Condo vs. Hotel

[ericwinters]

Boss wants to build team and save money by renting a 6 bedroom condo for our team instead of individual hotel rooms. 

How how you handled this? 

[Lotus-eater]

Bad idea. Being stuck in the same condo together causes all sorts of problems: increased sexual harassment risk (the employer would be liable since the condo is now a worksite); medical conditions, religious practices, or simply psychological comfort that require privacy; the need for peace and quiet for adequate rest (being on the clock 24/7 is arguably a labor law violation). I would send the boss an email outlining these concerns to get him to reconsider.

Edited Friday at 11:52 PM by Lotus-eater

[mtaabq]

I would probably quit. I know that sounds flip, but, seriously, I probably would. Team-building? Please. Take the money and give me a bonus or a raise. Don’t force me to “bond” with my co-workers over 5 days in Orlando during hurricane season. Or wherever. 

[BigDMike]

I agree with @Lotus-eater

However, it may be easier to say something like… You know, I think we all value our private time at the end of the day and while we could spend hours together or even hotel rooms in the same hotel it’d be nice too get some unbridled privacy at the end of the each day. 

To seal the deal, I would likely go in with some numbers if that’s what he’s focused on… I house will cost X and hotel rooms will cost Y. Depending on the hotel you find you could likely get some meals, cocktails, or happy hour included.

[+ PhileasFogg]

I’ve known teams who have worked together for years who opted for such an arrangement in really attractive cities but not because a top down mandate.

The idea is only as good as the lowest common denominator on the team.  One awkward or negative member will make this a disaster.

I don’t think it’s a terrible idea, but requires a unique circumstance to work.  The fact that you’re even asking with implied apprehension indicates this isn’t the circumstance.

Edited Sunday at 09:10 AM by PhileasFogg

[nomad]

This sets up a awkward situation.  Everyone remains on the clock in reality.  People say and do things that may be inappropriate.  As an employer, I would avoid this like the plague.  

[+ Just Chuck]

In my twenties, when I was a firefighter, the department would lodge us two-to-a-room at hotels when we traveled for training.  But, firefighters have already opted into living together when they’re on-shift at the fire station.  So, it wasn’t really a change from a working condition we’d all chosen to opt into.

At the station, we were expected to sleep wearing department issue t-shirts and shorts, so we could just pull on our bunker gear and go on a call without having to get further dressed.  We’d all just do the same when we were traveling for work.