Having worked within a big business for several years, I was used to managers making extravagant plans for celebrations or events when targets had been hit, only for them to quickly reduce to a drink one lunchtime—time that then had to be made up later in the week.

So, when Chris, one of the directors, started talking about his plans to take us and our plus ones to the Cotswold Water Park for a summer social, I smiled sweetly and mentally noted not to worry too much about keeping my diary free that weekend.

Four months later, I’m in the car with my partner, driving down to the water park.

On arrival, both directors quickly greet my partner, introducing themselves and asking him questions about himself. Once they’ve gone, my partner remarks, “I think they now know more about me than my own manager does.”

When everyone has arrived, we make our way down to the lake for our hour-long paddleboarding session. With everyone nervous about how they’re going to fare on the water, there’s a real sense of camaraderie, as words of encouragement and belief are passed around.

On the water, I gently paddle forward, careful not to move too quickly for fear of falling in. Looking around, others are slowly starting to brave getting to their feet, so I attempt to do the same.

Then—I hear a loud splash! One of my colleagues, attempting a headstand on their board, had fallen in. With the fear of being the first to fall gone, I quickly jump to my feet. The hour flies by, full of laughter and small victories for everyone.

Back on land, it’s time for lunch, and Chris has arranged a BBQ buffet with an open bar. With bottles of prosecco flowing, the room is abuzz with people getting to know each other on a more personal level. Everyone’s plus ones are included and made to feel completely welcome.

The food was incredible—I still think about the pulled pork to this day.

Feeling completely full, we head to the hotel to check in and enjoy some downtime with our partners before meeting again later at the hotel bar. The party continues well into the early hours of the morning.

At breakfast, I look over at my partner, who seems to be deep in thought. I ask him what he’s thinking, and he replies:

“I can’t believe the last 24 hours. We’ve had the most incredible time, and your company organised and paid for it all. I have to pay to go to the Christmas party at the company I actually work for. You’ve landed in a great company.”

An enormous smile spreads across my face—because I know I really have.

I’ve never worked for a company that not only sticks to what it says, but consistently goes above and beyond. The weekend brought the whole company together, and the benefits of this can already be seen in the work we produce.

I can’t wait for this summer’s social… to Barcelona!!