In a hectic workweek littered with deadlines, beta tests, and new launches; it’s easy to get lost in the chaos.
Innovid, a video marketing platform based in New York City, operates in this fast-paced environment. Innovid places strong emphasis on creating a bond between team members. The founders of Innovid created a company culture the entire team can be proud of, and as a result are very protective of this dynamic. However, due to tight schedules, the team doesn’t always spend as much quality time together as they would like. To remedy this problem, the team started monthly dinners to bring the team together.
Family dinner: Setting aside time to come together
Due to the nature of Innovid’s business, lunchtime is very staggered. Some employees eat lunch at eleven, while others don’t eat until four in the afternoon. Wanting to set aside time for the entire team to step away from their desks, share a meal, and enjoy one another’s company; Innovid instated monthly team dinners.
“It’s nice to have a set time where we’re all in the same room together. Family dinner—as we call it—is our opportunity to take a break, and enjoy one another’s company. Spending time together is something we would like to do more often, and lunch helps us do that,” says Innovid Office Manager, Brittney.
Group outings: Creating opportunities for culture to thrive
Family dinner isn’t the only time team members come together. Every two months, employees enjoy a work happy hour. Happy hour may entail trivia nights at the office or heading to a local bar. No matter what the evening entails, it almost always ends in karaoke.
“Our human resources department has found people who are, in my opinion, the best people in the world. Everyone is caring, smart, and wonderfully kind. Each employee is invested in one common goal and wants to do well at their job. We’re very proud of our company—that mutual bond ties us together,” says Brittney.
An open workspace: Supporting team collaboration
Even when there’s no happy hour on the calendar, Innovid still finds ways to foster their familial culture. Tour their office, and you’ll find a pinball machine where coworkers can stop for a game. The team is currently expanding to another floor in the building, and have plans for a collaborative, open workspace filled with couches, TVs, and even video games.
“Right now, our kitchen is our only common area. We want a space that fosters open communication. Whatever steps we can take to make that happen, senior leadership is on board with it,” Brittney explains.
It’s more than family dinner—it’s a way to bring your team together
As a society, we’re told to work hard and pull long hours—often without taking a break. Employees will work through their lunch hour, without stopping to converse with coworkers, walk around the office, or rejuvenate for the afternoon.
No matter how tight the deadline, or how long the hours, Innovid has discovered a way to bring all coworkers together, both inside and outside the office. “Our company culture is something we’re really protective over, and really proud of”, declares Brittney—an attitude that has trickled down from senior leadership to each member of the team. “When we bring on new team members, we are very serious about if they’ll be a good fit. Our management wants to ensure the bond we’ve built stays genuine and authentic.”
