Camaraderie at work

This post has been long overdue, but tremendous work pressures actually made me lose my way in the maze of the workplace.

Ok, now, let me ask you a question. What makes you want to get up at 6 am, take a train/ bus/ drive to work everyday? The typical answer given to colleagues during office parties is “You, know, I love every bit of the work I do and that drives me to work everyday!” Annnnnd, this statement is made when the boss is standing very near, and can hear you clearlllllly.

But let’s be honest. I know I didn’t enjoy every minute, every second of what I did at work. There were periods when I wanted to just relax on a beach maybe. But still I went to work. I am sure all of us have had such moments. So why? Why did you or I go to the office the next day?

I think the answer lies in the fact that the workplace contains PEOPLE. Our colleagues, our peers, who with the fun atmosphere they weave, create in us the wish to go to work. Think about the chitchats, the aimless peer-to-peer meetings, the coffee breaks. Yes, they don’t define the work day, but add that zing to work. But then again, the whole concept is intrinsic to the work culture. Some places encourage a quasi – informal work culture, wherein the workplace is more than just that – it also is a place to hang out in. In such places, you not only build teams, you build friendships too. In such places, a crucial cricket match – (India Pak or the Ashes) are seen in the cabin of the CEO, or any such biggie with a cabin and a TV. And such a camaraderie at the workplace is one major puller as you fight the early morning blues.

And then again, there are places that are not as ‘free’. Here, matches are followed surreptitiously on a ticker or by refreshing the news page. But then again, the lack of freedom is never a deterrent, since the whole team chats ‘Yippeeee’ in unison, when all their surreptitious tickers announce a victory. Yet again – the camaraderie rules!

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