Article

Digital Doughnut Contributor
Digital Doughnut Contributor 13 December 2017
Categories B2B

The annual truth of the Christmas work ethic

What is most important in a super-engaging working environment? Culture eats strategy for breakfast!

Starting at a very young age we are conditioned by our culture to believe that Christmas is a wonderful and enchanting time of year where we celebrate and give thanks for another journey around the Sun. There might also be some modern religious implications that we stole from the Pagans, but don’t quote me on that.

Now I’ve finally got over the shocking lies about the existence of Santa, I have found the real magic of Christmas. We get to spend time with people we care about.

The drunken slouch on the couch with a cousin you are fond of. A party with the school parents that starts formally and ends up at 2am in a nightclub. Inappropriately long and laughter-filled lunches with clients and industry friends. Time with family. Playing with the kids.

Magic memories are made.

Every year Lab brings the team from around the world to the UK so we can all be together. We spent a week making friends, having fun, sharing stories, working together and partying. We have a huge ‘town hall’ where we talk about the future, while learning and laughing at the past. We are truly present, in person, and communicate brilliantly with each other. We feel great.

Magic happens.

We do this because we believe that culture is critical to success and there is no faster way to establish a strong and deliberate culture than to spend time together, face to face, real human contact.

What really blows me away is that while we don’t get to do this with the global teams every day at Lab, when we do, it feels like the lights in the office are glowing brighter than usual. We all click.

While I am amazed, I probably shouldn’t be. Our culture is deliberately designed so the fact that all offices are filled with similar people, who share similar values, shouldn't be a shock.

Culture eats strategy for breakfast.

I am lucky to work in an agency with so many brilliant human beings.

Please login or register to add a comment.

Contribute Now!

Loving our articles? Do you have an insightful post that you want to shout about? Well, you've come to the right place! We are always looking for fresh Doughnuts to be a part of our community.

Popular Articles

See all
How to Review a Website — A Guide for Beginners

How to Review a Website — A Guide for Beginners

A company website is crucial for any business's digital marketing strategy. To keep up with the changing trends and customer buying behaviors, it's important to review and make necessary changes regularly...

Digital Doughnut Contributor
Digital Doughnut Contributor 25 March 2024
Read more
The World Is Shrinking: 6 Degrees of Separation Is Now 2!

The World Is Shrinking: 6 Degrees of Separation Is Now 2!

Six degrees of separation is not just a party game, it's a reality. Everyone is the world is interconnected, and thanks to social media, that connectedness gets tighter and richer each day. See the research...

Scott Christley
Scott Christley 9 August 2017
Read more
The Impact of New Technology on Marketing

The Impact of New Technology on Marketing

Technology has impacted every part of our lives. From household chores to business disciplines and etiquette, there's a gadget or app for it. Marketing has changed dramatically over the years, but what is the...

Alex Lysak
Alex Lysak 3 April 2024
Read more
What Marketing Content Do Different Age Groups like to Consume?

What Marketing Content Do Different Age Groups like to Consume?

Today marketers have a wide choice of different content types to create; from video to blogs, from memes to whitepapers. But which types of content are most suitable for different age groups?

Lisa Curry
Lisa Curry 21 October 2016
Read more
Sales and Marketing Collaboration: A Recipe for B2B Success

Sales and Marketing Collaboration: A Recipe for B2B Success

In the world of B2B, the age-old rivalry between Sales and Marketing often overshadows the potential for a fruitful partnership. Yet, when these two departments align their goals, strategies, and efforts, the results...

Zsofia Raffa
Zsofia Raffa 12 September 2024
Read more