Many people dread in-office workdays for one major reason: a lackluster in-office culture.
As more companies require employees to return to the office, it’s important to give team members a reason to come back, whether that’s having the opportunity to connect with colleagues or simply having access to comfortable workspaces. By offering a more engaging, supportive culture, organizations can boost morale, foster productivity — and positively impact employees’ lives.
At Nexthink, this positive impact takes the shape of well-designed workspaces, which strike a balance between functionality and fun. According to Global Workplace Manager David Anguita, the company makes it easy to accomplish meaningful work, offering team training areas and more, while also providing chances to step away from the daily grind, such as through yoga classes.
“My favorite part of the in-person experience at Nexthink is that it is an atmosphere alive with energy and purpose,” he said. “Seeing our employees thrive in such an environment reminds me that here, every day, great things are happening.”
This lively, energetic environment also exists at other organizations, including OCC. Principal of IT Governance Heather Mosny shared that the firm participates in “Bring Your Kid to Work Day” every April, giving team members the chance to share their work with their children and inspire them to launch a career in financial services.
“The corporate events team does a fantastic job of delivering an experience engaging with age-appropriate activities and games to demonstrate the different functions of the company,” she said.
For these two organizations and others around the country, in-office workdays aren’t just a mandatory requirement; they’re an opportunity to connect, grow — and thrive. Read on to learn more about how Nexthink, OCC and two other organizations build an in-office culture that employees love.
TravelPerk’s platform enables companies to book, manage and report business travel.
Tell us about TravelPerk’s approach to the in-office experience.
Our offices are open-concept, with teams grouped into “neighborhoods,” which create a sense of identity and belonging while being situated near other departments to foster cross-functional collaboration. One unique feature is our “end-of-week” spaces — large, comfortable spaces with soft seating that are perfect for all-hands meetings, informal brainstorming sessions or simply enjoying a coffee with a colleague. These spaces tend to be the heart of our offices, where teams naturally gravitate to share ideas, celebrate wins or simply unwind together.
In your opinion, what about your in-office experience feels the most impactful on your daily work life?
It might sound cliché, but it’s the people. At TravelPerk, we invest heavily in hiring for culture fit. Every candidate goes through multiple interviews, including a culture check, to ensure they align with our values. One key value is “Be a good person,” which makes a huge difference in creating an environment where collaboration and kindness thrive. There’s also something about the energy of working side-by-side with colleagues that makes problem-solving faster and more dynamic.
“There’s also something about the energy of working side by side with colleagues that makes problem-solving faster and more dynamic.”
Is there anything you’re looking forward to with the in-office experience?
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year as TravelPerk celebrates its tenth anniversary! We’ll celebrate together in Barcelona at our summer party. At the regional level, our U.S. team is gearing up for our company-wide kick-off in Chicago this February — a great opportunity to align, connect and energize for the year ahead.
Closer to home in Boston, we’re organizing an in-office blood drive to give back to our local community. There’s always something to look forward to!
Nexthink’s platform enables companies to measure and manage the digital employee experience, combining real-time analytics, automation and employee feedback across all endpoints.
Tell us about Nexthink’s approach to the in-office experience.
In today’s hybrid world, employees won’t commute to an office that offers little more than what they have at home. That’s why our focus goes beyond providing just the basics. For us, the workplace is more than a place to work; it’s a place to thrive.
Our offices are thoughtfully designed to provide all teams, regardless of role, with the specific resources and spaces they need based on the nature of their work. The layout ensures employees have access to tools, environments and setups that support their tasks while being surrounded by colleagues and teams they collaborate with most. Every detail is crafted to enhance productivity and enable seamless in-person and hybrid collaboration.
Fostering community is equally important. Our offices go beyond functionality to create a sense of connection and belonging. Health and fitness activities, workshops, social lunches, after-work events and meet-ups help integrate newcomers and strengthen bonds across teams. These efforts ensure every day at the office is not just productive but something employees look forward to experiencing. Nexthink offices combine functionality, community and fun, making them places people truly want to be.
“Nexthink offices combine functionality, community and fun, making them places people truly want to be.”
In your opinion, what about your in-office experience feels the most impactful on your daily work life?
What feels most impactful in our in-office experience is the balance between having everything I need to perform my job efficiently and the opportunities for connection and enjoyment. On a typical day, I can rely on seamless hybrid video call setups, dedicated spaces for focused work or team training areas that enhance productivity. At the same time, I love the chance to step away and join a yoga class, play on an arcade machine or participate in a table tennis tournament.
Stepping into the office each day and witnessing the buzz of activity is truly inspiring. Seeing colleagues spark innovative ideas in a workshop, leveraging state-of-the-art tools or catching up over a coffee is incredibly motivating and reminds me why the office is a dynamic, inspiring space that goes beyond just work.
My favorite part of the in-person experience at Nexthink is that it is an atmosphere alive with energy and purpose. Seeing our employees thrive in such an environment reminds me that here, every day, great things are happening.
Is there anything you’re looking forward to with the in-office experience?
To ensure the success and sustainability of this in-office “ecosystem” on the workplace team, we must consistently stay on top of our game. This means actively monitoring and adapting spaces to meet the evolving needs of our office population while keeping the energy of activities and events alive.
This year, we are placing a stronger emphasis on well-being. Rather than integrating well-being activities into our regular office events, we are introducing a dedicated well-being program. Beyond our weekly events, workshops and meet-ups, this program will offer weekly well-being classes, such as yoga, nutrition or physiotherapy, for employees who wish to sign up and participate regularly.
Additionally, we aim to focus on “meaningful events” by aligning our workplace strategy with collaborations that support local communities and organizations in need. By doing so, we not only nurture our in-office community but also give purpose to our events, celebrations and initiatives, creating a positive impact both within and beyond our office walls.
OCC provides stability to the listed options marketplace by guaranteeing options trades.
Tell us about OCC’s approach to the in-office experience.
The in-office approach was based on creating an environment that motivates employees to want to come to work and live the company’s values. OCC created an office environment that is welcoming to colleagues and is designed to foster collaboration and engagement through an open floor plan with glass wall conference rooms and executive offices. Conference rooms have whiteboard walls that allow for easy brainstorming and idea sharing. Café 73 offers barista-made coffee, cold brew on tap, a wide variety of snacks and cold beverages, in addition to ample space for meeting colleagues. Additionally, there are several different seating options throughout the space for employees to relax.
OCC in-person training programs are opportunities for professional development while meeting colleagues from other departments. There are also employee networking groups that regularly hold events that focus on professional development, promoting cultural awareness and designing an accessible workplace. Overall, these elements create opportunities to innovate, establish meaningful connections with colleagues, create transparency and promote individual growth.
In your opinion, what about your in-office experience feels the most impactful on your daily work life?
It’s about the people and challenging work that make me glad to be a part of the OCC team. Meeting with colleagues, whether it be through meetings or informal hallway conversations, I feel a sense of pride in being here and the services we deliver. I start my days with a latte from OCC’s Café 73, my favorite spot to brainstorm ideas or talk about projects. It has a coffee shop feel with the convenience of staying warm during the harsh Chicago winter. I like seeing co-workers connecting throughout the day in the cafeteria or Café 73; both are always abuzz during the lunch hour with co-workers coming together and interacting on a personal level.
“I like seeing co-workers connecting throughout the day in the cafeteria or Café 73; both are always abuzz during the lunch hour with co-workers coming together and interacting on a personal level.”
The open-door policy is real. I feel comfortable directly engaging with leadership across all levels of the organization, and being one team is a tangible feeling. Working alongside OCC executives demonstrates that everyone’s input is appreciated, and we are all treated with respect. I would be remiss to not mention our building’s day porter, Annette, when writing about my favorite parts of the in-office experience. She is a bright spot in everyone’s day offering heartfelt motivational greetings that make me feel grateful to be part of a great company.
Is there anything you’re looking forward to with the in-office experience?
OCC is participating in the national “Bring Your Kid to Work Day” in April. It’s a great opportunity for my kids to see where I work and learn more about my job and the important role OCC serves in the financial markets. Additionally, it’s a chance for my colleagues to meet and chat with the little ones who motivate me to succeed. The corporate events team does a fantastic job of delivering an experience engaging with age-appropriate activities and games to demonstrate the different functions of the company.
For several years, OCC has been working to completely transform our technology platform for market participants with an anticipated launch date later this year. Many teams have been involved in the process, and I’m excited to celebrate the collective success of Ovation. It’s a testament to how OCC leverages cutting-edge technology and employees are involved in complex projects that motivate people to reach their potential.
Clari’s revenue platform helps enterprises create, convert, close and retain revenue.
Tell us about Clari’s approach to the in-office experience.
Our office in Kraków, Poland, housed in a historic 1920s building, features a unique loft-style design that fosters creativity and collaboration. The space includes conference rooms for brainstorming, relaxation areas, a fully equipped kitchen and fun amenities like foosball and ping-pong tables, offering something for everyone. On Wednesdays, we host team lunches and celebrate special events, strengthening bonds and collaboration in our hybrid workplace. The design of our office and the activities we organize reflect Clari’s values, like our “Garage State of Mind” — always dreaming big and staying agile — and our “Dish Assist Spirit,” where teamwork and support drive success. Clari’s culture is truly unique, driven by the inspiring people who make it all possible.
“The space includes conference rooms for brainstorming, relaxation areas, a fully equipped kitchen and fun amenities like foosball and ping-pong tables, offering something for everyone.”
In your opinion, what about your in-office experience feels the most impactful on your daily work life?
I love Wednesdays — it’s my day in the office, connecting face-to-face with colleagues in our hybrid workplace. These moments are priceless for building strong relationships and meaningful partnerships, which often grow into friendships filled with shared laughs and memories. Having a hybrid office fuels my creativity and growth, both personally and professionally. Building connections is important — it fosters collaboration, strengthens relationships and amplifies the impact of our work.
Is there anything you’re looking forward to with the in-office experience?
I’m looking forward to celebrating specific local events, like the end of the Carnival, “Fat Thursday,” or International Women’s Day. I’m most excited about how these activities strengthen our team, foster collaboration and celebrate success. Other events we host, such as conferences, community meetups and Java User Group sessions, reflect our focus on innovation, community engagement and team bonding. They’re also great opportunities to grow, learn and contribute to something greater.
There’s so much on the horizon, and I can’t wait to see how these activities unfold and where they lead us. Without a doubt, they’ll result in remarkable things.
