Jul 26, 2018 Written by Mellissah Smith
They're an affectionate bunch - by accident. It's was unintentional, as it's certainly not politically correct to hug your colleagues, but someone had to do it, and they did it right.
It all started when Kris, our Art Director, greeted our new employee with a hug. It was awkward. She held out her hand and he went in for the hug. Immediately she patted him on the back awkwardly. Then the boss came out and went to shake her hand, this time she was awkward because she didn't know what to do, and the boss was awkward because she didn't mean to shake a new female employees hand.
After adjusting to the new workplace, she brought it up. "What about that awkward moment when I first started!". Everyone died laughing. It was funny and fortunately, she saw the funny side of it as well.
From that moment on everything changed. This one person was instrumental in creating an office culture where hugs were normal greetings and, somehow, were no longer awkward.
Kris is a gentle giant. Perhaps he can get away with it, or perhaps that makes it all the more powerful.
Not long after another employee started, and she was hugged on arrival - after all it's now a 'thing'. She loved it and is the first to hug people who go on holidays, start as a new employee or just because she thinks they are great.
There are a few things that have happened from here:
SHARING LUNCH
It's what families do and if this is your work family, it certainly will be something that you will learn to love about working at Marketing Eye. Lunches are a big thing and are something that is celebrated together. We make it together, eat it as a family and wash up the dishes. It leaves you with a warm heart and an unbreakable bond.
TOO BUSY AND STRESSED
Don't worry. This is exactly when your office family who know you all too well now, put their hands up and ask if they can help. They don't beat around the bush. "You're stressed out... let me help!" It is something that comes out of everyone's mouth. The support is phenomenal, to say the least. No-one needs to have a stressful day because they are unsure as to whether they will meet a deadline. If you are not going to meet it, then everyone will drop their work, stay late and help you get over the finish line.
PERSONAL SPACE IS GONE FOREVER
So, this is the 'thing'. Once you have hugged another colleague, all boundaries are gone. I am sure it's like getting nude with your colleagues (ok, I'm not being weird, as it is a thing - not in Australia but for those who practice unusual ways to bond). So hugging is the norm. Kissing is not. Stealing someone candy off their desk is yours to take. Doing quirky pictures with your face all over it, so that when you come back from holidays you know you were missed, is hilarious but the perfect welcome home.
This has all been the natural progression from our fearless, kind, generous Art Director who we adore. Who would have thought?
Mellissah Smith
Mellissah Smith is a leading marketing expert having pioneered two specialist marketing firms into operations all over the world.
With 20 years experience, Mellissah has worked with over 200 companies, emerging and large multinational, on developing and executing strategic marketing campaigns.
From developing strategic marketing plans to re-inventing old brands in a changing market place, Mellissah has creative flair, business acumen and a knowledge of all aspects of marketing. She has also worked extensively in marketing and communications for companies listing on the ASX in both the small cap and large corporate arenas.
Latest from Mellissah Smith
- Beginners Guide of What KPI's You Need to Keep Track Of
- The most exciting, exhilarating experience you can ever have, starts with #AdobeSummit - here's why
- Top Performing Marketing Teams Have These Things In Common
- Is being an influencer all that it's cracked up to be?
- How Marketers Will be Forced to be More Agile
Leave a comment
Make sure you enter all the required information, indicated by an asterisk (*). HTML code is not allowed.