Edition: May / 2018Extending Friendships Beyond The Workplace

What's Happening

At AP&P, our team members aren't just employees, they are the family that holds our company together. Recently, some of our team members got together for a crafting class outside of work. We encourage the members of our AP&P family to organize and participate in activities outside of work, and this got us thinking... 

There's a pretty clear link between the personal bonds between your team members and their engagement level. A recent Gallup study found that close work friendships boost employee satisfaction by 50%, while people with a self-described best friend at work are seven times more likely to be fully engaged at work.

Another Gallup study reported that engaged companies consistently outperform the competition when it comes to things like profits, productivity, and turnover. (Pretty important stuff if you ask us.)

And it stands to reason - the closer you are to your co-workers, the happier you'll be at work, and the more likely you'll be to sacrifice your discretionary time to help them succeed.

So we thought we would offer up some "after hours" team building activity ideas that you can bring up to your co-workers and organize today!

1. Monthly Game Night - Each participating employee can take turns hosting a night of snacks & games at their house. Feel free to have your co-workers spouses and children join in!
2. Summer Sports Team - Many local recreation centers and bars have leagues that teams can join, including: bowling, volleyball, softball, and kickball (just to name a few!). Do a little research into which bars and rec centers are hosting leagues, and then ask around the office and warehouse and see which sport interests your coworkers. Weekly games are a great opportunity to get dinner and talk before hand, and the best part is - there's no practice needed! Most leagues offer different levels, so if you're just in it to have a good time and aren't worried about winning, enter your team into the lowest ranked league that is offered, and get ready to have some fun!
3. Crafting Classes - You probably know someone who has been to a "Paint Night" class, where attendees can get together and receive a guided lesson on how to paint a particular piece of art. For a small class fee, you will be provided with a canvas, paints, brushes and everything else you need to complete the project that night. Another craft class that is trending right now is "Wood Sign & Pallet Painting". There are many other crafting classes available - everything from greeting cards to screen printing. Do a little research online and in your local area to see what's available, and then invite your co-workers!
4. Escape Room - These fun-filled physical adventure games have been popping up everywhere! Once inside, players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints and strategy to complete the objectives and get out of the room. There is a time limit, so players must work together to figure out how all the different pieces fit together. Not only is it great for increasing collaboration between your group, but it's alot of fun! 
5. Team Hike - Now that the temperatures are starting to heat up, consider getting everyone together for a hike in the woods, and a picnic. There are many great parks that offer hiking trails, beaches, shaded areas for frisbee or relaxing, and grills! 
6. Karaoke - Get out and visit a local restaurant or pub that offers karaoke. You don't have to be a great singer to participate. Many people love to just go and watch the other singers strut their stuff. 
7. Work-Out Class - Get together and take a yoga, dance, or cycling class, or even host your own group yoga class in the park! It's a great way to build strength for yourself and your team!
8. Throw Back Movie Night - Get the team together for an evening of your favorite movies. Take turns hosting the event at different houses, and even invite spouses and children to tag along!
9. Foodie Fridays - Have a restaurant you've been dying to try? Consider a monthly gathering at a new restaurant of your choice. It will give you a chance to get to know your coworkers outside of the office, and force you to make time to eat at all the fabulous restaurants your city has to offer!
10. Go See a Local Sporting Event - Organize an outing to one of your local team's events. Baseball, football, hockey, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that you keep the work talk to a minimum! Take the time to learn about your coworkers lives outside of the office. 

What's Your Shipping IQ?

Tips & How-To's

In the business of shipping it is extremely important for those handling cargo to be able to identify what they are dealing with and to take the appropriate measures necessary to ensure safety and ease of transport. In order to make certain that the handlers are able to identify what is in the shipment and how it should be handled, shipping marks are often printed on the packaging cartons, or on stickers that are placed on the boxes. 

We've put together this short quiz so that you can test your shipping IQ. How many of the shipping marks below can you correctly identify?

Meet Our Team

Doreen Thompson

wife and mother to four terrific children, (two boys and two girls), and two rescue dogs. She has been with AP&P for just under two years, and currently works as our Procurement Manager.

She has over six years of experience in the disposables/packaging industry, working in purchasing, customer service and management. She has excelled with us because she is a very thorough, detail oriented person, and enjoys collaborating with her peers and working with people.

Doreen is currently working on obtaining a SPSM (Senior Professional Supply Management) certification, and hopes to continue to expand her learning in order to contribute to the growth and success of AP&P.

She has lived in Wisconsin her entire life, and was born in Milwaukee. She grew up and attended school in West Bend, before furthering her education in the Milwaukee area.

In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, (a fifteen year long hobby, which has consisted of Fall and Winter indoor leagues and Summer state leagues). She also loves volunteering at the Humane Society on weekends as a dog handler.