Pilot project Croatia 2021

AgileWorks, as the name suggests, stands out in software development primarily due to its agile approach. Our agility does not compromise other equally important aspects of work. We are flexible and quickly adaptable. The global COVID-19 situation demonstrated that such qualities are highly beneficial.

We have always tried to allow our employees to work remotely if they wish. Some team members have already done remote work from outside of Estonia. Consequently, we brainstormed and thought, why not combine work and travel with colleagues. Done and done! We decided to implement our first remote work pilot project and traveled to Split, Croatia. Here’s a brief travel diary about our foreign trip to Croatia's second-largest city.

The trip was primarily undertaken to step into the unknown, leave our comfort zone, experience something new, and, of course, boost the COVID-worn motivation levels. Participation in the trip was voluntary, but since the offer was enticing and a change of environment was much needed, several of us decided to pack our bags and bid farewell to Estonia for a month.

Split is a charming port city on the Adriatic Sea, combining all of nature's gifts. It boasts lush forests and hiking trails with gigantic aloe plants. The mountainous landscape, with a peak in the heart of Split offering a stunning city view, and the sea! You can't get enough of the sea in Split – the harbor sees large ships taking tourists to Croatia's various islands, of which there are 1,200! All over the city, you can find small coves to enjoy the beach. The beaches are mostly rocky, but the crystal-clear water compensates for the lack of sand. Split's old town, built within Emperor Diocletian's palace, has extremely narrow streets that feel like a labyrinth. Every corner hides new tiny cafes and souvenir shops.

A month in Split flew by because there was so much to discover. We shared office space with a local travel agency, which became quite homey over time. The office was not as modern as our place on Erika Street, but the people were kind and the atmosphere pleasant. They also organized bicycles for each team member, which were in constant use, and we often went on joint bike rides around Split. The accommodations were just a nice bike ride away from the office. Sometimes, after work, we did yoga on the home beach, led by our yoga enthusiast office manager, a great way to unwind after a long day. On weekends, we had more time to explore Croatia together. For instance, we drove to Biokovo, the second largest mountain range in Croatia. The drive itself was an adventure – lunar landscapes, mountain cows, and stunning views! We also visited Krka National Park, usually full of tourists, but due to the pandemic, it felt like the park was just for us.

It may seem like this project was just one big trip, but it wasn't. We successfully combined work and leisure time, and as our feedback survey showed, the motivation to work there was very high. In Croatia, we decided to start the workday together, unlike our usual flexible office hours. Our project manager organized a quick morning gathering where everyone stated their daily goals. We had lunch and closed the office together. We maintained constant communication with other colleagues via video calls. Besides the 2,400km distance, it was just like regular remote workdays. However, at the end of the day, we got to enjoy a different environment and broaden our horizons.

On the last day before returning, we gathered with the entire Croatian team and reminisced about the best moments of the trip. The memories were heartwarming. While we visited Split’s famous landmarks, the most memorable moments were the small ones spent together – morning swims, Sunday pancake mornings, and more.

Back home, it’s nice to remember this work trip. It gave the entire team a fresh start, much-needed motivation, and brought us closer together. We will certainly continue such projects in the future! If small changes can make our employees' eyes shine, it’s 100% worth it. Cheers to more trips and adventures!