Beyond the Luza Office: Nurturing Connection and Growth in a Remote World
Help! My People Will Not Come to the Office! One of the main monthly topics me and Rita have "what to do with our Luza offices as the utilization is below 25% and the costs are growing. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of remote work. Our team has adapted these above expectations, demonstrating resilience, productivity, and dedication from their home offices. However, as we continue to embrace this new way of working. I just wanted to share my thoughts as for the long-term I believe these are crucial for our team staying "Happy Luza People".
Embracing Remote Work
First and foremost, let me be clear: we are fully supportive of our employees working from home. The flexibility it offers has been a game-changer, allowing our team to balance their personal and professional lives more effectively. We have seen increased productivity and job satisfaction, which are essential for our culture "Happy People" and growth.
The Social Aspect
However, one of the challenges we face is the social aspect of work. The spontaneous conversations, the camaraderie, and the sense of belonging that come from being in the same physical space are hard to replicate virtually. We miss the coffee breaks, the team lunches, and the casual interactions that help build strong relationships. To address this, we are exploring ways to foster social connections in a remote environment. Virtual coffee breaks, paying for the team lunches, team-building activities, and online social events are some of the initiatives we are thinking to implement to keep our team connected and engaged.
Preserving Our Culture
Our company culture is the backbone of our success. It is what sets us apart and drives our mission forward. Maintaining this culture in a remote setting is challenging, but not impossible. We are committed to reinforcing our core values through regular communication, Bi-weekly team meetings we call W(h)ine, and by celebrating our achievements together, no matter where we are working.
Mentoring and Development
Mentoring and learning from each other is another area of concern. The guidance and support that come from face-to-face interactions are crucial for personal and professional development. We created a robust virtual mentoring buddy program that pairs experienced team members with those who are newer to the company or looking to develop specific skills. Regular check-ins, virtual workshops, and online training sessions will help bridge the gap and ensure that our team continues to thrive.
Moving Forward Together
As we navigate this new landscape, our priority remains the well-being and success of our team and keeping everyone "Happy". We are committed to finding the right balance between remote work and maintaining the social, cultural, and developmental aspects that make our company unique. Together, we will continue to innovate, grow, and achieve great things. But at the end it is our employees how make the decision and we can only support and guide but will never enforce.
Join us at Luza Tecnologia Portugal and be part of a dynamic team that's shaping the future of technology. Apply now and let's innovate together!
by Nelson Tavares da Silva, Managing Partner at Luza
