Building Community with “Chat & Connect” Events

26.07.2024

Chat and Connect Events in Exadel

The post-pandemic work landscape presents a fascinating paradox. Geographic flexibility allows us to work from anywhere, yet maintaining a strong sense of team spirit in a remote environment can be challenging. We’ve become accustomed to seeing colleagues through video squares, but sometimes, we miss the casual interactions and camaraderie that build strong bonds.

At Exadel, we understand this fragile balance between fostering connection and maintaining efficiency. That’s why we launched “Chat & Connect,” a unique initiative designed to bridge the gap and create a vibrant sense of community. Organized by the Engineering Community and People Marketing department, these gatherings have become the dedicated space for our remote teams to go beyond the project updates and deadlines, and connect with their colleagues “offline”.

At Exadel, knowledge sharing is a core part of our culture, and the Chat and Connect event demonstrates this commitment. In my view, these events are essential for fostering a sense of community and encouraging employees to come together to exchange their expertise and insights. As a speaker, I found it a wonderful opportunity to gather with my coworkers in the office, share valuable ideas, and strengthen our connections.

Ani Gogichaishvili, Learning & Development Manager

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Exadel Georgia Chat and Connect Event

Exadel Georgia Chat and Connect Event

“Chat & Connect” Concept

At Exadel, strong connections are the bedrock of successful remote teams. That’s why we created “Chat & Connect,” an initiative designed to bridge the gap and nurture a vibrant sense of community. Organized by the Engineering Community and People Marketing, these monthly gatherings offer a chance to connect with colleagues in person.”Chat & Connect” goes beyond the traditional team meeting format. It’s a space designed to enhance genuine connections, ignite curiosity, and create a sense of belonging.

Here’s what makes “Chat & Connect” so special:

  • Rotating venues. Each month, a different Exadel location transforms into a hub for connection. This allows team members from various branches to experience new environments and connect with colleagues they might not interact with.
  • Technical talks, reimagined. Gone are the days of dry, technical lectures. Our “Chat & Connect” sessions feature engaging discussions and presentations led by in-house experts. These sessions are designed to be informative and spark lively conversations, promoting a culture of knowledge sharing.
  • Open to all. Regardless of your technical background or role at Exadel, “Chat & Connect” welcomes everyone. It’s a space to network, learn about new topics, share your expertise, or simply relax and unwind with colleagues.

We understand that everyone connects differently. That’s the beauty of “Chat & Connect” – it’s flexible! Whether craving the latest tech knowledge or simply wanting to unwind with colleagues who share your interests, there’s something for you. Grab a drink and a snack while our speakers lead engaging technical talks to spark lively discussions. Come prepared to learn and share your own insights!

The Exadel Engineering Communities play a crucial role in the company, the mission of which is to develop the engineering culture. Together with the community core team, we strive to build an atmosphere of unity and confidence within the community for every Exadel employee. We organize initiatives based on real needs: community members' interests, and professional goals. So, Chat and Connect' is a format designed to provide a supportive atmosphere where colleagues can openly discuss engineering trends and collaborate on innovative solutions.

Iuliia Atlas, Exadel Global Engineering Community Head

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Exadel Bialystok Chat and Connect Event

Exadel Bialystok Chat and Connect Event

Chat & Connect Events Across Exadel

“Chat & Connect” has brought Exadel teams together in various locations, including Warsaw, Bialystok, Tbilisi, and Krakow. These gatherings sparked engaging discussions on a wide range of topics, including:

  • Building a culture of continuous learning and growth
  • Kanban Practices: A Game Changer for Scrum Teams
  • SecureTalk: Decoding OWASP Top 10
  • Changing the Culture of Learning: From Lecture-Based to Active Learning
  • Specifics and challenges in CRM-related projects for BAs
  • Effective Interview Process Discussion

And many more. Regardless of location, these sessions offer a chance for Exadel team members to learn, share, and connect in a fun and interactive environment.

I really like this format! It's a great opportunity to take a break from the daily grind and chat with colleagues on various topics. This is especially useful when you're new to the company and haven't had a chance to get to know many people yet, or when you don't have many colleagues on your project. These meetings help broaden your horizons—you can ask questions, share your experience, or even suggest your own topics. They can also be a catalyst for small trips; you can work from a new location for a day and then enjoy a great evening with colleagues.

Uladzislau Matsiusheuski, Lead Software Engineer

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We’re confident that “Chat & Connect” will become a cherished tradition at Exadel, fostering a strong sense of community and connection across our geographically dispersed teams.

We're always looking for talented individuals to join our team . Visit our careers page to learn more about current openings!