Defining Company Culture in a Pandemic

When our local Shelter in Place order went into effect, my first thoughts were, “Wow, here’s my chance to binge watch everything I’ve ever desired.” As quarantine continued, I began to feel lonely, stressed, and disconnected from the entire world. I was lucky enough to have a job where I could work from home, but I never felt further from my team.

Working in the office, I was always planning how to invite fun into our workload! Upper management was always so supportive of my ideas. I planned ice cream truck visits, costume contests, and Secret Santa, and decorated the office for every holiday.

Seeing everyone’s reaction and how much they enjoyed the ideas gave me a new view on Vertican’s company culture. We shared laughs, jokes, and daily news. The conversation began to spread to different departments. These tiny ideas began to form real-life bonds. Not only did these lighten the workday but they brought teammates closer.

So, when I was asked to find a way to engage ALL our employees in the era of shelter in place, I had to get creative in my approach.

There are hundreds of articles and Zoom events that tell us how to manage a business with employees working from home. But few have discussed how to keep your employees’ spirits high and connected during such an uncertain time.

As the idea of quarantine grew in popularity, so did the use of Zoom. While we were already accustomed to working from home, no one was prepared for spending every waking minute there.

In a previous article, Isaac wrote about Vertican’s success with social events. Not only have our social events improved, but so have our relationships with one another. We’ve hosted Beer Tasting, Bingo, our version of Speed Dating and, most recently, a virtual trip to Budapest, Hungary, as an introduction to our Hungarian team.

The purpose of these events is to engage the individual and ultimately make each feel a part of something bigger, a larger team effort. Many of our employees had never even spoken to each other over the phone until vSocial events began.

But our efforts for employee engagement don’t stop there. We are actively tracking attendance and popularity among events. We make inclusion a significant part of our goals for vSocial events. We reach out for suggestions and feedback. We’ve even decided to start common-interest clubs for employees to engage on an even more personal level.

I asked our employees what they think of how we’re handling COVID internally and our social events; here’s what we learned:

1. How have vSocial events been helping you survive quarantine?

• They have helped me survive because I am naturally a very social being, so they have allowed me to get in my social interactions without having to put myself at risk. They have been fun and unique, and it’s been awesome getting to know more of the team that I wouldn’t normally get to talk to, which has also helped me keep my sanity. New and interesting events have helped to keep me sharp and give me things to look forward to in my boring old routine! – Katherine Byrum

2. What do you enjoy most about vSocial events?

• vSocial events are a nice way to engage with other VT members, who I wouldn’t normally come in contact with. The diversity of the events makes it very easy to find something I can enjoy. – Clifford Rahming

3. You’ve worked remotely for the last 5 years; how have vSocial events been an improvement to your work life?

• vSocial events have been amazing. They allow me to socialize with co-workers outside of my direct team. I notice improved work interactions when cross-team projects arise. It’s helped me tremendously in not feeling separated from our in-office staff. – Renee Tibedeau

vSocial events have played a large part in improving Vertican’s work culture. They have been a quarantine life saver, a company-wide ice breaker and, all around, a good time for Vertican. A large part of the company’s culture has always been the spirit of giving. COVID-19 has expanded giving into caring for one another. We’ve learned so much about our team members professionally and personally. While it forced everyone apart through shelter in place, it brought us all together in many ways. This experience has helped define Vertican’s company culture. I am very lucky to be a part of company that, even in a pandemic, prioritized their employees.

– Gia Harrison, Marketing Associate / Culture Czar

Kim has been with Vertican since late 2019, joining the company as a Client Services Representative. But her roots in the industry go back more than 20 years.

We wanted to get to know Kim both in and outside work; here is what we learned:

What sort of work did you do before joining Vertican?

From 1994 until last year, I worked at a law firm. I oversaw client services. So when the firm began using Q-Law software, I became very involved. Because of this I met Kurt Sund, who created Q-Law and is currently the CTO at Vertican.

What is a typical day at Vertican like for you?

No two days are the same, so nothing is typical. I start every day by checking emails to see if my clients need help in any way. Then I usually work with my teammates to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. A day doesn’t go by where I don’t learn something new.

What do you like most about working for Vertican?

I like the teamwork that takes place throughout the entire organization. Each month the company holds an All Hands meeting, which is great because Isaac gives updates on what’s going on and what’s planned. And he gets everyone involved.

I also like the support I get from my teammates and programmers. And working with clients to make their work lives easier.

Finally, I appreciate the fun events that the company arranges for us even in the middle of the pandemic. It’s nice that the company looks out for us and keeps everyone engaged.

If you could learn anything new, what would it be?

SQL Server Management, although that might be down the road. It would make my job come together knowing both the client services side as well as programming side.

What was your very first job and how old were you?

At fifteen I was a carhop at a Sonic drive-in in Missouri. It was a fun first job, but it made me realize that I didn’t want to be in the fast food industry.

What is something about you that may surprise your colleagues?

I’m a Midwest farmer’s daughter. I grew up on a farm and I knew that wasn’t for me either.

What else do you like to do outside of work?

I am a mom and like to have fun with my kids. I have two kids and three stepchildren. I also have THREE dogs, so I’m definitely a dog lover. About every other year I take a girls’ trip to L.A. with my friends. It’s my happy place.

Share something exciting you did in the last 12 months.

I got a new job! I started working at Vertican. I’m also looking forward to traveling to Dallas for Labor Day with my youngest daughter.

Do you have a favorite movie, artist and/or book?

Movie: The Breakfast Club and Alice in Wonderland, the 2010 Tim Burton version. I love his movies.
TV: The Big Bang Theory, Shameless (which I’m now finishing), and The IT Crowd.
Music: Currently, a lot of pop and rap because that’s what my daughter wants to listen to when I drive her somewhere. And we sing along together.

Please share a favorite quote.

“We’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.” – Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Jim has been with Vertican since 2014, joining the company as a Client Services Representative. Since 2017, he has been working as a Business Systems Analyst.

We wanted to get to know Jim both in and outside work; here is what we learned:

What sort of work did you do before joining Vertican?

I had a few jobs; one in retail, another at a ski resort, and also at Staples. All required different skill sets; the one thing they have in common is that they all said “yes” to hiring me.

What is a typical day at Vertican like for you?

I generally start the day by turning on my computer. From then on, it gets easier. As a Business Systems Analyst, I spend most of the day helping Diamond Level clients by giving personalized answers to their questions and helping them solve any issues they might have.

Almost as important, I am the company’s Vice President of Popcorn Affairs. My duties include both popping and consuming popcorn. Not many people realize the fine art of popcorn making; I could talk for hours on the importance of the butter flavoring and salt ratio.

What do you like most about working for Vertican?

I enjoy interacting with clients. Especially when I get the opportunity to travel and meet them. Meeting clients in person gives me better perspective into how they do business and to hopefully anticipate their needs.

If you could learn anything new, what would it be?

Cooking. I can cook and I do (and not just popcorn), but I want to learn different styles of cooking.

What was your very first job and how old were you?

My first job was at Staples when I was 17. I worked there with Joe Woodward, Team Lead of Client Services. Somehow, I impressed him enough for him to recommend me for a position at Vertican.

What is something about you that may surprise your colleagues?

Probably nothing. I don’t hide a lot of things. So, they might be surprised to learn that they know all there is about me.

What (else) do you like to do outside of work?

I travel for fun whenever I get the chance. I also like going to movies and hanging out with friends. But going to concerts is something I really enjoy. I’ve been lucky enough to see all my favorite musicians, Frank Turner, The Gaslight Anthem, Tim Barry, and Against Me, in concert.

Share something exciting you did in the last 12 months.

I saw one of my favorite local bands, Streetlight Manifesto, with full orchestra at Radio City Music Hall. It was cool seeing a band I had originally seen play in a New Jersey firehouse, performing in a venue that prestigious. I also saw a live performance of the podcast Night Vale. The podcast is about a radio show broadcasting from a fictional dessert town that is probably in the Twilight Zone.

Do you have a favorite movie, artist and/or book?

Movie: The original Godzilla from 1954.
TV: The Good Place. I once saw Ted Danson’s parking spot.
Music: The ’59 Sound by Gaslight Anthem
Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Please share a favorite quote.

“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever.” – George Orwell, 1984”