In today's fast-paced work environment, forming strong team bonds and promoting wellbeing among colleagues is more important than ever. Happy hour is so 2019, these days we’re swapping the post-work Prosecco for protein shakes with a little workplace wellness.
What better way to thrash out the tension of a stressful working day and get in a regular dose of fitness with your work crew, than the latest new trend on the scene, Padel.
A cool new hybrid of tennis and squash, Padel is popping up in most major cities and has quickly become the go-to activity for colleagues looking to serve up some serious team spirit.
THE GREAT EQUALISER
One of padel's biggest draws is its accessibility. Unlike some sports that require years of practice or fitness ability to even get a rally going, padel is surprisingly easy to pick up. So it’s a great way to convince even the most fitness-phobic folk in the office to give it a try. (True story: Author is a fitness phobe and loved the Marketing Team Padel sesh!)
DYNAMIC DUO
Padel is a doubles sport, meaning communication and collaboration are pretty essential if you plan to win. This translates directly to how you work with colleagues day to day.
You'll find yourselves calling out shots, encouraging each other, and anticipating your partner's moves. This constant flow of communication, both spoken and unspoken, naturally strengthens bonds and improves understanding between colleagues.
Relying on your partner to cover their side of the court or make a crucial shot builds trust. This trust, built on the padel court, can surprisingly translate to increased trust and reliability in professional projects and tasks.
PADEL THOSE PROBLEMS
Every point in Padel is a mini-challenge that requires shared strategy and problem-solving. Winning together, celebrating together, and even laughing off mistakes together builds camaraderie and a sense of collective achievement that can ripple back into the office. Including the bit where you fell over your own feet, but hey, all great teambuilding!
TACKLE THAT TENSION
The modern workplace can be demanding. Tight deadlines, ever-growing workloads and colleagues that don’t pull their weight, all stack up to cause pent-up frustration. Padel it out!
The intense bursts of activity, that satisfying thwack of the ball, and the constant movement are excellent ways to burn off stress and release endorphins which make us feel that bit more chill.
MENTAL ESCAPE
For an hour or so, your mind will be fully engrossed in the game. You'll be strategising, reacting, and focusing on the ball, providing a much-needed break from spreadsheets, deadlines, and meetings. This mental reset can lead to increased focus and productivity when you return to your desks.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
There’s nothing like competitive sports to bring out people’s personalities. In the thick of a neck-and-neck battle of the final point, true colours come out and you may find this a great way to get to know a side to your colleagues you haven’t met before!
That quiet receptionist might unleash a way of strategic thinking that helps you take the crown. Your super serious Sales Manager might drop their guard to unveil their inner comedy genius.
These revelations can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of your colleagues as individuals. Plus, you’ll learn new skills they have which might help you back in the corporate world.
Go on, ditch the break room and break for the court…
