[jraby3]

We have one annually for my company. It's at a casino, with a few scheduled meals and some activities (video game room, trivia done by a professional company).

It's voluntary and employees are allowed to bring their spouse. I think it helps a lot with communication, especially since we are a distributed team and most peoplr don't see each other.

But it's hard for me to know for sure, no one tells the owners the truth. It is voluntary and almost everyone attends. I think most people think of it as a free vacation.

[happymellon]

I guess it's a personal thing, but I don't see how everyone going to a casino is a great idea, or developing team relationships.

[psd1]

I worked at a company that was pathologically thirsty and had only hard drinkers above entry-level.

For those people, just drinking was the bonding. It reinforced the tribal affiliation.

Casinos often provide free drinks. QED

[happymellon]

This makes sense its the:

> I like to spend the company budget on blow and hookers, therefore it makes sense for me to invite all the employees to a strip club as it is a little more restrained.

Mentality.

[simtel20]

I would guess that the casino is a relatively cheap space that can do entertainment and conferences and food, and it's not being chosen for the gambling aspects

[happymellon]

I get what they offer, I guess I just don't see that as team building.

[eudamoniac]

Having fun with people in general is team building. Amusement park would do the same thing. It doesn't have to be any special format.

[pif]

> I think most people think of it as a free vacation.

I'm shocked that someone does NOT think so!

[Hendrikto]

Is it really a vacation if you have to spend it with your work colleagues?

[iwontberude]

Not as shocking when you realize you are wasting your downtime with work colleagues. I’d rather have control over my downtime regardless of who is paying.

[KptMarchewa]

Do you really think it's either or? I certainly don't use my days off for that.

[erfgh]

> I think most people think of it as a free vacation.

It's not free if the company is paying for it.