We spend a lot of time talking about business, numbers, clients, deadlines and getting the job done. But behind all of that are our people. And for us at Counted, those people are what make the business what it is. Our team works remotely, so we don't have the usual office moments. We can't wander into someone's office for a quick chat, grab a coffee together or have a laugh in the kitchen. So every now and then, we make time to get together. It's not a meeting, or to talk about work, but we can discuss things coming up together if we want to, but mostly it's just to spend some time together.
Making time to connect
Our team catch-ups have included things like paint-by-numbers, candle making, creating succulent gardens, good food and plenty of chatting and laughing. Nothing too fancy. And that's the point. We've found that we don't need a big event or an expensive team-building activity. Sometimes it's simply about putting the work aside and enjoying each other's company. It's a chance to get to reconnect with the person behind the emails, Zoom calls and spreadsheets. Because when you work remotely, those little opportunities to connect don't happen naturally. You have to make them happen.
It's about more than having fun
Of course, having a laugh together is a pretty good reason on its own! But there's something else that happens when you spend time together outside of the usual work environment. You get to know each other even better. You build trust. You have conversations you might not have during a work meeting. You celebrate the wins, talk about the challenges and sometimes just have a good old yarn. And when you genuinely know the people you're working alongside, it makes the everyday work feel a little more connected.
Team culture doesn't have to be complicated
We think this is something that can easily get overcomplicated. There is no need for a huge budget or a fancy venue, and you don't need to organize a perfectly planned 'team-building experience". A share lunch, coffee, afternoon tea, a walk, a simple activity or a few hours together can be enough. The important part is making the time. It's also worth remembering that not everyone enjoys the same things. A good team culture isn't about forcing everyone to take part in the same activity or pretending everyone is having a wonderful time. It's about creating opportunities for people to connect in ways that feel comfortable and genuine.
The people behind Counted
One of the things we really value about Counted is that our team members are people first. We all have families, busy lives, things going on outside of work and the occasional day where everything feels a bit much. We understand that because we're living it too. That's why our team culture isn't about having a perfect workplace. It's about supporting each other, having a laugh when we can, helping each other when things get busy and knowing there's a group of people in your corner.
And every now and then, it's about putting the laptops away and spending some proper time together.
Because people matter. We spend our working days helping our clients with their businesses. But it's just as important to look after the people who make Counted what it is. Our team might work from different offices and different parts of the country, but we're still a team. And sometimes the best way to remember that is to share some food, have a laugh, try something a little different and simply enjoy being together.
Because business is about numbers.
But it's also about people.
And we think that's worth making time for.
