On Thursday 13th June, K2 teams around the globe celebrated Kinetic Day.
An annual event involving all employees, the day gives Leadership the chance to deliver an update on the progress made as part of Kinetic, K2’s 5-year (2022 – 2026) strategic business plan. It also encourages employees to take a step back from the day-to-day by engaging in a variety of activities which bring K2’s culture of openness, inclusion and connection into sharp focus.
K2’s culture is the beating heart of the business. By building and nurturing teams that respect, understand and willingly support each other, K2 is able to deliver a quality of service which we believe to be unrivalled within the global mobility industry. We know what the most effective way of communicating with each other is. We know when to step in and offer support, and when to step back and give time. We know that both praise and compassion go a long way: our because it’s personal ethos is not reserved solely for our clients.
With building and nurturing our teams being such a critical part of our business, Kinetic Day is one of the most important events in the K2 calendar.
Whether it be through taking to the battlefield and launching water balloons at each other using self-built catapults, or delivering a talk on happiness to those living in flats designed for rental by the elderly, the activities of the day help strengthen our connection with each other, galvanising the togetherness of the teams that deliver the personal K2 service.
Office Activities, a Summary:
Middle East
The Dubai team spent the day at the Museum of the Future. The day included a robot making their morning coffee, learning about the future of carbon neutral transportation in Dubai, and spending time in the Wellness Area where the team had the opportunity to try ultrasonic therapy and a grounding therapy.
The UK
The Guildford office took part in a team building day, which also included a presentation by Paul Mattin and a summer barbecue.
The day began with various team building activities lead by the Matt Hampson Foundation. The office was split into 15 different teams: the teams competed in a catapult battle, a rocket making challenge, and a race to construct the tallest and sturdiest flag pole.
With these challenges completed, the teams then took part in a number of pub games (minus the alcohol!) which were designed to highlight the importance of having a good team leader.
When the pub games came to an end, the teams came together for a presentation by Paul Mattin, who spoke about his gruelling expedition to the South Pole. The presentation drove home how critically important it is to have a good team around you, and to be able to communicate openly, especially in difficult situations.
The day ended with a summer barbecue which, in typical English fashion, took place in the pouring rain!
The US
The Houston office spent the morning volunteering at The Beacon, a homeless shelter based in Houston. They spent the afternoon in an escape room, where their problem-solving skills and their ability to work as a team were put to the test.
Like the Houston team, the California team also took on an escape room challenge. In addition, they sorted through their wardrobes and donated any unwanted clothes to local donation centres.
The Miami team put together care packages, which they delivered to homeless people in the city.
The New York team served breakfast at the Hoboken Shelter, which provides food, case management, skills training workshops, and permanent supportive housing solutions to those in need.
The Omaha team spent the day volunteering at Humane Pet services LLC, a local animal shelter.
The Pittsburgh team spent the day volunteering at Global Links, a non-profit which aims to improve access to mental health services.
South Africa
The South Africa team spent the morning at SOS Africa, a charity supported by the K2 Foundation. During their visit, they handed out books, stationery and home-baked cupcakes.
After the visit, the team carried out a local beach clean, before heading back to the office for a build a burger competition and board games.
Romania
The team in Paris spent the day at a residence which is designed for rental by elderly people. They gave a philosophical talk to the residents on happiness – the talk was led by Alexandre Nitu who studies philosophy alongside his K2 day job. The residents really engaged with the talk, and when it ended they greeted the K2 team with rapturous applause. The team had also brought along homemade cakes for the residents to enjoy – these baked good also went down exceptionally well!
France
The Bucharest team spent the day trying their hand at electric go karting, before heading back to the office for a pizza party and foosball tournament.
Singapore
The team in Singapore spent the day engaging in a unique take on team boding. The activities followed a squid games theme, testing their knowledge of each other and as was as their ability to solve problems.
The squid games began with a get to know you bingo game, which enabled the team to open up and learn more about each other. This activity was followed by the infamous “Red Light, Green Light ” game as a test of speed. Then came the “Dalgona Challenge” as a test of concentration. Finally, the “Glass Bridge” competition, the ultimate challenge…! After the games, Country Head Paul Barrett gave an inspiring speech.
Sweden
After making a positive impact on their community with a successful litter pick in Malmö, the team gathered at the Surf Bar to unwind and bond over delicious burgers and refreshing drinks. It was a day filled with teamwork, laughter, and a shared sense of accomplishment as they celebrated Kinetic day together.
