Sometimes my friends ask me if I ever do any actual “work” at work. Of course the answer is yes (and a resounding one at that); I work hard—very hard—because I love my job, and my company and clients are important to me. But when I take a step back, I guess I can see why my friends are questioning me.
I mean, they did see me come home decked-out in bright green sweats, celebrating the victory of my Client Services Team—dubbed ‘The Green Monsters’—in our company kickball game (not to mention the make-your-own-sundae party that followed). They have watched me leave the house dressed like an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in celebration of ‘90s Day. Yes, I gushed about the birthday celebration we hosted for The Hub (our company Intranet), complete with Hoodsies and goodie bags—and more than once, I’ve asked for their advice on appointing a celebrity look-alike to a fellow employee.
To me, it seems normal to vote for my favorite facial hair in the company’s annual ‘Beard-Off’ or to compete in a pumpkin carving competition with my coworkers. But these are the types of things that make my peers pause and wonder why they aren’t having as much fun at their jobs. Apparently, not every company has a culture like Communispace.
I interviewed at quite a few places as part of my post-grad job search. But when I first walked into this building, I knew it was the place I wanted to work. The place I HAD to work: bright colors, open work spaces, smiling employees, craftily named conference rooms, a foosball table… not to mention the flexible work schedule and a staff I can only describe as the most creative, energetic, adventurous group of people I’ve ever met!
A number of companies say their biggest asset is their people; Communispace doesn’t have to say it. We live it. It’s evident from the moment you first make contact, this company stands apart. And it’s not just the events, the bright colors, or even the free food—it’s our culture. It’s who we are.
…maybe I (like Bill Alberti, and so many others) have been sipping the “company Kool-Aid,” but when it’s served up with a side of fun at our catered Thursday lunches, who could blame me?
Catie, I obviously love this post, but it really makes me laugh when I see that it’s written by someone who works as hard as you do. Thanks for heading our Culture Committee this year, and for being so passionate about our clients.
Diane -
Thanks for the comment. This post does focus on the parts of my job that are more than just work – like community, sillyness, and of course free food. But in all fairness, sometimes my friends also ask me things like, “Catie, why are you at work at 7pm on a Friday?” or “why don’t you put that powerpoint down?” Truthfully, I enjoy the “work” part of my job just as much as all these other fun things I’ve mentioned here. I wouldn’t be so passionate about it if I didn’t. What I think is SO great about this company is the way that “work” and “life” come together… pausing to enjoy eachothers’ company, flexing our creativity in new ways, and taking a break once-in-awhile actually make us better at what we do. We value “energy” over time, and I think that Communispace encourages the right work/life balance to keep us all motivated.
Catie-
Communispace sounds absolutely perfect for you! Upbeat, Fun but also ready to get work done. Reminds me of our times back at the TGIF
Glad to hear everything is going so well for you and what an amazing place Communispace is! Let me know if they’re hiring, would love to make it back to the Boston area.
Mark
I think that you are the hardest working person I know, and yet, I don’t think I have ever heard you refer to Communispace as “work” (aside from “I am taking this frosting to work today”). I am really happy to know that there are job-lids for every person-pot out there, and I wouldn’t mind dipping my crazy straw into your KoolAid cup one day