Office Olympics: Building Blocks
And the winner of the 'Office Olympics' trophy is:
Building Blocks
How so? We ask Sil de Veer, who rolled into the Tilburg-based company Building Blocks barely two months ago. Sil is a data translator. That translation is in the use of data and Artificial Intelligence. Sil stands between the managers or project leaders of a company and the data scientists and engineers. It's up to him to ensure that data and business fit together as well as possible.
Is Building Blocks the rightful winner of this trophy?
"Haha, yes definitely! It's a company with a very fun, hip culture with friendly young people who are also very smart and driven. Together we build cool algorithms, and work on cool projects and innovations for great brands."
Okay Sil, clear. What marks do you give Building Blocks?
Clients and jobs: 8
"Building Blocks works for great brands. Coca Cola, Corendon, Basic-Fit, De Mandemakers Groep. It goes in all directions. Big brands and lesser known brands. Very diverse too. That's what makes it fun. I've just graduated, so I don't yet know exactly which client or job will suit me best. It's great to find out what I find interesting."
Working hours: 8
"I started at Building Blocks right after I graduated, without a break. So during my application I indicated that I wanted two months off in the summer. I have a big study behind me (two-year master Data Science & Entrepreneurship at JADS, ed.), so I could use some rest. Just do it, was the answer. This company gives you freedom and responsibility. That combination suits me well. Because I get the space, I am extra motivated to do the job well."
Culture: 10
"The atmosphere here is very relaxed. I can have the same conversation with an intern as with the owner, so to speak. It really is an open, flat organization. In terms of working hours you are very free. Everyone can work when and where they want. As long as the job gets done. You get that responsibility. In practice, it means that many people still come to the office during office hours, just for fun. Just for fun."
Trips: 9
"Every year there is a strategic trip where we all go abroad to think about the future of the company. And we also have a lot of fun. In my second week we went on a skiing trip with the party bus to Bottrop. It was nice to get to know colleagues in a different way for a change. I think it will make us work together even better. The relaxed, informal atmosphere makes it easier for me to talk to my colleagues.
Colleagues: 10
"The average age here is around 28-29 years. Most of my colleagues are in the same stage of life as I am. That's nice. I notice that the people who work here are super-driven in what they do. That ensures a certain level that I also want to meet. So it's nice and challenging. And we can also have a beer together outside of work, haha."