I started a new job last year that is 100% work from home, so whilst I’ve been part of the team for months I’ve never met any of them in person! So when there was an away day(s) organised so we could all meet up I signed up. Before I knew it the week was upon us! I fully admit that I’m not a fan of public transport (it’s not that I can’t do public transport, it’s just that I prefer being in control of my schedule and environment so I prefer to drive rather than take a train) so I arranged parking ahead of this week and drove up to Birmingham to attend the Aston Conference facility on Wednesday.
It was so lovely to actually meet people and hug them for the first time, and it’s so funny – no-one is ever the height you imagined them to be! The first day was rather serious with presentations on ongoing change Programmes and future state planning exercises. The food at the Conference centre was really nice (I might be biased though as I had to have the allergen free menu). In the evening we had the opportunity to let our hair down and have a drink – SOME of us are lightweights and were sitting in a corner booth giggling away, it was great!
I’m trying to make a conscious effort this year to connect more and exercise more, so when one of my colleagues suggested going to the gym at 06:30 on the second day in our team chat I agreed! The workout gear I packed was all a neon mish-mash of whatever was on top of the clean workout clothes, but I knew I wasn’t going to be looking glamorous after a workout, so there was no need to try to pick out a flattering outfit, but I must have been distractingly bright enough to be seen from space!
The gym facilities were really nice and so close to the conference facilities, it was worth the cold start. As it’s still early in my exercise journey (this time around) and I’ve had previous injuries I took it easy as consistency is more important than going too hard and getting injured and then having to rest, but I’m glad I showed up for myself. I can’t honestly say I’ve ever watched a sunrise in a gym on a treadmill before, but now I have!! I think it’s the experiences you don’t opt for that you regret, not the ones that seem mad but you grab with both hands. So do something outrageous today & see how it makes you feel!
The second day was dedicated to our Communications and Culture team and we did some (inevitable) team exercises; one was a ‘speed dating’ chat where we were seated in two rows, facing each other and we had to ask set questions like “What was your favourite holiday destination and what made it so special?”. The other exercise was a literal building exercise (a straw tower) where some teams were able to communicate within their team and others couldn’t – I was in a team that were told not to communicate in ANY way – if you’ve ever tried it it’s really funny, everyone just grabbing stuff, total chaos! We had a really good session about Equality and Diversity, microagressions and how our team culture needs to be supportive of everyone to get the best out of all the individuals in the team.
The second day FLEW by and before we knew it everyone was hugging and grabbing their bags and rushing to catch trains to bomb burst out across the country again.
The traffic on the M42 was DIRE, but I had a good playlist and wasn’t in a rush so I sang at the top of my lungs in my car – never underestimate the power of a power ballad to reduce stress! Before I knew it I was back in my familiar bed (which was blessedly free of cats as they were at the cattery until the following morning!) and normality was resumed.
Have you had a work ‘away day’ recently? Did you enjoy it or find the team building a bit cringe? Let me know in the comments below.
rustyblue85 