My personal X'mas greetings creation

Putting the true meaning of X'mas:




A closer shot of above:

New 2nd nest

October 2010 new office move - Let's take a quick peep into the interior:


greeted by the lovely views as you look out of the windows.  






Finally, this is yours truly pretending to look busy (yah sure - very 'convincing' - when even the seat is still in its wrapper!!)

An employee (yours truly) documenting her joy and excitement on her new office move.  She has even described her office as her second nest.  Without going into the review of data to demonstrate how workplace strategy (ie, the design and use of workplace environment) is able to enhance employee experience and improve employees' performance and productivity, I could already feel the positive vibes in the work environment.      

Open space of workstations lined with low cabinets encourages collaboration, meaningful work discussions and ready "counters" for us to put loads of snacks, doughnuts and cookies for sharing.  (Sharing of calories as well!).  No more cluttered and messy work station.  Spacious desk with two computer monitors (HR data analytics and having to work on huge Microsoft excel spreadsheets) just the right storage space, ergonomic office seat.  What more can an employee ask for?      

Open terrace roof top garden, office cafeteria within the building and one that comes with shower facilities 

Did I say that the office pantry (apart from the usual beverages such as coffee and tea), milk is also made available?

Speaking for myself, I am elated and eager to report for work and feeling at home in this brand new office.  A high employee engagement score indeed. 

Do effective team bonding activities have to be extravagant?

Reflections from an HR Perspective:

Team building — or team bonding — has become a buzzword in today’s workplace, often associated with escape rooms, trust falls, or after-hours socials. But does it have to be extravagant?

"That's xx for this year's team building budget."  In order to foster trust, collaboration, communication and morale among the workplace, it's mandatory for every function or department to organise an annual team building activity.  

"Not again?!!  I am really not keen to attend another "almost break my back and being fed alive by mosquitoes" offsite hiking at some deserted island!!"  exclaimed by my colleague who prided herself to report for work daily with pristine makeup and elegant dresses paired with sophisticated heels.  Are you secretly willing yourself to fall sick on that dreaded team building day as well?

The truth be told, what good does it make to the team by merely attending an one-off annual team bonding outing?  This is especially so if some staff felt that the management have twisted their arms into attending the activity.  Perhaps the only incentive that comes with it is the chosen location where the team activity will be held.  How about organizing it at the beach resort or perhaps an overseas trip to Korea?  

Sorry guys, I am afraid we are mindful of the corporate budget and keeping it simple this time so no Escape Room Challenge, Scavenger Hunt or any Overseas Company Retreat.

Fundamentally, the selected activity need to align with the team's goals and objectives.  While one can never please all, it's important to engage the team by doing a poll on a few alternative team building venue and activity that is within the company's budget and makes sense logistically, taking into consideration any feedbacks from past organised team building activities.   

The key is to ensure a relaxed non-work environment where everyone can let their hair down to have fun and not think about work.   

Presenting the champion team of the Christmas baking competition.

This is the standard of baking to aim for! These are baked by my colleague. All on this plate is edible. BTW - there were more on that silver plate but the photo taking couldn't beat those greedy fingers! That in itself is a great testimonials that my colleagues are having fun and enjoying the fruit of their labour.  It's very yummy bakes indeed! 



Look too good to be eaten, right? That gingerbread house even have a 'glass' window.. Err...I still cannot resist and ate one peanut and chocolate piece. Mmmmmm..yummy ... and that was after my very sumptuous team Christmas lunch I just had at The Vintry, Abchurch Yard... :)

Ok...back to the subject matter. Anyone want to make a guess what ingredients were used to make those edible Christmas wreaths?? :P

So back to the subject of Team Building.  Do Team Building Activities have to be extravagant for it to be effective?  What do you think?  Share your thoughts with us.

Company cafe is opened finally!

A X'mas seasonal meal - complimentary from our company cafe which officially cut their red ribbon on 17 December!

Glutton with a roasted new potato - yummmmmm yummmmmy!



I had my contingency plan (more food stored in the fridge). but apparently this free lunch comes in quite generous portion (surprise - see photo for close up shot) so can ditch contingency plan...

I am feeling very satisfised with the Turkey and winter seasonal vegetables topped with bread sauce and cranberry sauce. Even more satisfying to savour lunch against a white backdrop with good company.







(btw - that is our roof terrace garden..and it is now snowed under)

I guarantee Winter has officially arrived...

..because even my friend's doggie has a new coat!



Photo - Courtesy of the dog's owner of course! :)