The Office Christmas Party

Bringing together the hybrid, remote and office work force.

Only after a Christmas get together do I find myself asking; “What Do We Really Know About Our Colleagues?”

In an era where the traditional office setup is giving way to the dynamic landscape of remote and hybrid work, our group company and the business brands within it stand as a proud testament to the boundless possibilities that come with embracing change. As we reflect on the year gone by, it becomes ever more evident that the true strength of our organisation lies not just in the exceptional work we deliver, but in the diverse and extraordinary individuals who make up our organisation.

The freedom afforded by remote and hybrid work has allowed us to uncover hidden talents and passions that often go unnoticed in the day-to-day hustle of a traditional office. It has also allowed those often hidden within a business structure to develop, shine and gain an increased confidence in approaching unique challenges. Take, for instance, our finance head who, in addition to mastering complex spreadsheets, unique international invoicing challenges, payroll deadlines etc, surprised us by revelling in the fact that for a rather small woman she can comfortably bench press 120kg+. Who would have thought that number crunchers could also be power lifters?

But the surprises didn't stop there. Our colleagues are a vibrant mosaic of talents, embodying the spirit of the unconventional. We have our resident triathlete (they’re everywhere though), but who has a stand-up comedian? Seriously? Anyone else? We do. The jury is still out on if he is funny or not and if he could take a good heckle, but you never know. There is a rumour that he is being touted for a spot on Live at the Apollo in August 2024 (I may have started that rumour though, so let’s see if it pans out). We have a novelist, everyone has a book in them they say, but I sense he may have several. He is that sort of fella. Our marketing head is not just creative minded but a multifaceted artist, writer and musician, bringing his unique perspectives to every project.

Then we have our South Coast Panto King, this year appearing as Robin Hood, in Johnny Vegas’s adaptation of William Langland’s tale of Robin and his merry men. Not much happens apparently, it is set in a rural working class village, the merry men get very drunk, there is a medieval kebab shop, a fight, someone is sick, and Maid Marian and Robin have a row when she catches him talking to another local lady. A typical Saturday night out in some parts of the UK apparently. Our Robin Hood has still to learn his lines, however, and his first show is this Friday night. If you’re in the Eastbourne area and looking to see an experienced C-Suite recruiter dressed in green tights pretending to be a man of the Forrest, it’ll be worth the ￡6 entry fee.

I’m sure there are more secret hobbies and passions hidden within the ranks and I expect next year there will be a push to hear more about the unspoken activities and pastimes of our colleagues. It may well take a drink or two break their silence, but we’ll beat it out of them if we have to. I’ll report back when I have an update. Hopefully there will be a few more heads this time next year, although our recruitment criteria may need to change to focus on the added skills and outside work curricular activities that can be evidenced. Fingers crossed our US leader will fly back in to Blighty as well, I’m sure there is an unusual hobby link hidden there. I’ll keep an eye on her.

In this mix of personal passions and business dedication, we find our unsung heroes – the ones who week after week deliver exceptional results. Their commitment is the heartbeat of our business and success, and they may not openly acknowledge it, but they will encourage us all to step out of our comfort zones and in our own ways, do the things we keep wishing we would ourselves. Their achievements inspire us to push our own boundaries and ultimately become better at everything we do.

Our operational leaders, stepped fully out of their own comfort zones throughout 2023, and have not only embraced technology, automation, and AI but have redefined what it means to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. But it is only when we all have the time to take a step back and acknowledge each and every person, do we really appreciate what they have done to move the business forward.

The courage to expand our business onto different shores, showing the pioneering spirit within our ranks. Relocating to the US , navigating new cultures and markets – these individuals epitomise the adventurous soul that propels our organisation forward. Beyond the confines of business, our team members extend their reach into the community, demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond the bottom line. Some even put their own lives at risk as part of the rescue services, showcasing a level of selflessness that is truly commendable – not something a lot of people would associate with the recruitment industry!

Reflecting on the past few years, it becomes clear that hybrid and remote working has not only revolutionised our professional lives but has also paved the way for deeper connections on a personal level. Gone are the days of limited interactions in a formal office setting. When the opportunity arises for us to come together, the need for genuine communication is accelerated, creating an environment where we can truly learn about the extraordinary lives our colleagues lead.

As we celebrate the end of the year with our conferences and Christmas celebrations, the insights we all gain about our teammates could fuel a multitude of posts. From hidden talents to personal triumphs. For Executive Recruit , HR Recruit , FD Recruit , CFO Recruit and Accountancy Recruit sitting under the Exec Recruit banner, the richness of our collective experiences is a testament to the strength and unity that defines our company.

Where hybrid and remote work are becoming the new norm, we are not just adapting to change; we are thriving in it. Our journey is not just a professional one but a celebration of the unique and exceptional individuals who make our company what it is – a place where unconventional is the norm, and every individual brings their own spark to the collective flame of success. I do not recall before covid knowing so much about those I worked with. I rarely saw their children, possibly as they weren’t walking into the room during a Teams meeting, or that they had dogs, until hearing a barking chorus whilst we’re listening to an online training session or even seeing the varied locations used as a backdrop for the office for the day, living room, kitchen or if you’re lucky a beach.

We've discovered that behind every title and role lies a story waiting to be told. Our team is not just a collection of professionals; it's a vibrant tapestry of unconventional and extraordinary individuals who redefine what it means to work together toward success.

So what has hybrid and remote working ever done for us?

A – “Technology?”

Q – “What?”

A – “Technology?”

Q – “Oh yeah, it did give us some of that. That’s true yeah”

A – “Work Life Balance?”

Q – “Yeah. All right. I'll grant you the technology and the Work Life Balance are two things that the Hybrid and Remote work have done”

A – “Time free from awful commutes?”

X – “Well, yeah, obviously the commute. I mean, the commute goes without saying, doesn't it? But apart from the technology, Work Life Balance and the commute--”

A – “Flexibility?”

A – “Personalised work space?”

A – “Staff retention?”

A – “Better use of time?”

Q – “All right, but apart from the technology, work life balance, the commute, flexibility, staff retention, ?personalised work space and the better use of our time, what has hybrid and remote work ever done for us?”

A – “Health and happiness?”

Q. “Health and happiness? Shut up!”

A business is only as good as its people they say, and I genuinely think we’re very lucky. Each one contributes significantly to what we have, where we are headed and outwardly adds value in a multitude of ways.

Mark Geraghty

Partner

Exec Recruit Group Ltd

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: www.dhirubhai.net/company/executive-recruit

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