Making Mondays Fun Again: Reflections on Purposeful Connectivity at h2h by Anne-Marie Wylie
I don’t do Mondays. Or at least, I didn’t. When I joined h2h, I thought the only downside to my new job was that our dedicated office day was on a Monday—objectively the worst day of the week, right?
That first Monday, which also happened to be my first day, felt surprisingly enjoyable. At the time, I put it down to first-day excitement: meeting new colleagues, settling in, and (let’s be honest) getting a little extra attention as the shiny new team member. But as the weeks went on, I noticed something unexpected—I was still enjoying Mondays. In fact, I began to look forward to them, affectionately naming them “manic Mondays” because of their high-energy, productive vibe.
Let me explain what makes our Mondays special.
What Happens on an h2h Monday?
Our Mondays follow a clear structure that balances purpose and connection. Here’s how they typically unfold:
- Coffee and Weekend Debrief: We start the day catching up over coffee—a mixture of social connection and ease into the workday.
- Emails and Setup: A quick dive into our inboxes to clear the decks.
- Weekly Team Meeting:
- Reflecting on the previous week.
- Planning for the week ahead.
- Discussing opportunities and priorities.
- Collaborative Work Time: Discussion or brainstorming together to tackle tasks that benefit from collective input.
- Lunch Together: A non-negotiable team tradition.
- Focused Work: The afternoon is all about getting on with individual and team priorities.
This structure is the secret weapon! It enables conversations that set us up for the week ahead, ensuring alignment, focus, and a sense of shared purpose. By the end of Monday, I know exactly what I need to prioritise, how I can support my colleagues, and how my work fits into the bigger picture.
Why It Works
The magic of h2h Mondays lies not just in the structure, but in the why behind it. Our office day is:
- Purposeful: Every activity aligns with shared goals and priorities.
- Collaborative: We create space for meaningful interactions and joint problem-solving.
- Fun: The energy of the team makes the day something to look forward to.
It’s worth noting that we’re a small, dynamic team, so this approach suits us well. However, the underlying principles are universally applicable.
My key takeaways from h2h Mondays:
- Create Opportunities for Social Connection: Start the day with informal conversations or shared practices to build social connections.
- Focus on Shared Goals: Dedicate time to aligning priorities and clarifying how everyone’s work contributes to the bigger picture.
- Enable Meaningful Collaboration: Make space in the schedule for team members to work together on key projects or challenges.
Mondays may never be everyone’s favourite day, but with a little structure and intentionality, they can become something to look forward to.
