Non-remote remote culture

We all know the challenges of remote work. Good communication is an essential part of it. But so is to get together and share good moments. And how do we make that happen, being a global company?

At 14islands, we gather at least once a year. Local offices still meet occasionally, but we like to plan one big gathering where people from different countries can join. This year we picked Floripa, in southern Brazil, where we have one of our offices.

It was a whole week of good times, team events, and…food (because most of us are foodies in the company).

But this post isn't about showing off our time together. Well, it is. But it's also to emphasize how culture is an important aspect of investing in any company. How much do you invest in nurturing your company culture?

Company culture refers to an organization's shared values, goals, beliefs, and their way of thinking. These are often unwritten “rules” that employees follow together. It includes everything from work environment, how the leaders lead and employee relationships. Employee relationships. This is the part that companies might forget or not realize how important it is.

We are a "small" company of fewer than 20 people. A supportive work environment can positively impact employees' ability to think creatively. Sharing good moments can go side to side with delivering quality projects. After all, we are all passionate about what we do. We like to think we hit the sweet spot on the number of people we have without sacrificing the culture or making things too bureaucratic.

Our company is comprised of individuals from various nationalities, and we should embrace and celebrate this diversity. This fact alone is reason enough to organize a big gathering. This year's meeting happened to be in Brazil, but next year it could be in Europe or Africa. We are all curious about different cultures, and this is an opportunity to learn and appreciate them.

As a local Brazilian, I was responsible for gathering everyone. Showcasing some of our local tradition and nature within a week was exciting. The next person to showcase their own country will likely feel the same excitement. Everyone involved has the opportunity to be enthusiastic about it. It's contagious to everyone and it's good.

This is often forgotten in medium to large companies: always celebrate with your peers. Everyone who works hard should feel appreciated. If you are a business partner, remember to budget for events like this; it can make a big difference. At 14islands, we are proud to take this seriously and care for our fellow islanders.

Having fun is part of the work!