It is well known that it is not easy to assess the work environment of a company and in this sense, we could cite numerous tools and different theoretical and methodological perspectives designed especially for these purposes. That is to say, to measure with precision what are the perceptions of the employees, in the here-now of the company.
However, there is a clear indicator that provides all those with intent and courage to read it in all its expression, key information on the progress of the company. And it is, precisely, that of the annual entertainments that the organizations decide to offer to their staff.
Within our first experiences in consulting, I always remember a particular firm and the worried story of one of its managers. With a staff of about seventy people, only five had attended the barbecue that closed that period of shared work.
And surely the first reaction not only from the organizers but also from the leadership structure in the beginning is anger. Then the question of why follows. What are the reasons that determine such a fact?
And here it is necessary to point out that this type of event updates and makes present in a very transparent way contemporary ideas and emotions to the celebration; becoming a true staging of the thoughts of the collaborators. Thus, not only what has elapsed during a year is judged, but it also impacts the company's situation outright, leading to an articulation between the two. Furthermore, sometimes, a fact close to entertainment is liable to throw overboard a whole year of coherent efforts. Here are the typical cases of an organization that closes an excellent period of profitability and does not grant any kind of recognition to its employees. And also its opposite: in the twilight of a gray year, promising market demands are presented for the following months, thus achieving a motivational lever of high value capable of influencing people and their subsequent attendance at the party.
Taking into account the aforementioned, it is critical when planning an event of this nature, to assess the moment of a human group and its beliefs regarding:
Your degree of job satisfaction.
Your degree of compliance with the remuneration received based on the tasks you perform.
The incidence of union conflicts or turbulence.
The health of the links between workers (intra and inter-areas).
Modifications of internal processes, including incorporation of technology, new production lines and changes in general management methodology.
… Just to cite the most relevant ones.
In this way, and having data about the reality perceived by the employees of a company, we can make the party as successful as we wish.
