The SpinLife Guild: Fostering Inclusion and Excellence at Every Step
By Dean Martin | Sr Software Engineer |
In any company, the significance of a nurturing company culture cannot be overstated. At the heart of such a culture at SpinDance is the SpinLife Guild, a promoter of camaraderie, generosity, and inclusivity. This guild is one of the ways SpinDance creates a workplace where every member feels valued, supported, and connected.
Inclusive Membership
The foundation of the SpinLife Guild is its diverse and inclusive membership. By welcoming members from all corners of the company we make sure to consider all perspectives. This diversity is our strength, ensuring that the guild’s activities and projects are reflective of the company’s entire team, including those who work remotely. In doing so, we’re not just a team; we’re a community that thrives on inclusivity and understanding.
Engaging Social Activities and Healthy Initiatives
Imagine starting your day with a refreshing group walk, capped off with delicious breakfast tacos, or rallying your team for a spirited game of Pickleball, or testing your trivia skills against fellow team members. These aren’t just fun activities; they’re the threads that weave our team closer together.
The SpinLife Guild goes the extra mile to ensure these experiences aren’t always confined by geographical boundaries. Through remote-friendly events, we bridge miles, ensuring every team member feels part of the family. Each month, a virtual event allows all team members, regardless of location, to build bonds.
Some remote-friendly events run by the SpinLife Guild are:
- Jackbox Games
- Trivia Events
- Family Feud
- Virtual Escape Rooms
In recognizing that our employees’ well-being is paramount to our success, the SpinLife Guild champions physical and mental health through various initiatives. From sponsoring wellness challenges to encouraging participation in charitable events, we embody our commitment to not just the health of our team but also to the community at large. This holistic approach to wellness fosters an environment where employees feel cared for on all fronts.
Some wellness initiatives include:
- Monthly team walks through downtown Holland
- Pickleball games
- Fitness mini=challenges
- Park cleanups (for physical and emotional well-being)
Charitable Contributions
The guild’s spirit of generosity extends beyond the office walls. By coordinating charitable initiatives, we empower our team to make a tangible difference. Whether it’s through local volunteer work or supporting causes like the Holland-area Kids Food Basket, these efforts are a testament to our collective commitment to bettering the world around us.
For remote team members, the guild takes an extra step by researching volunteer opportunities in their areas, ensuring everyone has the chance to contribute meaningfully.
We believe that a habit of giving back to our communities can foster a habit of giving back within our teams, encouraging a spirit of collaboration and recognition.
Recognition and Appreciation
At the core of our culture is the recognition of each team member’s contributions. The SpinLife Guild helps with this through the SpinDance Awesomeness Nominator, an innovative platform where achievements are not just acknowledged but celebrated. Through a Slack workflow, team members can nominate each other in one of the company’s core values:
- Deliver Every Day
- Make Good Decisions
- Seek and Communicate Truth
- Mentor and Learn
- Be a Friend
The nomination is then shared with the entire company automatically so that everyone can celebrate the achievement.
Nominations are reviewed by the SpinLIfe Guild and an MVP is announced each month. Additionally, the nominations are used by the entire company to vote on a quarterly MVP for each company value, and MVPs are awarded a colored rubber duck to help celebrate their achievement.
These awards reinforce our company culture of excellence and mutual respect. It’s not just about the work done; it’s about appreciating the people behind the work.
Conclusion
The SpinLife Guild isn’t just a part of our organization; it’s the heartbeat of our culture. Its many initiatives, from engaging social activities to meaningful charitable efforts, paint a picture of a company deeply committed to its people and their well-being. The SpinLife Guild exemplifies our belief that when employees thrive, so does the organization. In the end, it’s about creating a space where every individual feels empowered to contribute their best, supported by a culture that cherishes every step of their journey.