#BTE

I work with adult children. That's right. It's time I come out and say it like it is. These people are full of laughter, compassion, unwavering loyalty, and best of all, they are always up for something fun and new. See, like I said, adult children...and they chose me.

I should begin by giving some context on the meaning of BTE. This is our companies acronym for Best Team Ever. This chronicle may seem mushy and fake to you dear reader, but I can assure you, I am blunt and this is my truth. I have found a forever family in my company.

In the world we live in, it seems remote work continues to threaten to take away the desperate need to feed the hunger of human interactions. It is incredibly rare to find those companies that discover new and unique ways to build and maintain the comradery of their team. I am not merely limiting this to remote work. I have heard stories and read articles claiming a similar loss of interaction even in person. But why is this?

I do not claim to know the exact cause but I can theorize. My theory is simple: work has become work and people have lost the ability to care beyond this. Work can be extremely overwhelming, most often it is. Work-life balance is a phrase that I have never fully understood in my life. All of the books, podcasts, personal stories, etc. and still I could not grasp it. Until I found a team that valued this concept and implemented it within the day-to-day tasks of their employees. From encouraging team in-person lunches, to group activities in and outside of work, to even the simple random GIFs sent via our chats, we are always finding ways to connect with each other. This provides us with a chance to bring ourselves back into reality and breath before taking on the next project or task. To get out of our heads and not lost within the "work is work" derailing train of thought.

Taking even the slightest of time to send that quick message to a team chat or direct message can make the biggest difference in the day for all involved. Additionally, this can create a better perspective across departments. Opening us all up to a vast untouched space of communication. Deepening our understanding of one another on work and personal levels.

Now, I did state that a team can be a family. Families have their moments of frustrations. The best part about this within a company setting, no matter the frustration, you know you will be able to work though it and come out a stronger team. This is again, due to the strong bond that has developed through constant communication and personal time spent with team members. I can honestly say this to be the case for me with my work family. I recognize that at times the frustration stems from my actions. I will own this with no qualms. It is because my team makes me better when they are able to point these moments out and talk them through with me. Giving me ideas and techniques that I place into my repertoire for later use. The growth that they have given me personally and professionally I can say I would not have found anywhere else.

Communication plays a huge role in turning the "work is work" mental stage into something more. Enjoying the work you do is certainly another leading role at play here. However, it must be noted that the main character for this never-ending work stage belongs to empathy. Even if you do not perform the same job at the company or have not had the same bosses, take a step back. Listen and realize that this person you work with everyday is paying the bills and trying to have a personal life just like you. They have life experiences just like you.

Take a moment with them. Who knows, you might find you also have a BTE, just like mine. ;)

With hope,

Anndi