Team building for power engineers: “business trip” to childhood

AlES JSC and AZhС celebrated the World Day of Action for Decent Work in a non-trivial way. Going into adulthood, we leave our primary perception of the world behind the line of childhood, because it is idealistic, not pragmatic, not responding to the rhythm of everyday life of adults. But sometimes it is useful to return to our maximalist tunings, not only to remember our childhood and our best selves, our assessments, dreams, on the contrary, to escape from the routine of everyday life and problems. Modern technologies make it possible to simulate such an “I’m back” to childhood, for example, during thematic team building – a game weekend with elements of psychotherapy.

AlES JSC decided to make such an “extreme” transition to childhood by holding a team building event “I am a child”, who, according to the legend of the organizers, was sent by his parents to a camp in summer… The appropriate location was chosen the children’s health camp “Arman dala”.

Galina Gorbovskaya, Head of Personnel Department of CHPP-3, considers this trip as the most memorable one this year: “The weather gave us a warm day off. Before 10-00 in the morning we went on a trip as adults, but on arrival to “Arman-Dala” we became children for a moment. The atmosphere of the children’s camp had an effect on us. Also the counsellors set a certain rhythm of the meeting. They were really professionals. After all, to gather adult people and organize their rest, it really takes a lot of experience. Everything was thought out at the highest level. From breakfast to a festive dinner, bonfire, fireworks”.

“Saturday team building at the Arman Dala camp was a great opportunity to unite the team and spend time with colleagues in the picturesque nature in an informal atmosphere”, says Indira Suleimenova, Head of the Chemical Shop at CHPP-3. – The event was excellently organised: a variety of activities helped everyone to show their strengths and interact with colleagues. Especially memorable were the team tasks, where we had to work synchronously, which strengthened the sense of unity and trust. In addition, the game made it clear how important it is not only to be able to do your job well, but also to have good communication. We returned to work with a new energy and a feeling that we had become one team.

And it was, indeed, a big team of energy workers. The team building event attracted 80 people from AlES JSC and 50 from AZhC. The non-trivial event was timed to coincide with the “World Day of Action for Decent Work”. It is celebrated annually on October 7 on the initiative of the International Labour Organization. Based on the current situation, the motto of the day is chosen. This year it was held under the motto: “Workers deserve peace and democracy”.

“Such events help to strengthen team spirit and develop friendly relations. The time was interesting and productive, it was nice to meet colleagues from AZhC”, shares her impressions and expresses her gratitude to the organisers Natalia Mogilevets, Head of Logistics Department at CHPP-2 n.a. A. Zhakutov. – The venue was chosen perfectly, the mountain scenery is simply marvellous! They created an atmosphere conducive to communication and co-operation”.

The organizers and counsellors coped with this task 100%, said Bakhytzhan Toksharayev, Head of the Budget and Economic Analysis Department of AlES JSC. He added that the day ‘was filled with intellectual games and sports competitions: archery, golf, catamaran rides, karaoke… In the evening we had dinner and a concert program, and the cherry on top was the bonfire!”.

A bonfire for the older generation, though probably for the younger ones too – such a direct reference to childhood with guitars – “Blue nights shine with fires…”, or to early youth with bardic: “How great it is that all of us are gathered here today…”.

“Team building, which took place outdoors, created an atmosphere that promoted open communication, trusting relationships and improved team spirit”, notes Marina Avramenko, Head of Administrative Section at CHPP-3. – Unlike traditional indoor trainings, we enjoyed fresh air, physical activity and new impressions.

The team games were particularly memorable, as they allowed us to get to know our colleagues from a new perspective. There were moments when we had to make quick decisions and find creative solutions to problems, which greatly fuelled the competitive spirit. At the same time, it was possible to relax by the Altyn Kol lake, socialise and simply enjoy the beauty of nature. This format of events helps not only to strengthen working ties, but also to reduce stress levels and recharge”.

Power engineers noted the good organisation of Saturday’s trip and the great contribution of Serik Tymbasbayev, Chairman of the Trade Union Committee of Energia, and Gulya Zhakayeva, Chairman of the Trade Union Committee of CHPP-2. Everything was at the highest level, starting from the organisation of games and contests and ending with a friendly bonfire with fireworks, says Assel Shakabayeva, apparatus woman of chemical treatment plant of chemical shop of CHPP-2 named after A.Zhakutov.

“Everything was beautifully organized, at the highest level”, agrees Saule Azimbekova, storekeeper of the Administrative Section of CHPP-2 n.a. A.Zhakutov. – Games, competitions, walks, golf, catamaran, disco, new acquaintances. This is a huge labor union!”

I would like to express my gratitude to our Trade Union for the organized trip. To congratulate the AlES JSC trade union on its professional holiday. Of course, I wish them all the best and success in their work.

Positive emotions, a full-fledged holiday, new friendships, coincidence of interests – only a little of what will remain in the emotional mood of energy workers from such a “business trip” to childhood. But there is something more, the ability to make friends, to work in a team, to rush to the rescue, to become more open and more eradicated in relationships. All that at the workplace and in the work team is transformed into corporate principles and allows to create an atmosphere of mutual support, the ability to offer a friendly shoulder, to unite in a difficult situation, to rely on colleagues as on oneself. And in general – a lot of things that are necessary for successful and safe work at a complex production facility.