The Art of Relaxing at Work: How to Actually Enjoy Your 9-5

The corporate world is a fascinating place, and creating fun moments with colleagues can make it even more enjoyable.

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## Morning Chatter and Lunchtime Gatherings

Lan Phuong, 27, from Thai Binh, now living and working in Ho Chi Minh City, shares that she always considers the company as her second home because of the close-knit relationships with her colleagues, whom she treats as siblings. Every morning, she looks forward to going to work, especially on Mondays, with the same excitement as meeting a loved one.

“Since I live far from my family and don’t have a partner, I spend most of my time with my colleagues. We are like family, doing everything together,” she says. Every morning, Lan Phuong arrives at the office at 8 AM, even though her shift starts at 9 AM. Soon after, her colleagues trickle in, all in a cheerful mood, ready to start the day. They chat about their breakfast choices and take turns placing orders for bánh mì, tea, or coffee to kickstart their day.

Lan Phuong takes charge of finding a restaurant that caters to everyone’s preferences. The anticipation of the food delivery brings a unique joy to their morning routine. Despite occasional complaints about watching their weight, the arrival of the food always leads to a moment of indulgent silence as they savor their treats.

After breakfast, the team gets to work, focusing on their assigned tasks. At noon, they reunite for lunch, either dining out or ordering in, creating a cozy atmosphere in their lunchroom. They engage in lighthearted conversations, covering a range of topics, from shopping and beauty to relationships and family, deliberately steering clear of work-related discussions.

“We have an unspoken rule to leave work topics for the meeting room. Lunchtime is for catching up on the latest gossip, be it a celebrity romance or a colleague’s breakup,” Lan Phuong explains. She recalls an instance when their boss jokingly commented on their penchant for eating and chatting. Her witty response about the need for a balanced diet and a cheerful mindset to boost productivity seemed to convince the boss, who even joined them on some occasions.

## Joint Shopping Adventures and Heart-to-Heart Talks

Huyen Trang, a 30-year-old from Thai Nguyen, working in a communications company in Ho Chi Minh City, shares a different aspect of office camaraderie. Her group of colleagues enjoys hunting for sales and discounts on special days like the 15th of the month or dates with repeated numbers (9/9, 10/10, etc.). They use their lunch break to exchange tips on finding bargains on cosmetics, fashion, or shoes. They even share exclusive discount codes, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.

On some occasions, they venture out during lunch to try on and purchase items they had previously spotted online. “These shopping excursions strengthen our bond, and strangers might mistake us for sisters or best friends,” she says.

Huyen Trang also values her relationships with married colleagues, offering a listening ear to their stories about married life and parenting, even though she might not fully grasp all the intricacies involved. “I believe that listening is a way to provide emotional support. I let them share their experiences, and then I offer my perspective and suggestions,” she explains.

## Participating in Company-Organized Activities

Most companies nowadays embrace the philosophy of “work hard, play hard.” They organize monthly gatherings, usually on the last Friday of the month, to foster better relationships between management and employees and among colleagues. These events create a positive work environment and boost morale for the upcoming month.

Quỳnh Chi, a 23-year-old from Hanoi, testifies to the impact of these activities: “I used to be the type to jump from one job to another, but after joining this company, I decided to stay long-term because of the sense of belonging and the absence of cut-throat competition.” She attributes this change of heart to the fun and meaningful company-organized activities that helped her connect with her colleagues and understand the company’s culture better.

By embracing these three tips, office workers can transform their daily routines into enjoyable and productive experiences, fostering stronger bonds with their colleagues and a deeper sense of commitment to their workplaces.

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