How important is it to have fun @ office? When I joined office, I was so shocked seeing the number of fun activities going on in the office. Earlier I thought what kind of an office is this? Because, the first outing we had was “Our native village” in outskirts of the city. First two hours was some activity out there, but later, as soon as drinks started getting served followed by lunch, till around late two 0’ clock, there was nothing but chatting getting to talk to new people.
Being a fresher (now no more, but still) I was called for the fun team meeting in the office. As soon as I entered the conference room, I was taken aback seeing the people around me, my manager’s manager, other managers and some other people with good experience in the office. I was like, oh o. I thought, I will not come from next time, as of course it was optional. But as the one hour meeting went on, it was so good to see such an enthusiasm and encouragement given to everyone to put forth their opinion. I made some very simple “quite” statements. Yes, I spoke them so soft that, I doubt if I could hear them clearly. However, we decided for a trekking cum cave exploration at “Antargange” and left the room. It was happy to see that they planned and discussed so much for a fun event. It was a good trek and cave exploration. Then we planned for a sports day to recreate the school atmosphere. It was a good success with a lot of laughter which broke out when the rope of tug of war broke, and the problem was stated as “lack of testing”. Then we had a very good “Color day” event with vibrant colors. Teams were randomly formed, and then every member in the team had to talk to the person, whom he would have just noticed to be working in the office. Initially we thought that it was not a very good idea as it may not work out. But to an amaze, it did and worked so well that now there is more to smiling in the corridor when you meet these people whom you participated with for just a fun event.It was another, one of a kind experience, to get all busy people to gather at one particular event.
Recently, we had a cooking competition where the teams were again randomly selected, and turned out to be a very vibrant event. The whole country club terrace was filled talking, cooking, smoke(not of cigarettes, public smoking is banned :-)), songs, MJ, time limit, taste, presentation etc etc. But it was good to interact with other people. Giving a five to the team mates as they win and smiling at each other when they lose. It shows so much of togetherness, culture which in India is so much given importance. I enjoy every bit of such social event. And I got to interact with so many people of my org. I understand how different people think, their behavior, their way to perceive a particular thing. It’s a complete experience altogether. I understand even, how managers think. What makes them different and why they are managers? :-)
At the end of it, I can just say that there are a lot of things which you learn from everything, be it small or big. It’s only how you perceive things, positive or…. Anywhere we work, there should be some recreation, to feel fresh to work and every day is a new day then... :-)
