Getting Social After Work

23 September 2004

Getting Social After Work Pays Off For Leading Workplace

The practice of having a few drinks with workmates after work has such a positive effect on its workers, one of New Zealand's top workplaces is investing more in it.

In a survey of employees by Flight Centre (NZ) Limited, winner of Unlimited's Best Places to Work survey (large company category) in 2003 and 2004, 94 per cent of respondents said they thought that socialising with workmates was beneficial to their job. In addition, 78 per cent indicated they really enjoy the monthly awards nights they are expected to attend.

Improving the work environment, support, relationship building and sharing ideas were cited as some of the biggest benefits of social activities, as well as improving motivation and adding to the team feel.

Human resources director Sue Matson said the research has once again highlighted that social activities were important for teamwork, and has therefore been made and even higher priority.

“It has given us a vote of confidence that we're on the right track when it comes to this element of our company culture,” she said.

“Therefore we'll looking to put even more focus on all our social and team-building activities, so staff will find them even more worthwhile.”

Reward and recognition in a social environment has long been an integral part of Flight Centre (NZ) Ltd's culture, with monthly awards nights (dubbed 'buzz nights'), national and global balls, regular staff conferences and team building activities.

But the company also recognised the importance of a work/life balance, said Matson, so quality, not quantity is the key.

“Our staff don't necessarily want more social activities, but they value what we have and so we'll be working towards making them even more worthwhile.”

ENDS

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