Hello everyone,
Did you enjoy my introduction? If you have any questions about my world, please feel free to ask!
Today, I want to officially start the editorial section, and the first topic will be Company Events.💃
These events are unique because they can have different dynamics and nuances.
I remember when I was a fresh intern, I used to love attending these events! They were a great opportunity to dress up in my fancy outfit, enjoy free drinks and dinner, and if I was lucky, I could even flirt with a nice colleague.🤪
However, as I progressed in my career and climbed the corporate ladder, my feelings about these events changed, and I began to dislike them.
First of all, once you reach a certain level of "status," you are expected to act as a role model. But in my experience, I often saw Managers who were so intoxicated they could barely stand and made a scene in the middle of the dance floor.
Should we discuss the stress of event preparations? As a People Manager, you have significant responsibilities, including keeping your employees happy. What better way to do that than by organizing a fun company event?
You might think, "Oh, come on, it’s an easy task." Well, yes, in theory. But when your Director is someone who prioritizes appearances, everything has to be perfect. After all, "we have to inspire and engage our employees." BULLSHIT! They’re often the first ones to let loose and dance with their shirts unbuttoned after 1 a.m.
Anyway, back to the event. There’s another hurdle you have to face: the awkward conversations. You can’t escape them! Even if you dislike someone, during an event like this, you must be polite, smile, and engage with everyone.😞
I still remember a time when I found myself on a sofa (and, no, not alone) with the Head of Compliance—a very rigid, workaholic woman. Despite the loud music and chaos of the party, she started discussing potential improvements to our company policies. REALLY?! Couldn’t you wait for the next morning’s meeting??
But yes, as I mentioned, everyone has to enjoy themselves, so sometimes you need to feign interest, even if you'd rather escape.🏃
And let’s not forget the most dreadful aspect of these events: the team-building exercises! (Weren't we supposed to have fun and relax?!)
Don't get me wrong; team-building exercises can be enjoyable and beneficial when they're the main focus of the event, ideally during the daytime, possibly in the office, or at a venue designed for such activities. For instance, I once participated in a cooking class with my colleagues, and it was a lot of fun. But it's a different story when you’re supposed to just eat, chat, and drink!
But hey, I’m here to tell you the truth about the workplace, right? So you could very well end up participating in one of those exercises. I hope you’re not an introvert, though, because if you don’t join in, you’ll be labeled as the black sheep of the team.🐑
So, be prepared for the worst. Among the weirdest activities I’ve witnessed are:
- A balloon-squeezing battle in pairs using only your behind
- A cartoon flash mob (yes, you have to dress up!)
- A comedy battle (no matter how boring you may be)
- Blindfolded food tasting (and if they’re feeling particularly cruel, they’ll include something spicy in the mix)🤬
- Sumo wrestling (I’m not joking! Imagine your Line Manager in one of those inflatable suits, face-planting after you push them out of the circle...)
Sooo, my friends, company events may seem fun and enjoyable; however, as I mentioned before, my advice is to enjoy them until you GROW UP!👦👧
Feel free to leave comments or ask me any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!😉
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