The work/social balance in my world revolves around working Flat Chat Monday through Thursday, then after work beers in one of the bars with a very large group, from not only my work but the other offices around. Healthy and heated debates about specifics ensue, another beer, folks entering/leaving the discussion group then at about 8pm everyone either saunters off to a restaurant or heads home. Fridays in the office is normally very quiet, normally a "mop up" day from all the crap that happened earlier in the week...
But our world is a good world.
I/we get to meet others from other institutions, varying degrees of the same culture, always new people joining and others moving on to something different.. or the same for someone else. Keeping up with what's going on is interesting, meeting new folks is interesting, seeing off folks to other places is interesting too.
It's all so volatile and transient in my world.
There is a structure for volunteering within the workplace, most do something at some point but it's not compulsory, mostly it's for the local community.. some sort of gardening initiative or painting railings or a community endeavour of some sort.. surprised often at how many work colleagues volunteer for this kind of thing. Most seem to enjoy "doing a little bit" for someone else, and yes it's obviously a paid day out but still we get all sorts from b-c level board through to interns and folks that have been employed by the same institution for 30yrs ..
But for me it's all about the Thursday night beers and a bit of networking.
We're a team of 6 in my office (further 9 colleagues darn souf), and when we are not Bessie Mates, were genuinely get on. We don't go out of our way to socialise outside of work, but the few times a year we do end up having a meal/coffee/team day/flight together, it's an absolute giggle. our team day is this week, planning the year ahead and getting creative about new ideas, so we're all going canoeing and doing the work in our company teepee...
There isn't any politics, and there isn't anything false about it - we work hard, get on, and have a pleasant time while we do.
Mike - I have nothing at all in common with the people I work with. I have not a single friend from my entire working life - they are just not my sort of people at all. I get on well with them at work but have no basis for a friendship at all. No shared interests etc.
A sure fire way of telling some one who is shit at their job, ask them what they bring to the office/workplace, they will, without fail, say 'morale'
Hmmm. When I worked in the City I was often told how I was good for the team and helped with morale 😳
In my new job I think the balance is just right as it is a nice place to be and individuals do appear to take ownership and responsibility. Cake is a nice to have rather than a necessity.
I remember a time when one guy organised a Saturday bike ride. It was promoted by email, with the route. Some of us went. About half-way round we met the MD and two HoDs on their private bike ride.
Because feeling appreciated and part of a team is so important.
