Month: April 2019

Why are team-building activities so important?

They say that teamwork makes the dream work – and at the office, where collaboration is essential, this is definitely true. Even more so for smaller teams, where events are easier to organise and a good working relationship is even more vital, as there is no hiding behind your laptop. But team building needn’t be dull or forced. There are plenty of activities that wouldn’t be counted as “organised fun” and would be inclusive of both extroverts and introverts in the office.

Activities such as heading out for lunch with colleagues, going for a day out together or learning something new, such as a dance class, can be a great way to spend time together outside of the office, let go of work-related frustrations and get to know your colleagues on a personal level!

Often, smaller teams are based in shared office space, which can feel like being an island rather than part of a community. This is precisely what Proper Office seeks to avoid, by putting on fun, communal team building activities. Yes, that’s right – your entire office and office neighbours will be invited to attend a new activity, communal gathering or networking put on by Proper Office- much easier than organising on your own, and a wonderful chance to make new friends.

This not only takes the stress out of who should play organiser, but it also gives you an opportunity to get to know new people, befriend your office neighbours and try out new activities.

This month, we organised a Bhangra afternoon, where all of the companies that share our buildings were invited to the dance class, for free. Teams bonded, companies were able to network and an amazing buffet, complete with drinks was put on afterwards.

Companies that attended said afterwards that the opportunity to laugh together and learn something new, outside of their comfort zones meant that they went back to the office renewed and refreshed, with a more positive outlook. This in turn makes employees more productive and happier people.

Finding shared office space that fosters a sense of community and looks after the mental well-being of your team – by hosting such events, having a relaxation room and great communal spaces can be tough, but they do exist! Weplan to put on many more events and want to continue to make our environment a great place to work. If this sounds  like a community you would like to be a part of, give us a shout!

Work/life Balance

The division of one’s time and focus between working and family or leisure activities.

“s/he needs to get his work-life balance right”

The perfect work/life balance can be an incredibly difficult feat to achieve in today’s modern world. Technology means that you are reachable almost always. Even the tube, which used to offer some tech respite now has WIFI connectivity.

With newfound constant connectivity leading to many working outside of office hours, how can you strike the right balance and ensure that you see your nearest and dearest as well as your colleagues

1.DISCONNECT

Once you leave work, switch that phone off and resist the temptation of cracking open your laptop ‘for 5 minutes’

2.WORK SMARTER

And not longer. Learn to prioritise your workload.

3.SET YOUR OWN RULES

Decide what works for you and stick to your own personal rulebook to ensure you are getting the rest and downtime that you need to recharge.

Having a poor work/life balance can lead to burnout, chronic stress and a lack of personal as well as professional progression as you are unable to give your full potential to either side of your life as a result of exhaustion.

Increasingly, employers are recognising the fact that work/life balance is important and necessary in order to maximise an employee’s productivity. Happy employees are in turn spokespeople for their places of work – the benefits are clear for both employees and employers.

At Proper Office we are in constant communication with our tenants and work together to provide a space where a good work/life balance can be achieved. We do so by offering plenty of communal breakout spaces such as the shared kitchen and canteen area, our ‘magic room’ (where you can come for a much-needed lunchtime lie-down) and gorgeous rooftop garden. We also have a ping pong table if you fancy getting competitive and host weekly yoga classes. We are always looking at new activities and networking events we can organise for you.

If you want to be part of a mindful shared office space in Shoreditch then Proper Office is for you. Get in touch with us through our website, here.

SIX UNWRITTEN OFFICE RULES

The unwritten rules of an office may not be featured anywhere physically, but they need to be observed for a harmonious and pleasant office culture. So, what should you be aware of?

Respect Others

It should go without saying, but sometimes the little things can add up. Make sure you are respecting your co-workers by always greeting them politely, always asking before you borrow anything – be it a post-it note or phone and ensuring that you keep your office space tidy.

Get to know your team members

The better you know your team members, the more you know how to work with them effectively, and the friendlier the work environment is. It’s good to have someone you can ask for a second opinion or chit chat with – see our infographic on the 5 kinds of work friends you need.

Stay home when you’re sick!

Survey findings published in Digital Healthcare Review by PushDoctor.co.uk revealed that 86% of people will go to work with a contagious illness rather than take a day off to recover at home. Be considerate of your colleagues by taking time off if you’re unwell. Not only will this keep illness from spreading, but you’ll probably get better quicker too!

Turn up on time

We all run late occasionally – be it due to forgetting your wallet at home and having to go back for it, transport issues or sleeping through your alarm. If it consistently happens, consider changing your daily pattern to disrupt this pattern of lateness.

Make rounds of tea and coffee

So much of British culture centres around a warm beverage and offering to make your colleagues a tea or coffee when you make yours has many benefits. For example, learning how your colleagues take their tea and coffee will win you brownie points!

Don’t steal lunch from the kitchen

We all remember that scene in Friends when Ross has a meltdown over his missing sandwich. If you need to borrow a little milk, loop back to point 1 – always ask and replace it as soon as you can.

These points are even more true when you are in a shared office space, as there are likely to be several communal spaces, such as the kitchen and relaxation areas. Being part of a wider community such as a shared office space can be great for meeting new people. By following the unwritten rules, you are contributing to a lovely atmosphere for all.