Chances are that if you know one thing about Charles IT, it’s that our strong company is key to our success. Our latest epic outing to Nashville, Tennessee was a perfect reflection of that, in that it provided our team with an unforgettable experience that combined work, play, and meaningful connections. Coincidentally or maybe not so coincidentally, our epic outing highlighted some of the topics our podcast, “One Pour Problems” covers, in terms of a company’s commitment to culture, work-life harmony, and retaining top talent. Let’s break it down.
In the episode, “Values Vibe Setting a Tone for Company Culture,” “One Pour Problems” host Sal Marino and guest, Nasdaq's Head of AI & Emerging Technology, Mike O'Rourke, discussed how to strike the perfect balance between a fun workplace and productivity, as well as the role of empathy in creating a meaningful work environment.
When it comes to Charles IT’s Nashville trip, you could definitely say it embodied our culture when it comes to our “work hard, play hard” ethos, and emphasized the importance of shared experiences in strengthening relationships. Whether it was bonding over a creative activity like recording the Charles IT song with country artist Meghan Linsey, or exploring Nashville’s culinary scene during a food tour, employees were able deepen their connections with people outside of their immediate teams.
“It enhanced our work relationships,” Jack Ardrey, Marketing Specialist shared. “We got to experience unique moments together that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Balancing fun with company goals, the trip also reinforced the importance of stepping away from the day-to-day grind to recharge. The Nashville setting offered experiences unique to the city, allowing employees to return to work reinvigorated with new ideas.
“The outing sparked passion for working at Charles IT because I got to spend time with so many great minds,” said Ardrey. Others noted how the break allowed them to “refresh and come back ready to work hard again.”
In an upcoming episode of “One Pour Problems,” we’ll explore the concept of “work/life harmony” versus the more popular term, “work/balance,” and how that attributes to great leadership. You can tune into that episode when it airs and all episodes here.
Beyond the fun, (and trust me…there was plenty of it!), the epic outing encouraged creativity and collaboration. From brainstorming new ideas for social media content inspired by Nashville’s energy to gaining a better understanding of coworkers’ strengths (even if that happened to be line dancing!), the outing laid the groundwork for more productive discussions back at the office.
While the conversations held at fun events may not have directly tied into the work being done, it will likely lead to more productive meetings. As Nick Dagenais, CFO and Treasurer of Obsidian Insurance Holdings, pointed out on the podcast episode, “Beyond the Boardroom: Strategies for Productive Meetings,” sometimes straying off topic can be a good thing if it helps you learn more about the people you work with.
Charles IT Digital Marketing Specialist, Julia Lebert, seems to agree, explaining, “Connecting with coworkers during the trip made discussions more productive because we understood each other better.”
It’s safe to say Charles IT’s commitment to hosting events even helps attract and retain top talent. By providing inclusive activities that cater to diverse interests and ensuring everyone has a great time, the company actually demonstrates its dedication to employee satisfaction.
“They spend a lot to make sure that everyone feels valued and included, no matter their interests,” said Ardrey.
These efforts translate into a team that feels both connected and committed. Emily Wood, Partner and Chief Client Officer at Connecticut Wealth Management, LLC, discussed how important these factors are for drawing in and keeping talent on “One Pour Problems,” when she appeared on “The Acquisition Game: Winning the War for Top Talent,” episode.
A meeting held at the beginning of the trip also clarified the company’s vision, leaving current attendees motivated and aligned with long-term goals. As for recruitment, the Nashville trip showcased Charles IT’s culture of care and fun which was obvious to anyone who follows us on social media. The content shared from the trip painted a picture of a workplace where people thrive.
“Going to the airport for a surprise adventure reminded me why I love working here,” Ardrey gushed. Others echoed similar sentiments, pointing to the opportunity to explore new places and build lasting memories.
“I’m grateful to Charles IT for giving us incredible life experiences year after year,” he added.
The Nashville trip wasn’t just a getaway, it was a true reflection of Charles IT’s commitment to building a happy, connected, and successful team
Lebert summed it up best when she said, “The outing was a great opportunity to connect with coworkers and learn more about the company. It’s experiences like these that make Charles IT a truly special place to work.”