The CAK – Simone Dekkers (Management Assistant) & Manuel Onink (ICT Manager)
In an era where technology and collaboration form the backbone of successful organisations, the importance of a cohesive and effective ICT team is undeniable. The Central Administration Office (CAK) acknowledges this and emphasises the importance of team building through well-organized annual events. The experiences of Manuel, an ICT Manager with 3.5 years of service at CAK, and Simone, now a 'veteran' with over 27 years of service at CAK, underscore the success of this approach. Read the entire story of The CAK.
3 Years of Successful Teambuilding: The Secret of Effective ICT Departments
Since 2021, the ICT department of The CAK has been hosting its employees for an afternoon filled with informative presentations and a team-building activity. These gatherings start with a lunch, followed by informative sessions that transition into a group activity to strengthen team cohesion and promote enjoyment. At the core of these afternoons is a group that selects a theme each year and has found a fitting activity for three consecutive years. Simone and Manuel are eager to share their enthusiasm about the success of these activities.
First Impressions
The inaugural activity, held in 2021 at ZIN above Central Station in The Hague, stemmed from the desire to be physically together in a space after all the lockdowns. "All meetings had been through a screen, so it was time for connection," Manuel explains. Working with individuals at a distance from the labour market was a deliberate choice, allowing team members to get to know each other better and develop a broader social awareness.
While previous team days had included activities, in 2021, there was a desire to add a playful element. "We wanted to create connection by engaging in something other than work, but at the same time, we were, of course, working on a core element," Simone says. This initial activity, Quickfire, focused entirely on collaborative teams persuading their team members of each other's talents under time pressure.
Themes and Games
Every year, The CAK selects a theme relevant to the department. The first time, the theme chosen was 'security,' and the game was accordingly adjusted. The second time, the theme was less related to the game, but the focus was purely on collaboration and fun. The last session occurred in a tram depot, a unique location that facilitated teamwork. It began with Boom Time, the musical icebreaker, and then transitioned to Chain Reaction Table Top. Simone and Manuel noted how enthusiastic everyone was in the game, demonstrating effective collaboration within and with other teams.
Objectives
The core of the activities is always twofold: to provide an informative refresh and, after periods of isolation such as during COVID-19, to bring the team back together. Randomly assigning groups promoted new collaborations and strengthened the collective. Simone and Manuel note that within the ICT Team, there is often a preference for remote work due to the lack of strict rules regarding working from home. "That's why it's so great to see how much fun everyone has during the activities," Manuel says with a broad smile.
The day itself
Simone and Manuel have nothing but praise for the day itself. "All participants join in very well, but this is partly due to the careful planning and execution of the activities." Manuel confesses they arrived late last year: "But everything was ready when it needed to be, so they needed less time than I thought."
Why Windshift?
The decision to choose Windshift as the organiser time and time again is not arbitrary. Simone and Manuel's ability to take care of everything is unparalleled: "I don't have to worry about whether everything is arranged, and I can let go of everything," says Simone. Manuel adds that Simone doesn't say this lightly. "The personal contact, proactive attitude, and integration with the team are great for us." Simone agrees: "It's not like we're hiring an external party; they are truly part of the team during our afternoons."
Price/quality and flexibility
Not only does Windshift offer a good price/quality ratio, but their flexibility is invaluable. Manuel says, "As I mentioned, they were a bit late last time, but they immediately took charge upon arrival. The ownership and energy they put into the events are admirable, and they even take care of the cleanup."
Team building is not a secondary matter; it is an essential investment in the health of an organisation. The CAK has embraced this principle and sees the benefits of their annual investment in their staff. If you are inspired by the success of The CAK and ready to take your team to the next level, feel free to contact us and together, we can explore how we can help you.
