2021! What an awesome year it has been for me. Trust me, my original thanksgiving speech is much longer, but I will keep this brief.
When counting my blessings in 2021, I cannot leave out awesome colleagues. Well, I’m so very thankful! Thankful for my HHOG & by extension my HH family! It’s been an amazing journey of learning and experiencing new perspectives. I am thankful for the wonderful people I have been opportune to work with and learn from along the way, both as a company and as a group.
What can I say? I work with people who are ever ready to share ideas, people who are never shy from lending a helping hand when required. We should never underestimate the role personal relationships play in our happiness at work. Indeed, for some of us, the workplace is where we have formed some of our closest and most enduring friendships.
Although few may agree but having colleagues as friends at work who look out for you can help one deal with job stress and ease anxiety. I recall vividly a particular day, I had to stay up all night to beat a deadline. I walked into the office the next morning, feeling exhausted but not knowing how much it affected my demeanour.
In less than 10 mins of settling down to get busy at the start of a new day, a colleague walked up to my desk and inquired, “Michael, sure you are okay? I can sense your disposition and you are not your usual self” a few others across the room concurred. Afterwards, we had a little chat about it. I can tell you; it was quite refreshing to realise you’ve got people watching your back even within the office space.
I am also thankful for amazing bosses who keep me motivated with their words and are always willing to listen. These little things matter and keep me going even at times when one feels overwhelmed.
This is raising the glass and saying thank you 2021, thank you for positive changes, awesome colleagues, and cheers to a more promising new year!