Have a break from the office

Yes, incentive travel is a popular means of staff motivation, “A Ticket to Ride” (MW February 7), but spare a thought for the poor member of staff who faces the prospect of spending even more time with those with whom they have in all likelihood already worked a 50-hour week.

Incentivise by all means. Travel is good too. But whatever happened to the right of employees to have a life outside of work?

Incentives carry a symbolic message. Air Miles, which many organisations use as staff incentives, carry a clear message: get away from work! They also provide an opportunity to choose travelling companions, and can be exchanged for other things in addition to travel.

Those who manage to escape the workplace and have an opportunity to treat themselves in the way that they see fit will return far more refreshed than those who have spent an away period with the colleague from hell. And, as for team-building activities and training, if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing in company time.

Wanda Goldwag

Director of sales & relationship management

Rosalyn Palmer Public Relations

London W10