|
Despite inclement weather, SEMCA’s staff enjoyed a fun filled day of games, laughter and relaxation during its Fourth Annual Team Day.
“A retreat is important because it allows staff to interact and get to know each other in a setting that is different from the office,” said Chris Smith, chief operating officer of SEMCA. “Seeing the other side of people can translate to better office rapport, since co-workers have the opportunity to get to know each other on another level.” |
 Claims Analyst Keisha Seabrooks demonstrates her drawing abilities during Pictionary. |
|
This year’s team day began at 8:30 a.m. in the SEMCA boardroom where staff engaged in conversation and a continental breakfast. Staff then proceeded to Heritage Park in Taylor for a presentation and lunch. Once staff arrived, Jack O’Reilly, executive director of SEMCA, led a group discussion about the book “Fish Tales” by Steven C. Lundin, PH.D., John Christensen, Harry Paul and Phillip Strand, which is a collaboration of various ideas from different companies to promote good morale in the workplace. The discussion included worksheets that emphasized how to bring play into work in an effective and responsible manner. The discussion also helped staff gain perspectives on how they view success and how they can contribute to the success of SEMCA. |
 Volunteers try their best to improve their efforts in one of the team day exercises. |
|
Tamara Norrix, board coordinator of SEMCA, said it all comes down to personal attitude and its good to bring it to work. “The book is a good example of how people can make a difference by bringing a good attitude to work.” Following the discussion, TV’s Deli and Diner of Trenton served a delicious lunch. Afterwards the staff headed back to the office for an afternoon of fun. The activities included games such as a water balloon throwing contest, Pictionary, Catch Phrase, Scatergories and Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Psychic readings were also available on an individual basis. |
 Workforce Development Manager Susan Corey shows off her swing techniques. |
|
Margie LeNoir, incumbent workforce coordinator of SEMCA, said the incorporation of fun activities and lightheartedness is an excellent way to automatically build teams and positive working relations.
Darlene Owens, treatment services administrator and team marketing committee member, said the retreat is necessary because it helps build relationships and staff come together as one single body that brings fourth everyone’s unique capabilities. |
 (left to right) Alex Stamatoulakis, Marilou Lommerse, Angela Kalkofen, Tamara Lamper-Norrix, and Renée Haveman thinking of words for Scatergories. |
|
The day concluded with a group trivia game and a few closing words from Executive Director Jack O’Reilly. O’Reilly added that the team day will continue to be a great event for SEMCA and a springboard for creating a postive work environment. |
 The SEMCA staff partake in a delicious lunch brought to the park by the TV Deli & Diner. |
Return to Working Together main page
Return to Main Table of Contents