Infragistics used offer free food until the pandemic.
Instead, the company gave away $10,000 in employee care packages and hosted virtual parties.
The CEO of the company explained how they try to foster a sense belonging, even though staff work remotely.
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Dean Guida's company spent around $50,000 per year on candy to provide snacks for staff while they worked.
The vast majority of Infragistics' 250 workers are now working remotely. No free food.
Infragistics, which makes software for professional developers said that it was "really simple" to move to remote work after the pandemic. Dean Guida, CEO of Infragistics, told Insider. Infragistics already had policies for employees working from home in place in six of its offices in the US and the UK.
Guida stated that staff lost interest in coming to the office and it was difficult for them to feel connected.
He said, "Everyone is missing and longing to have social and physical interaction."
Continue reading: Europe's startups manage the transition to hybrid work through employee surveys, mandated days and mental-health training
"COVID kinda messed with a lot of stuff."
Guida stated that the company had made efforts to create a "physical environment [with] really cool workplaces," and a culture that allowed employees to freely express ideas, ask for help, and collaborate with their colleagues.
Guida stated that the company has "really cool places for employees to work in its offices." Infragistics
Guida stated that the company spent approximately $50,000 per year on candy for its offices. However, they stopped spending this amount in 2018, after HR got "really angry" with them because they weren't encouraging healthy living.
He said that the company switched to free fruit drinks and had a subsidised cafeteria for staff, which served "really good food." COVID messed with a lot of things."
Infragistics provided subsidized meals to its staff. Infragistics
Guida stated that the market for tech talent was tight during the pandemic. He wanted Infragistics to have a sense culture and belonging so he increased the company's perks.
"There was a lot poaching in the tech sector pre-COVID. It got worse after COVID," Guida stated. "The intensity of headhunters has been insane."
Guida stated that Infragistics spent approximately $10,000 on staff care packages, including coasters, blankets and socks. Guida also said that Precitate software was purchased to create office parties online.
Infragistics sent care packages to its employees. Infragistics
He said, "It's almost like an online experience. You're in a bubble and you can see people talking." It stimulates a party atmosphere.
Guida said that many teams held personal check-ins, where staff could talk about topics such as family and weekend plans.
He said, "It's created a great connection which actually helps businesses." It helps everyone feel closer to one another and trusts them all more.
Guida stated that care packages were not meant to replace catered meals for 250 people five days a weeks and snacks. Guida said that the company made a major investment by establishing the Infragistics Innovation Fund and Lab. This allows employees to create their own business ideas.
Guida stated that only 30% of Infragistics employees want to return to work full-time or part-time.
Guida stated that two Infragistics offices, one in Uruguay and one in Bulgaria, are currently open. Guida said that around a third of their employees are coming in for collaborative work, but most only for one to two days per week.
Guida stated that Infragistics originally planned to reopen the Cranberry office in New Jersey in September. However, the spread of the Delta variant has forced Guida to postpone this. The reopening of the office is scheduled for October.
