With Hans
Employers understand the importance of dedicated and motivated co-workers in achieving a successful and profitable business.
This applies to all workers — from the janitor up to managers. It is obvious that when the whole organisation is not working as a team, it will perform below expectations.
Whether it is a small or large company, non-governmental organisation or self-help group, all can benefit from a teambuilding or bonding trip. Quite a few retreats are organised in and around Nairobi nowadays. A day’s teambuilding exercise in the vicinity of the workplace is a welcome change but not as effective as going to a totally different scenery like a safari camp or a coastal hotel.
Last week, a group came for five-day trip to Malindi and it was amazing to see that in the few days, a stressed and tired group returned as a vibrant team full of new ideas and impulses. In their daily programmes they set times for regular meetings. Their days were filled with fun and cultural trips since many had never been to Malindi before.
They visited both ancient and new sites in the town. Abdullah Alausi, the ex-curator of Gede Museum, was at hand to give the historical background of the old town, Vasco da Gama Pillar, The Portuguese Chapel and Malindi Museum.
Next day, a tour was planned to the Coral Reef by a glass-bottom boat, where all swam in the ocean and snorkelled. They were amazed to see the many beautiful coloured fishes, which they fed with bread. On the last day they spent time in bonding sessions, and free and open discussions before capping it all up with a game of volleyball.
Motivating the staff
Another company, through their social club committee, is offering their more than 100 employees a four-day teambuilding, bonding and fun package to Malindi for the Madaraka Day weekend.
The good news is that the company pays 50 per cent of the cost as an encouragement and the employees pay the other half in four monthly instalments.
This is an excellent idea to motivate staff at a minimal cost. The benefit for the organisation after such an attractive offer is immense and productivity will be sure to increase.
It is a fact that the tourism industry is still recovering from the election mayhem and despite international visitors thronging our airports, attention has turned to domestic tourism.
My question is: Are accommodation suppliers like hotels, lodges, camps, and resorts really welcoming local tourists with open arms? I don’t think so. Where do you see special discounted packages for Kenyans and East Africa residents?
