The team recently gathered for a weekend retreat at Changi, where work made way for relaxation, bonding, and laughter. Nestled along the coast, the cosy holiday bungalow offered the perfect setting for us to reconnect, reflect, and have some light-hearted fun.
After a delicious nasi lemak lunch together, we divided into our two preassigned teams to start our first activity: designing a team poster. Each team also had to identify a common trait shared by all its members. After much brainstorming and plenty of laughter, the two teams—LMS and Waaves—unveiled their posters. LMS presented a lively and colorful design that highlighted their shared love for eating and shopping. On the other hand, Waaves drew inspiration from the letters of each member’s name and portrayed six figures riding large waves, symbolising their unity. Their motto proudly stated that they are irreplaceable by AI.
It was then time for us to face off in exhilarating team games such as the memory game, ping pong ball balancing race, listen-and-draw game and emoji guessing contest. The light-heartedness continued until it was time to switch gears for a more serious segment: a presentation by our doctor on improving communication with patients and within the team.
During the presentation, the doctors shared insights on enhancing communication skills to foster better teamwork and patient interactions. We delved into case studies, identifying gaps in communication, evaluating the consequences of common mistakes, and discussing remedial actions. The thoughtful discussion underscored the value of clear and empathetic communication, reminding us all that effective dialogue is the key to improving team productivity and patient satisfaction.
We then headed out for a leisurely walk along Changi coast, soaking in the scenic coastal views and snapping photos together. It started to drizzle as we made our way back to the bungalow for a BBQ feast. We still remained spirited as we savoured juicy satay, grilled seafood, and an assortment of other mouth-watering dishes and wrapped up the evening on a high note!
The second day began with a morning walk to Changi Jetty, where all 12 of us boarded a boat to Smith Marine Floating Restaurant. The short boat ride was filled with laughter as we enjoyed the cool sea breeze and admired the surrounding views. Once at the restaurant, we indulged in a seafood feast, featuring delicacies like chilli crab with mantou, Teochew-style steamed fish, and calamari rings. The meal concluded with a refreshing sea coconut and longan dessert, a perfect treat for a hot day.
Returning to CSC @ Changi, we got ready for a lively bowling tournament. Some of us struggled initially, but as the game progressed, hidden talents emerged, with splits and strikes lighting up the lanes. A few participants, who started slow, turned the tables and clinched the top three spots, to everyone’s cheers and applause.
We were gearing up for a cycling trip but a sudden downpour changed our plans. Undeterred, we pivoted to an impromptu karaoke session, belting out familiar tunes and bonding over shared musical favourites. As the day wound down, we headed to The SeaGrill Restaurant for a delightful dinner. We enjoyed a range of dishes in the cosy ambience, sharing stories and reflecting on the past two days.
It was then time for the prize presentation and closing ceremony. After a heartfelt speech by our doctors, prizes were presented to the winners of the bowling tournament and to everyone who participated in the case study discussions. We also took the opportunity to express our gratitude to the doctors with personalised mini sculptures of them, a gesture that symbolised our appreciation for their leadership and support.
Our staff retreat at Changi Seafront View Chalet was more than just a break from routine; it was a chance to reconnect, strengthen bonds, and create new memories together. As we look ahead, the experiences and lessons from this retreat will continue to inspire us to work more cohesively as a team and tackle whatever comes our way in 2024 with renewed energy and enthusiasm.