Can you feel at home at work? You can, that’s what MAXIN’S branches are for.

People need more than just well-equipped offices and modern technology – we’ve had those since our inception in 2017, of course. They want to feel comfortable, be part of a team and work in an environment that energises them. We sensed their needs, listened to their feedback and decided to take action.

HR & Marketing and last but not least the company management played a key role in this journey (we needed to find a lot of money in the budget for this) because we all function as connected vessels – HR takes care of the well-being of the employees, acts as a bridge between the management and the employees and marketing helps to build the company culture and communication.

Or in other words, HR thinks of something, pushes the idea to marketing and they get to work. After all, they are creatives and they’ll turn one idea into 10 even more compelling ones, which fills me with joy. It just wouldn’t work without that interplay.

Together we set out to create a space where everyone feels at home, where it is natural to connect, discuss, relax and work with joy. And so the project to renovate our branches was born. Today we have 8 spaces in Slovakia:

• Bratislava
• Nitra
• Trenčín
• Žilina
• Námestovo
• Bardejov
• Košice
• Humenné

3 branches in the Czech Republic

• Prague
• Pardubice
• Ostrava

2 branches in Germany (under the Areon brand)

• Munich
• Ulm

Our refurbished premises are not just a workplace, but a place where people feel comfortable – whether at work, in informal conversations with colleagues or during moments of relaxation. Our aim was to create a working environment where everyone feels at home.

It’s clear from the moment you enter our offices that these are no ordinary offices – they are places full of life, well-being and individuality. Even the regular F2F, the evaluation of the adaptation after the probationary period or the assessment interviews suddenly have a different atmosphere.

What have we changed?

• Chillout zones: each team has its own space to relax – comfortable seats, board games, places to talk and relax. Employees meet, eat, debate common problems and share ideas.

• Personalised offices: the walls are no longer just white. Each team could customize them to their liking – inspiration boards, company values or personal photos give the spaces a unique character.

• Greenery and flowers: nature works wonders in offices – it not only beautifies the space, but also positively influences mood and productivity. Every office is full of greenery that adds freshness and energy.

• Comfortable workplaces: ergonomic chairs, plenty of light, quality work equipment – we’ve set everything up to make people feel comfortable and comfortable at work.

• Kitchenettes for everyday meetings: we know that sometimes the best ideas come over coffee. Our kitchenettes are a hub for informal conversations and sharing experiences.

We care about mental health. We are inspired by research and we are looking at the need of the younger generation, which is our future, so we need to adapt strategically because if we don’t adapt = we will lose smart people.

We now know that the working environment affects not only performance but also mental well-being. That’s why we strive to create conditions where people feel good, can concentrate, and at the same time take a moment to relax when they need it. We encourage open communication, where everyone has a voice, and look for solutions that help relieve stress or work pressure.

What do our employees have to say?

We wanted to know how our colleagues perceive this change, so we asked them a few questions:

How do you find working in a new environment?

I’m working very well in my new environment. The space is modern, welcoming and promotes focus. I feel comfortable and motivated here.

ZUZANA PÁNIKOVÁ – EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

I feel very comfortable here, the environment is pleasant and motivating.

JANA ŠABÍKOVÁ – PROJECT MANAGER

Which part of the new office do you like the most?

What I like most is the relaxation area, which is nicely furnished and cozy. It provides the perfect place to relax for a short break. It helps me to recharge my batteries for the next work.

My work corner is great – I have everything I need there, plus I have a view of the terrace and the greenery that changes every season, and it’s a nice contrast to the monitor and my work duties.

Has your productivity or mood at work improved?

I definitely do, I feel more productive and in a better mood. The new environment gives me more energy and motivation. I am comfortable and happy to work here.

Any positive change, even in the work environment, certainly helps to improve mood and efficiency at work.

What is your favourite moment of the day in our office?

My favourite moment during the day is lunch followed by an afternoon coffee in the relaxation zone. During lunch we can relax, chat with colleagues and switch off from work for a while. Afternoon coffee is great for recharging our energy and getting us in the mood for the rest of the working day.

It’s definitely a morning when my colleagues and I meet at the coffee machine and, in addition to coffee, we energize each other by encouraging each other.

The answers convinced us that we are going in the right direction. Feeling at home at work is not just a luxury, but a necessity for long-term satisfaction and a healthy company culture.

And what next?

Our work doesn’t stop there – we are constantly listening to our employees and adapting to their needs. We believe that our investment in the work environment pays us back in the form of happy and motivated teams.

Autor

Anna Brozák