On either side of me I had two people who normally work down the other end of the office from me and although our paths cross during the working day, never long enough to have a 'chat' as such. Seated next to each other naturally meant we chatted – in the office this would not necessarily happen.
The atmosphere was relaxed and informal.
The aim of the day was to improve working relationships with each other. We all felt this was achieved 100%. During this week, our day has been mentioned several times and how well it went and how we would all like to have another one.
I got to mix with colleagues I work with in a relaxed, non-working environment, have done something I would never have thought of doing and enjoyed it.
That's why I find it false - if people are hostile in work, why would they suddenly change in another situation? If you can't say good morning and engage with people you work with on a daily basis, then it's a forced environment and you have no choice but to speak to people. I find that totally fake.
It's human nature to engage with people at work on a daily basis. I am the same in work as I am outside...reliable, professional, efficient, co-operative, approachable. I would envisage a team building day for those who had issues engaging with others but not for those who can communicate and work well with others.
In work the atmosphere is not relaxed and informal. It's hit the ground running and fast-moving. I am a team player right from the start. I don't understand why others aren't. We engage with people every day of our lives, whether it's looking after a boss, or our own families, taking the car to have an MOT, or hiring a builder to do some work.
I just find it quite strange that you outline some particular scenarios in work, and think such a team building day has rectified all that.
