In March 2024, I began a new chapter in my career as a Senior Software Engineer with Addteq Inc. The experience has been both fulfilling and rewarding. From the outset, Addteq has demonstrated a modern approach to work culture, emphasizing flexibility and trust in its employees. This blog post explores my journey at Addteq, highlighting the company’s commitment to a positive work environment and work-life balance.
Remote Work and Flexibility
Throughout my career, I have benefited from the work-from-home opportunities that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. I worked remotely within the Center of Excellence (COE) in my previous organization. It allowed me to gain valuable experience and collaborate closely with the CTO. However, my role involved handling various responsibilities and technologies like leading different cross-functional product development teams, juggling multiple technologies, managing team tasks, handling dependencies, deploying to servers, and conducting recruitment interviews—all simultaneously. The schedule was often hectic, and while it significantly improved my skills, it made my work-life balance a distant dream. The intense workload and stress even took a toll on my health.
One of Addteq’s standout features is its emphasis on flexibility. This allows employees to choose when and where to work, ensuring effective collaboration. This approach has greatly enhanced my productivity and job satisfaction. Addteq supports me in creating a work environment that suits my needs.
My primary responsibilities include updating my calendar for meetings and completing my assigned Jira tickets on time, all facilitated by Addteq’s Agile product development methodology. Additionally, if I need to attend to personal matters during work hours, I can complete my work beforehand or catch up later. This level of autonomy is incredibly liberating, allowing me to maintain a healthy balance between my professional and personal life.
A Positive and Healthy Environment
In my previous role, despite significant growth and skill development, I often felt overwhelmed with work. I sometimes required weekend efforts that compromised my work-life balance. At Addteq, the workplace environment is characterized by positivity and support. From day one, I felt welcomed and valued as part of a team prioritizing collaboration and mutual respect. This atmosphere fosters creativity and enhances employee well-being, creating a space where everyone can thrive professionally and personally.
Supportive Leadership
I have been fortunate to work with supportive leaders throughout my career, and my experience at Addteq has been no different. The role of leadership, particularly our engineering manager, has been instrumental in my journey. Their approachable and supportive demeanor has been crucial whenever I faced challenges or needed guidance. This open communication and willingness to assist have eased my transition into the company and motivated me to excel in my role.
Empowering Work Culture
In a past life (aka my previous job), time tracking and screenshot capture felt like Big Brother was watching my every move. It was micromanagement at its finest—or worst, depending on your perspective. At Addteq, it’s a breath of fresh air. There is a notable absence of micromanagement, empowering employees to take ownership of their tasks and projects. The only things that are monitored are the daily scrums and weekly sprints. This autonomy fosters accountability and enables us to deliver results efficiently. Instead of focusing on work hours, we concentrate on task progress and outcomes. Our daily scrum meetings are like team huddles where we break down tasks and track progress—minus the stress of a time clock. It’s like being trusted with the keys to your own work car.
True productivity blossoms when team leaders trust their team. The more systems you put in place to control the work-hours, the more team will game the system and reduce the output
~Adisa Craig, Engineering Manager
Conclusion
In conclusion, my experience at Addteq Inc. has underscored the benefits of a supportive and flexible work environment. The company’s dedication to promoting work-life balance through remote work opportunities and a positive workplace culture has enhanced my professional growth and contributed to my overall well-being. I am grateful to be part of a team where collaboration, trust, and respect are integral to our daily operations.
If you seek a company that values employees and prioritizes work-life balance, Addteq Inc. is a shining example of how modern workplaces can foster success and happiness in equal measure.
