Forced fun at work

[Lockdownlife101]

Such as team quizzes, inane zoom call conversations for our mental health and wellbeing, no they're the reverse actually. I started my job in lockdown and I am really loving it but I just don't fit in with this type of 'forced fun' culture. Anyone else in this situation?

Bolton hospital have had to open another ward for covid patients, mostly younger adults.

OP, I'm seriously considering if maybe you are part of my team. Our manager sounds identical!

Speak to your manager and tell them this 'fun' is bad for your mental health. Say you get along well with your colleagues in a relaxed manner. Even say you don't like the competive side of those activities. You can always opt out.

Personal opinion is that a good manager, someone who gives an answer when you need it, is a good timekeeper and is polite, alongside pleasant considerate colleagues is something that can do as much if not more for your wellbeing than any form of office 'fun'.

I feel fortunate to work with colleagues and a manager who that describes, and who will help when needed, and not be people who just take.

When 'fun' is misjudged and misguided it just spells out how disconnected my management are.

When we are under high pressure of time but asked to take part in 'check ins' about the weather. When I know I'm going to be working all weekend, but I'm asked to 'check in' about my weekend plans....
It makes me just want to cry.

Disconnected.

Being a team player has no bearing on whether you attend this stuff. I'm an ex Manager , Ex Senior Manager and deliver a qualification to Managers now. Not once are team social activities brought up in real qualifications as creating good team dynamics (I mean its brought up in the irrelevant non accredited ones but that tells you everything you need to know).

Building real team cohesion is far more complex and skilled. The ability to mediate , risk assess on your own team. CPD and real resources management is part of it. Real check ins and support for mental health and isolation....absolutely. No Management trainer or mentor who is qualified , experienced and good would ever suggest a zoom quiz is going to make the slightest difference to people's dynamic.

I've thoroughly enjoyed working for my company because they started through lockdown offering these things and then listened when they became a millstone and stopped them. The second they realised they were becoming a pain or interrupting time needed for the job (feedback from the staff) they were stopped.

The only side issue is they are all excited about face to face line management in the summer. I would happily sit behind my computer for the rest of my life and never meet them in person but I accept those are totally my general dislike for the human population issues.