Nature is the greatest place to heal and recharge
Traditionally, the media industry has thrived on a ‘work-hard, play-hard’ mentality. It isn’t the typical 9-5 that once the hour hand hits the end of the day you forget about work.
Organising a shoot, being on set or delivering projects for clients means you have to be flexible. Although the hours can be long, it is the adrenaline that makes you forget about time. However, it is important to take time out for yourself, re-balance and avoid fatigue.
As with all new business when we first started, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to succeed, but as we started to grow, that initial pressure became less. We all previously had experience in working in high-pressured roles and wanted Jam to be different. We believe in working hard yet recognising that this is still achievable whilst maintaining and improving the welfare of our clients and staff.
January 6 2021 was the official announcement of yet another lockdown. Like most business’ we managed to adapt to a remote way of working. Although it wasn’t ideal, we made it work, however, the social aspect was greatly impacted. Where were our team bonding sessions? Our staff breakfasts and Friday lunchtime pints in our local? How about somewhere to debrief and unwind after a hard week at work? The ability to relax, bond and enjoy yourself after a long week had been stripped away.
But things at Jam have taken a turn for the better. Physical activity was ramped up by everyone in the company – and we noticed the tremendous impact that it had. Stress levels began to decline, and productivity soon started to rise.
Neil took long walks along the picturesque Kent countryside in a bid to beat absolutely everyone on the teams’ step count challenge, whilst Lucie braved going against upping her kettlebells and bench-pressing routine. Both Anna and Lili decided to do something a little different and took up dancing whereas Joe practically became a member of the Tour de France cycling team!
As a collective, we began Jam’s Online Team Fridays “The Jammies” (who doesn’t like a healthy bit of competition). A weekly get together in which the aim was for everyone to get active in some capacity. Every week, there was a step count that converted to points, a creative round & a quiz round. Suddenly, we felt like we were getting our team back. Getting outside after being forced to within helped the team to breathe, relax and take care of their mental health.
It was such a success that even today we’re encouraging our team to walk or cycle rather than jumping onto public transport. We know as a team that spending a few extra crucial moments outside can be the difference between a good day, and a great day -helping them stay positive and refreshed.
At Jam, we truly believe in the power of the outdoors in keeping people happy. We sponsor players in the local cricket team and even a youth football team. Everyone deserves the possibility to get outside and experience nature, especially through exercise and sport.
This is why we’ve worked out the potential of starting a five-a-side football team instead of the Thursday Evening drinks – to bond as a team and let the endorphins do the work for our minds.
Not only that, but in the works are outdoor meetings as well as day trip activities to help us learn and be with nature in a way we hadn’t previously acknowledged.
We know that one of the key ingredients to a positive mental state is getting outside. Simply, breathing in and breathing out. Allow yourself to feel lighter and calmer in the manic world that is media.
