If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the last few years, it’s that our workplaces can be whatever we want them to be. We make them. We can shape them into what’s right for us—what helps us to succeed and flourish.

Knowing that, each year we pack our calendar full of events and opportunities to empower our Team8s to make the work environment they want for themselves. We combine this with training and personal development so they can build their careers. And we make space. Space for calm, reflection, and appreciation—and a healthy dose of fun too!

From ‘the cloud’ to fresh air and physical activity

Some members of our team are fitness enthusiasts at the gym while others hike and go on long walks with their families. Each of our Team8s enjoys something different, so we try to host sports and physical activities that appeal to everyone.

For example, this year our office in Portugal kicked off Employee Appreciation Day with a football match, before a quiz and prizes. Later in the year, they went kayaking on the Mondego River, followed by a delicious lunch and socializing.

Meanwhile, in our Indonesian office, groups got together and focused on targets. Not KPIs, but archery targets as part of their team bonding activities in July.

Working on the mind, promoting mental health

According to the World Health Organization, it’s estimated that, in companies of 1,000 employees, between 200-300 of them will suffer from a serious mental health problem in any given year. This is why companies must do everything they can to support employee mental health—for their employees and their own sake.

We provide all Team8s and their families access to mental health resources including the SupportLinc Program, which gives six free face-to-face or virtual counseling sessions, and Cleo, which includes many resources and workshops for caregivers. By providing sessions for Team8s and their families, we hope to help address a broader range of issues impacting people’s mental health.

Each year, in addition to our ongoing initiatives, we also run events as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. These include yoga classes, mindfulness sessions, massages, and lots of practical advice and strategies for a healthier mind. In our UK London and Aylesbury offices, these helped create a lasting positive mood.

Management training at 8x8

Training and career progression are important for many people’s sense of purpose–both inside and outside of work. We are dedicated to building lasting careers for our employees, through training, learning resources, and other programs while also helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow with specialized management training.

For our employees, we provide Acceler8 Manager Training. This management-focused curriculum equips our Team8s with the skills and knowledge they need to progress their career at 8x8. Last financial year, 386 managers graduated from our program—well done to all!

Self-directed learning beyond 8x8

Many of us want to learn beyond the curriculum. We want to explore new topics, get inspired by new methods, or develop skills that could give us an edge in tomorrow’s market. And, let’s face it, sometimes the training you’re given isn’t what you want or need at that time in your life.

This is why, in May, we also launched LinkedIn Learning licenses for all our Team8s, to let them direct their learning and enhance and accelerate the career track they’re already on. With over 21,000 courses to pick from, covering sales advice, marketing, career development, customer experience (CX), and much more our employees can learn almost anything to develop their abilities and careers.

Leave room for more

Once all of the exercise, mindfulness, and learning is over there’s always room for a bit of extra fun at 8x8. Whether it’s wine-tasting events, board game days, or carnival celebrations, our offices around the world make sure to bring a little extra.

This year, we also gave employees extra. We increased our voluntary time off (VTO) allowance from 16 to 32 hours, and Team8s also get a number of Time Out Days.

Sounds good? Want to become a Team8?

Sound like your kinda company? Check the 8x8 careers page to see if you are ready to become a Team8.