According to Zippia.com, there are over 863,953 office workers currently employed in the United States. Working in an office everyday is an experience that people may not always prefer, but I have found that there is something that can change this perspective.
Company Culture and Values
In the words of management and leadership guru, Peter Drucker – and a quote often used by our CEO – “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” During my summer internship here, Appcast has proven to me time and time again how true that is and the important role their company values play in that. Each employee is valued and treated with respect, no matter what position – yes, even me, a summer intern!
I’ve learned that it’s not about focusing so much on the place where you work but focusing on the people and how you are treated as an individual. Our environment and the people we surround ourselves with are the things that truly shape us.
Many companies have certain values and may even proclaim them with inspirational posters on the wall, but how many actually can say they stick to them and live them? During my first day I was introduced to Appcast’s shared values and each day here I can see that they are practiced at all times.
Appcast’s company values are:
While these values seem straight forward, a lot of effort goes into making sure they are practiced daily.
Work Hard
Although Appcast often creates fun and laid-back events for all employees to enjoy, balance is also key in the success of the company. When Appcastians work, they work hard, and put everything into what they do.
When an Appcastian has a goal, they achieve it. Simple as that.It is inspiring to watch these long tedious projects, tasks, and meetings always result in success.
Stand on your Number
This value may sound like a sales-specific term, but it’s really a sentiment that promotes personal accountability and responsibility for your work and actions. It’s also about asking for help when it’s needed and Appcast has an incredibly supportive environment for this – people are always so willing to help each other and give both their time and their knowledge generously.
Team & Client Above Self
Throughout each of my projects I have worked on this summer, every involved team member at Appcast has made sure to let me know that if I ever needed assistance, they would be there to make that project the best it could be.
When working on projects involving prospective clients, I had careful instruction about how to focus on helping and giving back to the client rather than just making my personal goal the objective.
Speak Up
At Appcast, I have learned that it is extremely important to speak up for yourself, not just when you have a question, but when you have an idea. The team here has made me believe more in myself than ever before because of their push to express myself and my interests. Because of this value, I feel safe and empowered to do so.
Learn Every Day
Each day I have learned something new, and it didn’t always have to do with business. I learned about the importance of pushing to do things outside of your comfort zone, how to handle situations when they do not always go as planned – which may not seem too difficult, but was a heavy lift for a perfectionist like myself.
Be Kind
Being kind is a value that should always be at our core. It’s nice to believe we will always be kind, but that is often easier said than done. Here at Appcast, I can say that everyone always goes that extra mile to truly be kind to every employee, no matter what.
Do Good
Lastly, this Appcast value was something that I could experience hands on. Volunteering has always been something I’ve wanted to do more of, and Appcast helped me create that path with their GoodWorks Program. At the Upper Valley Haven in Vermont, I got to help out by cooking with my fellow interns. It was a very humbling and enjoyable experience that led me to decide to incorporate volunteering and giving back as a necessary part of my future.
Our Canadian counterparts had the opportunity to volunteer at Greener Village, helping them maintain their community gardens to enhance food security for residents of Fredericton.
Final Thoughts
It was a valuable learning experience for me to be immersed in “company culture done right.” Through the sincere practice of Appcasts values, I realized the importance of both supporting and celebrating people as individuals, while fostering a shared identity that keeps people on the same page when working toward common goals.
Here at Appcast, I can say with certainty that each value is always present – both in the office and on Zoom and Teams meetings – and I am not the only one. If you would like to read more about our culture and what it means to be an Appcastian, read this article on why Appcast was voted one of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces for the second year in a row.
