Archive for the ‘Culture’ Category

12 March 2010

Lawyers, Guns, and Coffee

by Rocky Prozeller

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Does Yosemite Sam enjoy the occasional shot of espresso? Perhaps, but as Starbucks recently learned fans of the Second Amendment sure do. The brewer of brown beverages found itself in the throes of a nationwide debate centered not on caffeine, but gun rights.

Does Yosemite Sam enjoy the occasional shot of espresso? Perhaps, but as Starbucks recently learned fans of the Second Amendment sure do. The brewer of brown beverages found itself in the throes of a nationwide debate centered not on caffeine, but gun rights.

After California Pizza Kitchen and Peet’s Coffee & Tea put a policy in place preventing people from packing heat on their hip when in stores, a gathering of gun-toting citizens were forced to find a new place to frequent—so they sauntered to Starbucks.

Legally, they’re allowed to lug their heavy metal in any of the 43 states which protect the principle; of course businesses bear the right to prohibit people from entering their establishment when wearing weapons—which represents the firepower behind the fracas.

Starbucks is staying centered, ignoring both the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence’s pleas to ban artillery at the bistro and OpenCarry.org’s overture calling for its 28,000 members to caffeinate there in a show of support.

Standing behind a belief that gun-control debate belongs in the legislatures and courts, Starbucks suggests adopting a policy of prohibition in states where it’s legal to roam with a revolver would place its employees in the untenable position of pushing law abiding customers out of stores—an unfair and potentially unsafe position.   

As we stand atop our virtual soapbox during these blog sessions, our solution usually starts with a simple adage: ask your customer. But is that a decaffeinated cup of caution in this case? Both sides sport ammunition in the form of numbers, so who does Starbucks select as a sounding board?

Ordering an opinion from Regular Joe is still justified. It’s the average customer (the many, many more who mind the middle of the argument) who matter most; uncovering their passion, or perhaps utter lack thereof, may provide a made-to-order PR solution. After all, finding an answer doesn’t have to be as difficult as dictating an order for a half double decaffeinated half-caf, with a shot of caramel. 

–

As you pull the trigger on the weekend make sure to get your fill of fun, but don’t forget to set those clocks accordingly on Sunday!

One Response to “Lawyers, Guns, and Coffee”

  1. Matt D. says:
    March 12, 2010 at 11:24 am

    How was I to know she was with the Russian’s brew? HOT!

    It is interesting to see an iconic corporation like Starbucks stuck between a glock and a hard place. Just for my personal amusement, I wish they would stop a second, put the frothed milk down, and take a stance…pro-guns or no-guns. Then other mega-moguls, like Mickey D’s, would be forced to stand up and declare their stances as well. At least then when I was ordering my non-fat, half soy, shaken, not-stirred double grande crappacino or my quadrouple-stacked, fake beef McCalorie patty, I would know if the dude next to me, who looked a little too angry about how much whipped cream they put on his drink, was packing heat or not. (Deep breath…exhale calmly…)

    You are totally right here though…all of us in the middle probably don’t care if Starbucks picks a side. But if I getted capped while frequenting their faux-groovy establishment…I will totally bitch about them not prohibiting firearms!

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8 March 2010

Growth and Culture: “What’s it really like to work at Communispace?”

by James Bailey

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At a recent company-wide meeting, a long-time client summed up the unique culture at Communispace: “You have really achieved a culture here that most companies only dream of… don’t ever lose it.”

There are a number of rewards that I’ve experienced as an employee at Communispace, all of which help to feed our culture continuously. Working with more than 100 of the best and most innovative brands on the planet is one. So is being associated with a revolutionary concept in the market research landscape—one that was co-innovated by our CEO and first client over 10 years ago. Of course working alongside some of the most talented, hard working, and fun people I have ever met is a constant source of job satisfaction.

At a recent company-wide meeting, a long-time client summed up the unique culture at Communispace: “You have really achieved a culture here that most companies only dream of… don’t ever lose it.”

There are a number of rewards that I’ve experienced as an employee at Communispace, all of which help to feed our culture continuously. Working with more than 100 of the best and most innovative brands on the planet is one. So is being associated with a revolutionary concept in the market research landscape—one that was co-innovated by our CEO and first client over 10 years ago. Of course working alongside some of the most talented, hard working, and fun people I have ever met is a constant source of job satisfaction.

I get a real jolt of pride and job satisfaction out of telling people where I work. These days, Communispace carries name recognition as a great place to work, and I’m routinely asked by my peers how they can get their foot in the door.

The question I am asked most often is something like, “What’s it really like to work there?” or “Is it really as cool as it seems?” My answer is simple and true: What you see on the outside is exactly what you get on the inside. No hidden agendas, no debilitating politics—just hard working individuals passionate about being the best at what they do.

Yesterday’s article in The New York Times highlights one of the really innovative aspects of our culture here. The message of the story just makes it even easier to respond to those questions with deeper conviction. 

As you will see in the article, our growth is not inhibiting our culture at all. In fact, it continues to evolve daily.

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15 January 2010

Values Live

by Diane Hessan

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Our seven corporate values include: Client Dedication, Excellence, Integrity, Respect, Adventure, Energy and Ownership.

Here is a peek into what those values mean to all of us at Communispace…

Our seven corporate values include: Client Dedication, Excellence, Integrity, Respect, Adventure, Energy and Ownership.

Here is a peek into what those values mean to all of us at Communispace…

2 Responses to “Values Live”

  1. Gina Davison says:
    January 15, 2010 at 11:30 am

    It’s fantastic to hear the employees speak so enthusiastically about the values at Communispace. It must be refreshing to work in a positive, team-oriented environment where (my favorites) excellence, energy and client dedication are so revered. Communispace sets a great example!

  2. Apolinaras "Apollo" Sinkevicius says:
    January 15, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    Passionate employees attract passionate customers. It was fantastic to watch the video and see a very diverse group of people raving about the organization. What is even more fantastic is that folks really feel like that about the organization without the camera in front of them. You can hear it in the community in casual conversations and it makes Communispace a very attractive place, especially for a seasoned professional who has seen less passionate environments. It also keeps the corporate cockroaches away (I have written a blog post on that issue).

    That all said, I have recently interviewed with Communispace and though I have lost out to a better qualified candidate (like it should be), I will continue following the organization, because it is definitely the company I would like to work for!

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14 January 2010

Cultivating Insight and Innovation… One Adventure at a Time

by Jennifer Adams

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I have a seemingly immodest confession: I was not surprised to win the Communispace Values Award for Adventure last winter. After all, how many people can say they started the previous year literally walking out of their burning home in Boston with just the clothes on their back and their beloved chocolate lab in tow, and ended it 3,000 miles away, living and working in London? From Day 1 to Day 365, it was a year of extreme risk (uprooting a US life and journeying to a new and unknown land) and extreme reward (the immense gratification of helping open a UK office for a globally expanding Communispace)—one which is likely (and in certain ways hopefully) not to be repeated. Indeed, my 2008 was replete with what I would term obvious adventure, the sort that has the subtlety of a sledgehammer… or a reality TV contestant. (Yes, if my 2008 were a person, it’d probably be “The Situation.”)

I have a seemingly immodest confession: I was not surprised to win the Communispace Values Award for Adventure last winter. After all, how many people can say they started the previous year literally walking out of their burning home in Boston with just the clothes on their back and their beloved chocolate lab in tow, and ended it 3,000 miles away, living and working in London? From Day 1 to Day 365, it was a year of extreme risk (uprooting a US life and journeying to a new and unknown land) and extreme reward (the immense gratification of helping open a UK office for a globally expanding Communispace)—one which is likely (and in certain ways hopefully) not to be repeated. Indeed, my 2008 was replete with what I would term obvious adventure, the sort that has the subtlety of a sledgehammer… or a reality TV contestant. (Yes, if my 2008 were a person, it’d probably be “The Situation.”) 

Yet to say I was unsurprised is not to imply that I was not flattered or humbled. If there is one thing Communispace understands at a very visceral level, it’s adventure. I watch with awe everyday as my colleagues take risks, innovate at the speed of light, and push themselves, each other, and our clients to be better, smarter, more connected, more involved. Every day, with passion, dedication, and humor, my colleagues find new ways to unearth game-changing insights for our clients, new ways to move the marketplace to unprecedented heights, and new ways to make the company itself one everyone is proud to be a part of (and you will not meet a prouder bunch!).

But this is not flashy adventure; it is not self-congratulatory; it is not immodest; it is not so glaringly obvious as a burning building or a new London office space. No, adventure at Communispace is so subtle and subterranean at times, so constant and steady, I would liken it to a hot spring, a continuous stream of energy that infuses and seeps warmly into everything Communispace does. Yes, there are occasional geysers: opening up Asia Pacific offices, launching new versions of our community software, being named by Forrester as the Full-Service Market Research Online Community Leader or winning two Forrester Groundswell Awards (that last is not an intentional pun, I swear!). But most of the time, adventure bubbles right beneath the surface in everything my colleagues do: crafting client research agendas, projecting the voice of the customer into a room of executives, writing a whitepaper on what it means to listen, building sophisticated technology infrastructure, participating enthusiastically in company golf outings and The Communispace Follies, and planning for all that 2010 and beyond will bring.

And so, as we usher in a new year, born aloft by these continuous bubbles of adventure, I look forward to passing my fiery torch to one of my amazingly deserved colleagues…to a geyser of applause.

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13 January 2010

The Communispace Energy Award: More than just jumping jacks

by Pete Chapin

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Winning an award at work is one of those “My parents are going to be so proud!” moments in a young adult’s working career. So I was a little deflated when, after winning the Energy Award at Communispace, my parents sniffed that I had apparently won the only award not focused on working really hard in the office. It was reminiscent of when I won “Most likely to trip and fall at graduation” in high school—I believe my mom’s reaction was “That’s *not* a compliment, Peter,” even though I was downright honored and flattered to have been recognized by my peers.

Winning an award at work is one of those “My parents are going to be so proud!” moments in a young adult’s working career. So I was a little deflated when, after winning the Energy Award at Communispace, my parents sniffed that I had apparently won the only award not focused on working really hard in the office. It was reminiscent of when I won “Most likely to trip and fall at graduation” in high school—I believe my mom’s reaction was “That’s *not* a compliment, Peter,” even though I was downright honored and flattered to have been recognized by my peers.

But of all the values that Communispace strives for and recognizes among its employees, I actually think the Energy Award best reflects why it’s such a great company. Because when it comes down to it, the Energy Award acknowledges that we are people with lives, families, extra-curricular activities, etc.—and when your workplace takes that into account and lets you be flexible with your time, it’s a sign of respect that compels you to give back to your work and your colleagues. I can take the morning off to wait for the cable guy, and nobody bats an eye because it’s understood that I will still get all of my work done on time.

In the summer months, I seek out coworkers to play bocce with in the outside courtyard—during work hours, and in full view of our CEO Diane. Am I worried about my office reputation suffering as a result of this display of frivolity? Nope—because everyone knows I’m only out there because I’m making that hour of work up some other time, be it later at night or early in the morning.

This kind of trust consistently renews my dedication to my job, and the flexibility keeps me from feeling burnt out despite the intensity of the work I do.

I also think that the Energy Award recognizes that we’re all about collaborative work here, so it makes a huge difference if you really get along with the people you work with. I therefore try to make every interaction I can a positive one—whether it’s keeping track of all the double entendres the boss inadvertently says (and reading them back to him, of course) or getting a relatively buttoned-up client to laugh at least once during every call. It’s sort of like those “Happy Cows Make Great Cheese” ads—if employees are enjoying their interactions in the workplace, they’ll probably do better work as a result.

Everyone knows it’s important to work hard at one’s job, and it’s pretty much expected that every company would trumpet this as a value. But how refreshing to have a company also let everyone take an individual approach to their workday, and acknowledge that having a little fun in the office is good for morale and productivity.

Ultimately I did not, in fact, trip and fall at graduation. But the Energy Award is much better, because it celebrates the individual and personal impact that we can each make in the office, and I for one am glad that I work in a company that makes this one of their official values.

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12 January 2010

Respect: Multiple definitions

by Karen Barone

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Everything I know about respect I learned from the preface to Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass”:

This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown, or to any man or number of men—go freely with powerful uneducated persons, and with the young, and with the mothers of families—re-examine all you have been told in school or church or in any book, and dismiss whatever insults your own soul; and your very flesh shall be a great poem…

Everything I know about respect I learned from the preface to Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass”:

This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown, or to any man or number of men—go freely with powerful uneducated persons, and with the young, and with the mothers of families—re-examine all you have been told in school or church or in any book, and dismiss whatever insults your own soul; and your very flesh shall be a great poem…

Yet, respect flourishes at Communispace and elsewhere when we strive to avoid privileging one voice over others. So rather than simply ruminating on my definition of respect, I turned to my community of friends and family and posed this question: What does respect mean in the workplace? Here’s a sample of the responses:

  • No clipping your nails at your desk; don’t wear perfume/cologne; say “please” and “thank you”; acknowledge co-workers by saying “hello” as you pass in the hallway; don’t gossip about your co-workers and/or clients; be kind.
  • I strongly agree about greetings in passing—especially with new people (even if you do not know them) to be sure they feel welcomed! Paying attention to people presenting in meetings, not being late for them. Considering others’ ideas, even if you do not immediately agree with them.
  • I think respect in the workplace also means expecting that people will do their job (and doing your own) but not holding people to artificial time requirements. For example, sometimes I work late because something needs to get done, but other days I leave early because it’s all done.
  • Recognizing and understanding expertise beyond one’s own, and allowing colleagues to do their job to the best of their abilities. Celebrating others’ skills and prowess, particularly those at a lower rung on the ladder, makes everyone better. A rising tide lifts all boats… or however that phrase goes.

In addition to respect, our other values include: Client Dedication, Excellence, Integrity, Adventure, Energy, and Ownership. This week will highlight some of our dedicated employees that exemplify some of these values. Be sure to check back later on this week for a special video post as well!

One Response to “Respect: Multiple definitions”

  1. Katie (Dennis) Adams says:
    January 12, 2010 at 12:29 pm

    I just need to express my astonishment at your ability to follow-up your post about the Jersey Shore with a Walt Whitman quote. Seamless. Brilliant.

    I would also like to add to some of the R-E-S-P-E-C-T definitions already offered: Strive to make more time for in-person correspondence with colleagues, rather than sticking solely to e-transmissions. I think sometimes we hide too much behind our computers, rather than engage in actual conversation. Something I am working on doing in 2010…

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8 January 2010

The Jersey Shore: A sampling problem?

by Karen Barone

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So, this is as much as I know… MTV has a new hit show about some twenty-something supposedly Italian-Americans living together on the Jersey Shore. I know this much because my friend and colleague, Katie Adams, likes to fill me in on the show’s highlights. Katie is fabulous and hilarious; she makes the show sound like the television equivalent of Fluffernutter—sugary and satisfying because it has absolutely no nutritional value.

So, this is as much as I know… MTV has a new hit show about some twenty-something supposedly Italian-Americans living together on the Jersey Shore. I know this much because my friend and colleague, Katie Adams, likes to fill me in on the show’s highlights. Katie is fabulous and hilarious; she makes the show sound like the television equivalent of Fluffernutter—sugary and satisfying because it has absolutely no nutritional value.  

That’s why I was so surprised when a Facebook “friend” posted the following [unedited] update on his page: “just watched 10 minutest of “jersey shore” on mtv.com and thanks god i’m not italian-american or anyone on that show.”

I was angry. I’m proud of my Italian heritage and have even been to the town in Sicily where my family is from. More importantly, however, is that fact that I (and a few other Italian-Americans) went to high school with this person. He knows us; he knows our families.   

What I did next might surprise you. I printed out his update, cut it out, and posted it on my desk. For me, his comment was less about whether or not television creates and/or nurtures stereotypes, and was more a strong reminder to avoid easy and/or rash conclusions. His offensive remark became a love note of sorts for smart research and intelligent analyses from good samples. 

Much has been written about the potential social implications of “The Jersey Shore.” I don’t pretend to know why people are drawn to depictions of outrageous subgroups, but I do know that dubious conclusions based on a skewed sample can do great harm and can often reveal hidden, unfair, unsupportable, and often unconscious attitudes.

And it can seriously tick off your former high school classmates.

5 Responses to “The Jersey Shore: A sampling problem?”

  1. Erin (Giroux) Antonellis says:
    January 8, 2010 at 11:07 am

    Karen, I loved your Fluffernutter analogy. I must admit I have wasted an hour or two of my life watching “The Jersey Shore”. It was like a bad car accident, I didn’t want to stop on the channel and I really didn’t want to watch it but for some reason I felt compelled to take a look. Most of the show made my stomach turn and my heart race with anger that people actually behave this way but there was also something that kept me from changing the station perhaps it was just morbid curiosity.

    I think your Facebook “friend” feels the way most people do about the show but I think he missed the mark by targeting the Italian-American population. I recently married into an amazing Italian-American family and I could not be more excited to incorporate their heritage and traditions into our new life together.

    Despite all the ridiculous behavior, lack of vocabulary and too much time in tanning booths I actually think one (maybe the only one) positive aspect of the show is some of the cast members pride in their heritage. Sporting Italian tattoos and t-shirts, carrying bags with the Italian flag on it and even personalizing DJ equipment with red, white and green these misbehaving twenty-something’s are proud to be Italian. They sit down to house dinners, love their families and they even say grace!

    So tell your “friend” he ticked off this French, Irish and now Italian-American girl too!

  2. Richard Weiss says:
    January 8, 2010 at 11:10 am

    Karen, you raise such an interesting point about such a small sample size. I’m always amazed watching the show (I mean I don’t watch the show I’ve just been told?) at how many people are in the background of the shots just staring in amazement at how off-putting the cast is. Guess not everyone fits the mold.

    At the same time, I think it’s key to realize that this small slice of life is the equivalent of finding that hidden insight sometimes. It may not be what the majority is saying or doing but how a small subset of the population tells part of the story… or at least entertains us on a weekly basis!

  3. Brad Mampe says:
    January 8, 2010 at 11:14 am

    Karen wrote: “I don’t pretend to know why people are drawn to depictions of outrageous subgroups…”

    It’s the same reason why traffic’s held up in your direction when the accident was on the other side of the highway. America loves a train wreck.

  4. Karen Barone says:
    January 8, 2010 at 11:17 am

    Rich–I agree. Great insights come from samples of all sizes. I dare say my friend’s post doesn’t qualify though. :-)
    Erin–I love it. Welcome. Let’s compare “gravy” recipes.

  5. Jani Fraga says:
    January 11, 2010 at 10:37 am

    Your friends’ comment should be posted right next to a quote from this week’s episode, where a fight began on the balcony after unwelcome guests began to throw insults. As the cops came and dragged the girls away, One female tenant’s voice from the balcony snapped out some serious fightin’ words:

    “you don’t even LOOK Italian.”

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13 November 2009

All in a Day’s Work

by Richard Weiss

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It’s funny, I don’t recall being asked if I was an alto or a tenor during my interview at Communispace (quite frankly I wouldn’t know, as I do my best singing in the shower). Yet for the second year in a row, I donned my host suit, grabbed a mic and headed up to our makeshift theatre in our own Fenway Park, where I sang and danced in front of my closest 200 colleagues in the annual Communispace Follies.

It’s funny, I don’t recall being asked if I was an alto or a tenor during my interview at Communispace (quite frankly I wouldn’t know, as I do my best singing in the shower). Yet for the second year in a row, I donned my host suit, grabbed a mic and headed up to our makeshift theatre in our own Fenway Park, where I sang and danced in front of my closest 200 colleagues in the annual Communispace Follies.

billOf course, I didn’t go at it alone. From some of our newest employees to our CEO, everyone who wants to get involved is able to play their own part in the show. Maybe they sing their own solo about wanting to be a girl (I will call out Bill Alberti), have a fantastic duet with awkward tension, or even rap about their job.

Beyond the laughs (and sometimes tears), is something that I feel makes Communispace such a unique and fun place to work. In the midst of all that’s going around us in the outside world, we can take a moment to stop, reflect, and laugh at ourselves.

Don’t take my word for it, just peer into the world of the Communispace Follies with this highlight reel. After all, it’s all in a day’s work.

3 Responses to “All in a Day’s Work”

  1. Diane Hessan says:
    November 13, 2009 at 8:19 am

    Rich, you get the Best Director Award. Here’s to Round 3, which is next September!

  2. Colleen Finnerty says:
    November 13, 2009 at 9:42 am

    Thanks for posting the reel Rich – great fun to see what you all are up to. Good times as always.

  3. Catie Schadlick says:
    November 13, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Rich -

    I’m so glad you posted about this. I tried to fit it into my own post, but it was already jam-packed (which says a lot, I think). This was my first experience with The Follies since I missed last year’s due to night classes. Just want to say that I had a GREAT time and was really impressed with everyone’s performances. I think we would all have a much harder time taking our jobs seriously if we couldn’t also stop to laugh at ourselves (and our community members) once in awhile. Sanity through song and dance… who knew?

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10 November 2009

Job 2.0 (Alternatively: Why so many of us sip the Kool-Aid)

by Catie Schadlick

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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.

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.

kickball-team

Client Services Kickball Match

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?

4 Responses to “Job 2.0 (Alternatively: Why so many of us sip the Kool-Aid)”

  1. Diane Hessan says:
    November 10, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    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.

  2. Catie Schadlick says:
    November 11, 2009 at 9:14 am

    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.

  3. Mark Marshall says:
    November 13, 2009 at 10:09 am

    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 :P 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

  4. Jani Fraga says:
    November 13, 2009 at 10:33 am

    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 ;)

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9 November 2009

A Culture of Fun: Pitching in and giving back

by Charlotte Daher

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This week marks Communispace’s annual Volunteer Week, which helps in bringing together employees and local Boston-area organizations. We’re continually striving to stay connected to the community by lending a helping Cookie Decorating with the Franciscan Hospitalhand whenever possible. Last week, I joined seven co-workers and volunteered at the local Franciscan Hospital. We decorated cookies (and ate a few of course) with a number of children who are either enrolled in the day care program or are there to receive treatments. And in December, we’ll be kicking off the return of our annual Holiday Toy Drive—where we help fill countless stockings with toys and necessities for the Franciscan kids.
This week marks Communispace’s annual Volunteer Week, which helps in bringing together employees and local Boston-area organizations. We’re continually striving to stay connected to the community by lending a helping hand whenever possible. Cookie Decorating with the Franciscan HospitalLast week, I joined seven co-workers and volunteered at the local Franciscan Hospital. We decorated cookies (and ate a few of course) with a number of children who are either enrolled in the day care program or are there to receive treatments. And in December, we’ll be kicking off the return of our annual Holiday Toy Drive—where we help fill countless stockings with toys and necessities for the Franciscan kids.

During this week, you will hear about our culture from some Communispace employees, as well as a guest blog post from Catherine D’Amato, President and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank. Over 50 Communispace volunteers will be serving meals this week at The Greater Boston Food Bank. I invite you to visit Verbatim throughout the week to read more about our volunteer efforts in the community and our culture—after all, you may want to know how a ‘Beard Off’ can help your organization grow!

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