.

Now is the time to make certain the team is at the absolute best it can be. And it is during a time like this that skills acquisition is even far more important.

Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel
director of marketing,
Mr Farizal Jaafar

Keep it low cost

I think it is not a luxury and we still get a lot of inquiries. The difference now is, companies are asking for 20 to 50 per cent off the old rates.

What we have done is developed a new product. We avoid challenges that are more expensive such as high ropes, mountaineering, free-falling. We now have more customised programmes to suit companies' budgets.

Manila-based Harness Inc vice-president,
Ms Genie Bengzon

A commitment to our employees

We are adopting a business-as-usual approach to teambuilding and training. It will be conducted throughout the year as part of our commitment to employees' development plans. (These) activities will continue in the current environment.

American Express (Malaysia)
public affairs manager,
Ms Jaya Menon

Important always

I do believe that teambuilding and teamwork during “whatever time” is important, as they serve different needs.

If a corporation wants employees to be prepared for better performance, leadership teambuilding will be better. If it wants to rebuild team spirit, a teamworking training programme will be more appropriate.

Sunway College director-administration and principal (external) trainer,
Mr Peter Ling

A continuing priority

Teambuilding is a continuing priority. A “community” event must be conducted every quarter to foster open communication and encourage closer ties between employees.

Accenture (Malaysia) marketing and communications manager,
Ms Carol Lo