Is it OK to require 2 employees who have never met to share a hotel room during a 2 week training session?

Question

The employees are female and would be working together for a period of time after the training. It might be a good bonding experience, but it also might be uncomfortable for them to share since they have never met each other. This would be a double room and most of their time would be outside of the room in training seminars.

Answer 1

No that is not ok unless they agree to it on their own.

people should be given their own room to relax. you can't relax with coworkers gargling in the bathroom.

Answer 2

Don't as us, ask them!

Answer 3

I would ask them each (individually so they wont feel pressured to say they don't mind at the risk of seeming rude) how they feel about it, and make your decision after speaking with them. Some people wouldn't mind at all, but speaking from the point of view of someone with Social Anxiety Disorder, it would make me very uncomfortable and I would not like it at all, and may even resent my co-worker just because they are there and I can't be alone.

Answer 4

All corporations, businesses of all sizes typically pair individuals, often from different areas of the country.  IBM, CocaCola, UPS, Xerox, etc., will schedule training providing the most economic "reservations".  This is an "acceptable" and "expected" practice conducted for years.

Each employee has received a "background check", and hired on character, professionalism, dedication, etc.  Risk is minimal and an understanding between both not to allow others without each present.  Insure to keep belongings separate and valuables "locked".

If circumstances do "create" difficulty, a request to move may be approved.  Some may ask to pay the difference if only to have a "single".

Good Luck, stay positive.  Learn from others as well.