Work more sociable?

[worried33]

Hi!

I started a new job in august and job-wise I’m enjoying it. My job involves a lot of lone working as I go around different sites during the week - everyone in my company also has their own sites so we rarely see each other.

I had a similar job before and it was all quite social - I had one in-person supervisor, the whole team had a weekly half hour coffee over zoom, we had work days out, secret Santa, birthday presents for everyone, a group chat that sometimes just involved general chit chat.

My new company have some zoom meetings that are purely work based, and I never really see or hear from anyone otherwise. I think there may be an upcoming meal but it doubles as a team meeting. I’ve had a few of the other new starters message me for help at times as they feel they aren’t getting the regular support. I’m lucky in that I do know what I’m doing, but I miss the social side!

Would it be appropriate of me to contact a manager/supervisor and suggest a more social side to work? As I have only been there 4 months? As lone working can be really lonely sometimes and I think it’s important. I wouldn’t mind taking charge of the social side.

And what would I write? I’m thinking of suggesting a secret Santa or something to start off with. Any help appreciated - thanks!

You've raised two issues here.

New colleagues don't feel they have the support they need in the current structure.
Social isolation caused by work.

You need to package this up into a brief ' business case' appeal.

Never thought of it that way😬 would definitely like to sort the side of the social stuff. As for the support I’m not sure if it’s my place to say just yet - could get better from improving the relationships in the team I’m not sure?

Could you suggest a WhatsApp group for colleagues?

We have a whatsapp group! Rarely gets used and if it does it’s purely work questions. Thanks for the suggestion though. I guess I’m just used to how sociable my old team was and it made it much more enjoyable. Just wondering how to put this forward to my supervisor

We had this as our team all work cross site, took it to my manager who set up a virtual staff room open 12.30-1 for anyone to pop in and out of to have a chat.. it's mandatory for 15 minutes at least and is not part of our 30 min lunch break.. works really well but depends how much your manager can afford to spare you time wise from working x

Keep in mind that this is about how you feel. Your colleagues may love the fact that there is no secret Santa, social aspect, etc to the job. I'm one of those people, honestly. I'd be really annoyed if I suddenly had to do birthday gifts, days out, secret Santa.

Oh I just thought it’d make work more pleasant

@worried33

Oh I just thought it’d make work more pleasant

I understand that, but that's how you feel. Not everyone does, not by a long shot. Perhaps you should look for another job where the work culture is more to your liking.

Feel free to suggest some things op, there might be some people the same as you.

But yes, some people don't want to socialise with colleagues. I don't go to work social events or participate in secret Santa's, because I don't want to.

I think it's fine for you to suggest some things as long as they're not compulsory.

I admit I would be annoyed to have to participate in a more social things. ANd of course if you are the only one that doesn't participate you are labeled as anti social. So just remember some people enjoy not being sociable and it's nothing personal lol

Why don't you suggest something casual on the WhatsApp group for now like a Xmas pub lunch. See how that goes and then suggest more events if folks seem like they would be keen

I have to say I’d be annoyed if I suddenly had to start socialising at work after not doing it for a while. I like to keep my work life separate from everything else. Feel free to suggest it but be mindful of the fact there will be others who don’t feel the same

My current work place is not sociable either - and it's like yours in that it is work-related support and social stuff. There is just very little communication among the team at all.

One person says she likes it this way because a non-manager manager is a lot better than a micro-manager. But she likes to get paid to do very little work and because there is no communication, there is no accountability either.

I suggested more interaction, but it fell on deaf ears. I just shut up and work because it's just the culture of the place.

During interviews, Mrs. Hr has told all new applicants that support and training will be provided. However, chatter and socializing aren't a priority feature in that department.