More than three decades after the perestroika reforms reshaped the Soviet Union, a veteran entrepreneur has voiced skepticism about the modern corporate trend of team-building activities, calling them an ineffective and even manipulative way to extract more labor from employees without fair compensation.

Origins of a Business Philosophy

The entrepreneur, who started his business in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union, recalls the early days of corporate culture in a newly privatized Russia. At the time, he says, concepts like corporate ethics, branding, and team-building were virtually nonexistent. ‘Everything was new — team building, corporate ethics, symbols, branding, standards,’ he said in a recent interview.

To support unity among his initial team, he organized corporate events, nature trips, and birthday celebrations. These activities, he says, were not just for fun but also to build a sense of community and shared purpose among employees.

Modern Workplace Realities

Over the years, the entrepreneur’s views on workplace dynamics have evolved. He now believes that the emphasis on team-building events has become excessive and counterproductive. ‘Time has passed, and now I don’t think it’s important to focus on team building like that,’ he said. ‘The only thing I do is fire toxic and disruptive people if I encounter them.’

He argues that the modern workplace should prioritize creating a comfortable and stress-free environment. ‘Since we all spend a lot of time at work, it’s better to have a comfortable environment. One person with problems can ruin the lives of many.’

However, the entrepreneur is not opposed to all forms of workplace engagement. He distinguishes between activities that genuinely support a positive environment and those that are merely a cover for exploitation. ‘In my opinion, instead of wasting time and money on team building, it’s better to pay higher salaries,’ he said.

Salaries as the Ultimate Team Builder

The entrepreneur advocates for a simple yet powerful approach to workplace morale: paying employees fairly. ‘The best team building is salaries twice the market average,’ he said. ‘If that’s unaffordable, then at least 20 percent higher. I guarantee everyone will be in a good mood, and everyone will be eager to come to work.’

He criticizes companies that organize mandatory corporate events, arguing that such practices take away from employees’ personal time and may lead to resentment. ‘Don’t try to interfere with your employee’s personal life and take away their time by demanding their participation in company events. They’ll figure it out on their own. Just pay them fairly for their work.’

His views reflect a broader concern about the treatment of employees in modern workplaces. He warns that many business leaders attempt to make the world a better place by underpaying employees or failing to respect their personal lives. ‘This is wrong,’ he said. ‘A general rule for life: don’t try to ‘warm up the cosmos’ or change the entire world — make sure there’s a little more justice around you.’

The entrepreneur’s perspective highlights a growing debate about the ethics of modern corporate culture, particularly in countries with rapidly evolving economies like Russia and others in the post-Soviet space. His experience from the 1990s, when the foundations of modern Russian business were being laid, provides a unique historical lens through which to view current workplace practices.

His views are likely to resonate with a new generation of entrepreneurs and employees who are increasingly vocal about fair pay and work-life balance. As more companies come under scrutiny for their labor practices, the entrepreneur’s message may gain further traction in the years ahead.