From Badminton to F1 Racing: How Flame PR's Dynamic Culture Eased My Transition from University to the Workplace

by India Berry

​When applying for my first job after university, I knew that a strong workplace culture was important to me. Within my first week, I was dragged along to the gym for an intensely competitive game of badminton, got to vote on the most convenient day for our quarterly company social in the coming weeks, and received an invite for Friday drinks. Safe to say, Flame PR ticked all the boxes.
 
To kick off the week, our newly appointed social sec, Rani, organised a post-work trip to the F1 arcade in St. Paul’s for all of us to channel our competitive spirits. Walking in, we were greeted with music booming, lights flashing, and a full cocktail bar - it felt like we’d just stumbled into London’s newest club if it weren’t for the rows of impressive-looking racing simulators that lined the arcade.
 
Once we were checked in and assigned to our simulators, we split into three teams. Alternating between team members after each three-minute game, we raced against each other for an hour and a half, ending with Marcus and Ollie’s triumph.
 
In between games, I got a chance to talk to my co-workers in a setting outside of the office. Instead of discussing clients or journalists, we chatted about our F1 games and how our teams were doing. The casual vibe allowed for closer bonding and getting to know my colleagues better.
 
A dynamic company culture is crucial for any business’s success. Being the new girl, this social event helped me feel more at ease around my co-workers and boosted my confidence in voicing my opinions without the fear of sounding silly. The F1 arcade also helped us build teamwork and camaraderie, as we had to work with our teammates to compete against the other players, and my co-workers were cheering me on during my races. Such socials can be a great way to motivate teams, as we all were looking forward to the event and returned much more refreshed and ready to tackle work the next day.
 
Going into my first full-time job, I had all sorts of worries - whether I would be able to adapt to new responsibilities, if I would get on with the team, and adjusting to early mornings after four years of not having a single class until 10 AM. But my first three weeks at Flame PR have quashed those initial concerns because of the warm and sociable atmosphere, making me feel welcome and valued.