11 Reasons Millennials and Gen Z Dislike Team Building Activities Malaysia

11 Reasons Millennials and Gen Z Dislike Team Building Activities Malaysia

As Malaysia’s workforce evolves, Millennials and Gen Z are bringing new expectations to the workplace, and their attitudes towards traditional team building activities are no exception. While team-building has long been used to boost camaraderie and collaboration, these younger generations often express dissatisfaction with conventional approaches. Here are 11 reasons why Millennials and Gen Z in Malaysia tend to dislike traditional team building activities for work.

1. Lack of Flexibility in Team Building Malaysia 缺乏灵活性的团队建设活动

Millennials and Gen Z highly value flexibility in the workplace. Traditional corporate team building activities that are rigidly scheduled or compulsory can feel stifling to these generations. They prefer options that offer autonomy and allow them to choose how and when to participate in team building exercises for work.

2. Perceived Lack of Purpose in Team Building Activities 团队建设活动缺乏意义

Millennials and Gen Z workers want their work to be meaningful. This extends to team building activities, where they seek value beyond mere entertainment. If team building activities don’t contribute to their professional growth or development, they see them as a waste of time​. They prefer activities that provide tangible outcomes, rather than superficial bonding.

3. Discomfort with Forced Social Interactions 强迫性的社交互动让人不适

Many younger workers dislike being forced into social situations through team building activities for adults. Millennials and Gen Z value authenticity and prefer organic relationship-building over being pushed into uncomfortable or contrived settings​.

4. Preference for Collaboration Over Competition 更倾向于合作而非竞争 

Traditional team building exercises often rely on competition, such as sports-based activities. However, Millennials and Gen Z thrive in environments that encourage collaboration rather than competition. They prefer outdoor team building activities that promote teamwork and shared success​.

5. Outdated Formats in Team Building Activities Malaysia 过时的团队建设活动形式

As digital natives, Gen Z especially prefers activities that integrate technology. Traditional team building exercises for work that don’t optimize technology, such as mobile apps or virtual activities, can feel outdated and unengaging​. By incorporating technology into corporate team building activities, companies can better engage these generations.

6. Overemphasis on Physical Challenges 对体力挑战的过度强调

Sports-based or physical challenges can alienate those who aren’t athletically inclined. Team building activities for adults that overly focus on physicality might make some employees uncomfortable. Millennials and Gen Z prefer more inclusive activities that engage their minds rather than their bodies​.

7. Fear of Judgment or Embarrassment in Team Building Exercises 担心在团队建设活动中被评判或尴尬

Some team building activities can single out individuals, making them feel judged or embarrassed. Millennials and Gen Z value psychological safety in the workplace and prefer team building exercises that respect personal boundaries and promote inclusivity​.

8. Preference for Continuous Engagement 偏好持续参与

Both Millennials and Gen Z prefer continuous engagement, not just one-off team building activities. They want team building activities Malaysia that are part of a larger, ongoing effort to build team cohesion, rather than isolated events that feel disconnected from their daily work.

9. Mismatch Teambuilding with Their Values 团建与他们的价值观不符

Both generations are highly value-driven, with an emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility. Traditional corporate team building activities that don’t align with these values can feel irrelevant or even counterproductive​. They are drawn to team building activities that reflect these ideals.

10. Dislike for Hierarchical Dynamics 不喜欢层级分明的动态

Millennials and Gen Z prefer flatter organizational structures and are less inclined to engage in team building activities that reinforce traditional hierarchies. They favor activities that foster equal participation and open communication, making everyone feel valued regardless of their rank​.

11. Encroachment on Personal Time for Team Building Activities 占用个人休息时间

For many Millennials and Gen Z, weekends are reserved for personal rest and recharge. Traditional team building activities often take place on weekends, which encroaches on their limited free time. Instead, they prefer team building exercises scheduled during work hours, allowing them to break from daily tasks while still engaging in meaningful activities.

Boost Your Team’s Performance with No.1 HRDF Claimable Outdoor Team Building in Malaysia!

OE HRDF-Claimable Outdoor Team Building Program Malaysia

If you’re looking for a dynamic and engaging outdoor team building experience in Malaysia, OE Group offers a comprehensive HRDF claimable team building program that combines leadership training with exciting outdoor activities. The OE Team specializes in customizable team-building experiences that are perfect for corporate teams aiming to improve collaboration, communication, and leadership skills.

Located only 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, the OE Resort provides a unique setting for corporate team building activities, combining interactive exercises with luxurious amenities such as space capsule accommodations and gourmet dining​

Their programs include a range of activities like:

  • Leadership Skill Development: Guided by certified trainers and vocational experts, your team will engage in exercises that foster leadership qualities and team cohesion.
  • Outdoor Adventure Activities: Teams participate in interactive tasks designed to enhance problem-solving, trust, and adaptability, all while enjoying the outdoor setting.
  • Custom Itinerary and Guidance: With options like space capsule accommodations and forest dining, the OE team ensures a unique experience with professional outdoor instructors to guide activities safely and effectively.

Perfect for teams ranging from small groups to large corporate teams, these activities aim to push teams out of their comfort zones while ensuring everyone works toward common team building objectives. Best of all, the program is 100% HRDF claimable, allowing your company to optimize training budgets while enhancing team performance​.

Get more information and tailor the perfect team building event by visiting OE Group’s official corporate team building page, or contact us at:

  • 601115608888 (Ben Liu)
  • 60182296599 ( Zoey Leong)

Final Thoughts on Team Building Activities for Gen Z & Millennials

To engage Millennials and Gen Z in Malaysia effectively, companies must rethink their approach to team building malaysia. Making team building activities more flexible, meaningful, and aligned with the values of inclusivity and collaboration will not only increase participation but also create a more connected and motivated workforce.

By tailoring corporate team building activities to meet the expectations of younger generations, organizations can foster a more cohesive, forward-thinking team that thrives on collaboration and innovation.

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