What happens in team-building doesn't stay in the team

Every business trip with colleagues has the potential to turn into a "team-building" - that is - by popular demand - fuelled with fun and alcohol. 

Remember: you’re still at work, just with nicer lighting.

Team-building isn’t a vacation. You’re being observed, even when people pretend it’s chill. What you say or do at midnight might be discussed in the boardroom next week.

Mindset: You’re “off-duty” but still “on-call.”

Alcohol = Amplifier

Alcohol on a business trip may be involved (or even mandatory) at a client dinner but it is not mandatory while dining with colleagues. 

The version of you after drink #3 is the one people remember, not the one who nailed the morning presentation. You don’t want to be the one in compromising photos on colleagues' phones or to be carried to your hotel room, your hair held while vomiting or waking up with marker drawings on your face. (Yes, it still happens, even with adults only around).

Stay safe - Match your manager’s pace - or go one drink below.

No oversharing olympics

Don’t trauma-dump, gossip, or reveal your wildest Saturday nights. Vulnerability has its place but not in a hotel bar with coworkers and prosecco.

On this note - the official group chat is not your confessional

Avoid live-commentary during the trip. What feels like bonding can turn into screenshots, misunderstandings, or HR complaints.

Remember - If you wouldn’t want it forwarded to your future boss, don’t type it.

Don’t get sticky with hierarchy

No flirting with senior staff. Or junior staff. No venting to juniors about upper management. Even if “everyone’s cool,” power dynamics still exist. When in doubt, be Switzerland.

Your style speaks before you do

Dress like someone whose name will be remembered for good reasons. Even in relaxed settings, what you wear still counts.

Style Rule: Casual ≠ careless.

And on this subject - bring long, boring, covering pyjamas. You never know when you might hear a knock on your hotel door at night, from a colleague who forgot their toothpaste.

Go to bed before the loudest person

You don’t want to be the last one standing, oversharing, or filmed dancing to Beyoncé at 2am. Be the one who bowed out gracefully.

Monday always comes

You will be back at your desk. With those same people. What you build or break during the trip will carry over.