A sound internal culture is the backbone of most successful tech companies.
But in today’s competitive landscape, how do you build a genuinely healthy and rewarding work culture that attracts and retains employees?
Smart AdServer has a few ideas in mind.
From a product standpoint, the adtech company provides tools for publishers, using software that can create, track and test advertisements. As a global player, the company has 10 offices around the world, where employees have the ability to travel to and work from, no questions asked.
Earlier this year, the company launched its 'Backpackers Program,' where Smart AdServer employees can work in another country where the company has an office for a short period of time. In doing this, the company's goal is to enhance cross-cultural connectedness and skill-share on a global scale.
We caught up with a few Smart AdServer employees — account manager Judy Chiu and growth marketer and digital strategist Andy Simon — to find out what they really think about their company’s international mindset.
In three words, how would you describe Smart AdServer's culture?
Chiu: International, unique and eclectic.
Simon: Positive, supportive and fun.
What are your core values, and how do they play out?
Chiu: Smart AdServer believes in quality and transparency, which is mirrored in our work ethics. We strive to bring quality work and are fully transparent with our customers.
Simon: Our core values of transparency and trust are carried out through a culture of seeking out constructive feedback from our colleagues and genuine respect for each other as people.
Smart AdServer employees are allowed to travel between the company's international offices regularly. How has this perk impacted culture?
Chiu: Personally, I think this is one of Smart's greatest perks because it enables us to collaborate with others outside of the local office, which ultimately boosts international camaraderie. To be able to learn from experiences or issues from other colleagues in the same position but working in a different market, allows us to be globally aware of all market trends.
Simon: The company's openness to travel is a perk that has fostered a deeper international perspective in how our teams work together on a day to day basis.
What advice would you give to other startups when building their cultures?
Chiu: Create a fun and flexible environment that allows employees to cultivate their strengths and weaknesses, whether it's through improving internal processes or projects that allow them to be creative.
Simon: Provide your employees with an environment that is supportive of success. Global reach requires a global perspective and appreciation for the differences between regional markets.
Photos via Smart AdServer.
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