When your team cannot agree on a corporate workshop, adding more options can make the decision harder. Some colleagues want something energetic, others prefer a quiet afternoon, and a few simply want an activity that finishes within working hours.
The way forward is to agree on what the session needs to achieve, identify participation barriers, and compare a short list using the same criteria. You do not need everyone’s favourite activity. You need a choice people understand, can comfortably participate in, and feel was selected fairly.
Agree on the Purpose Before Discussing Activities
Start with one sentence that explains why you are organising the workshop.
For example: “We want colleagues from different departments to spend time together after a demanding project.” That gives you a clearer basis for choosing than “Let’s do something fun.”
Different purposes call for different formats:
- Helping new colleagues connect: Allow conversation and introductions.
- Taking a break after a busy period: Keep the pace manageable and the instructions straightforward.
- Practising collaboration: Include a shared task with meaningful roles.
- Celebrating a milestone: Leave room for personal choice and informal interaction.
Choose one primary purpose. Trying to deliver relaxation, competition, creative learning and strategic problem-solving in one short session makes the brief difficult to fulfil.
Separate Preferences from Participation Barriers
A colleague saying “I dislike painting” is expressing a preference. Someone saying “I cannot comfortably grip small tools” is identifying a practical barrier. Both deserve attention, but they require different responses.
Send a short private survey before sharing activity choices. Ask:
- Would you prefer a relaxed, moderately active or energetic session?
- Would you rather make something individually or complete a shared project?
- What would make participation easier for you?
- Are there timing, material or venue requirements we should consider?
Offer a confidential way to discuss adjustments. Employees should not need to disclose medical details in a group chat to explain why an activity may be unsuitable.
Use these answers to establish the requirements every shortlisted option must meet.
Give the Team Three Meaningfully Different Options
A shortlist of three is usually enough to offer choice without restarting the whole discussion. Explain what participants will actually do, how much guidance they will receive, and what decisions they can make themselves.
These EPIC Workshops activities provide useful starting points, depending on your team’s priorities.
Art Jamming for Creative Freedom
EPIC Workshops’ art jamming workshop offers individual artwork and combined team creations. It welcomes beginners and provides facilitator guidance alongside freedom to develop personal designs.
Consider this when colleagues enjoy making their own choices within a shared activity. If anyone worries about artistic ability, ask about simple starting prompts. Avoid adding a “best painting” competition when the purpose is relaxed conversation.
Classic Terrarium Making for a Guided Project
The classic terrarium workshop combines guidance with opportunities to design a miniature planted arrangement. EPIC also describes individual and collaborative terrarium approaches, including using a shared theme.
This is worth considering when colleagues want a defined task with room for personal decisions. Ask whether individual pieces or a shared arrangement would better support your objective, and confirm the handling requirements before booking.
Non-Stitched Leather Crafting for a Practical Keepsake
The non-stitched leather workshop includes small items such as key fobs and name card holders. Participants fasten leather pieces without stitching and can personalise their work through debossing. The page also lists a PU alternative to animal leather.
Consider this when colleagues prefer making something useful. Confirm the chosen item, material preferences and tool requirements in advance; the absence of stitching does not automatically make every step suitable for everyone.
Use a Voting Method That Captures Acceptable Choices
A single-choice poll can make a divided team look more decisive than it is. An activity may receive the most votes while still being unpopular with most colleagues.
Instead, ask employees to mark each shortlisted option as:
- Would enjoy
- Happy to join
- Would prefer another option
Keep participation barriers separate and resolve them before voting.
Choose the feasible activity with the broadest combined support from the first two categories. Announce the tie-breaker beforehand: for example, the option that best meets the session’s purpose, followed by the lower total cost.
Set a response deadline and name the person responsible for the final booking. This prevents an informal discussion from continuing indefinitely.
Check the Full Singapore Event Logistics
Before announcing a winner, confirm that the preferred activity works within your actual schedule and budget.
EPIC Workshops’ booking FAQs state that sessions can take place at its studio or a preferred venue. They also identify transport charges for certain smaller off-site groups and additional charges for CBD or Sentosa locations. Request a complete quotation for your arrangement.
Check the participant count, materials, facilitation, venue arrangements, applicable taxes and any extra charges. Ask about cancellation terms and the deadline for changing numbers.
For an office session, confirm tables, chairs, access for setup and cleanup responsibilities. For an external venue, include travel time in the calendar invitation. A workshop that fits the activity budget can still be inconvenient if employees must rush across Singapore between meetings.
Build Flexibility Into the Chosen Session
Different preferences do not always require different workshops. Sometimes a small adjustment makes one activity workable for more people.
Ask whether participants can choose their designs, use optional reference examples or work at different levels of detail. For a collaborative project, agree on roles so that one confident colleague does not take over.
If the team remains sharply divided, explore two activity groups only after checking cost, facilitator availability, space and minimum numbers. Keep a shared welcome or closing conversation so the event still brings colleagues together.
Treat a combined programme as a request to discuss, rather than assuming it is a standard package.
Explain the Decision and Learn from the Event
When confirming the booking, explain the reasoning briefly: “This option had the widest support, fits our afternoon schedule and meets the participation requirements shared with us.”
Include what to expect, what to wear or bring, and who can answer private questions. Avoid presenting the chosen activity as something everyone voted for if that is not true.
Afterwards, ask three questions: Was participation comfortable? Did you spend time with colleagues you rarely speak to? What should we change next time? Keep the answers for the next planning cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should the manager make the final decision?
Yes, if responsibility is agreed beforehand. The manager should apply the published criteria, consider employee feedback and explain the choice.
What if someone dislikes every shortlisted activity?
Ask what sits behind the objection. Timing, uncertainty or discomfort may be easier to address than the activity preference itself.
Should employees be required to present their creations?
Avoid compulsory presentations when they do not serve the event’s purpose. Offer a voluntary explanation, paired conversation or informal display instead.
Can we combine two workshops?
Ask EPIC Workshops whether a combined arrangement is feasible for your group. Confirm timing, staffing, space and pricing before offering it to employees.