How Verdin Maintains Our Culture in a Hybrid Work Environment
When remote work became the norm during the pandemic, many companies faced challenges in maintaining connection and collaboration. At Verdin, we embraced the flexibility of hybrid work while being intentional about keeping our culture alive. Our team thrives not just by logging on each day, but by coming together in meaningful ways, whether in the office, in the community, or through creative activities that help us grow and connect.
From weekly in-person days to volunteer opportunities, from our BBB committee (learn what that stands for below) to help from outside partners like CultureStoke, we’ve designed a workplace culture that goes beyond just serving our clients, but also serving our team. Here’s a closer look at how we make it happen:
In-Person Days
Every week, our team has a standing in-office day where we gather to collaborate face-to-face. These days are about more than meetings – they’re about connection. We share updates on projects, brainstorm creative solutions, and have the chance
to build relationships beyond the screen. We often intentionally book our meetings on this day, especially when we need to brainstorm or review visual work. Having a spacious, welcoming office also gives our team members the option to come in anytime they want a change of scenery or to connect with colleagues.
Volunteer Days
We give of our talents to make a difference, and giving back is central to who we are. Each year, Verdin team members take part in our “Give” initiative, where we devote a workday to giving back to local nonprofits. The Give takes on a different form each year, and together, we’ve supported organizations like the SLO Food Bank and Woods Humane Society, strengthening not only our community but also our team spirit. These shared volunteer experiences remind us of the bigger picture and allow us to bring our skills outside the office to make a difference.
BBB Committee
Our BBB committee leads the charge on fun, creative, and value-driven activities designed to bring our team closer together. The BBB is the Better Betterment Bureau, an inside joke of a name whose origins are lost to time, but the gist is that it’s our employee-led group that gets a little bit of time and budget each year to set up events for our team to get creative and reflect on our values. From making bracelets and keychains to painting succulent pots for the office, these workshops give us a chance to step away from our screens and tap into our creativity. The activities might be lighthearted, but the outcomes are meaningful: connection, laughter, and living out one of our core values of learning, growing, and getting better.
Outside Facilitators
We also know the value of expert guidance in strengthening culture. That’s why we’ve brought in facilitators like an Enneagram specialist, who helped us better understand how each of us communicates, processes information, and receives feedback. Insights like these foster empathy and improve collaboration across the team. One of our favorite partners, CultureStoke, has also helped us align and build a culture that feels authentic, intentional, and sustainable in a hybrid environment.
Keeping Culture at the Core
At Verdin, hybrid work isn’t just about where we log in from – it’s about how we stay connected. Through intentional practices like in-person collaboration, community service, creative workshops, and outside guidance, we ensure our team culture remains vibrant and strong.
And while this format has worked great, our team is also not afraid to pivot. With a culture that embraces flexibility, we’re always ready to shift, adapt, and try something new when it means better connection and collaboration for our people.