We are passionate about the preservation of our culture. From the beginning, we were clear about what was important to us, and what we wanted our culture to be.
This doesn’t mean we won’t make mistakes or have setbacks, but it does mean we have a clearly defined way of doing things. We know that some people simply won't be happy working here, and that's ok. We’re looking to attract and retain those who thrive in this type of environment.
Here are some examples of what we mean:
Core Hours
We are all expected to be in the office between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. These are our Core Hours when we’re all available for ad-hoc meetings, collaboration, brainstorming, and face-to-face creativity. For most Blu positions, the rest of day allows for more flexibility, as long as all deadlines are met and customers are served.
Focus Time
We attempt to observe focus time until 10:00 am each morning. During this time, we try to limit interruptions outside of public areas unless absolutely necessary. Focus time is the time when we plan, return phone calls, and individually execute outside of team efforts. We’re not offended by people closing their doors during this time.
Book of the Quarter
We foster an environment of continuous learning and curiosity. We provide a copy of a ‘book of the quarter’ to all individuals, and decide on the one ‘take-away’ we can implement at Blu to make us more effective.
Intranet
We’re clear about communication and use an intranet as our village newsletter and ‘clarity centre.’
Social Activities
We all lead busy lives that focus on home, outside interests, and work. There is usually little time for social activities, but we count on our annual holiday party and Blu picnic to provide opportunities to get to know each other and our families. Outside of these Blu-sponsored functions, we encourage individuals to organize additional activities outside of working hours.
Community Day
We allocate 1 day a year on which Blu shuts down and individuals all participate in giving back to the community. The chosen cause is determined by a staff vote.
Culture Destroyers
We discourage unkind behaviour of any kind towards people — internally or externally. We foster an environment where we encourage accountability for unnecessary comments that personally attack, are not constructive, or are not directly addressed with the affected party(ies).
We foster an environment where our actions and behaviours are driven by doing the right thing for Blu, teams, and the customer. People who are not supportive or straight with each other, criticize, roll their eyes, have sidebar conversations or gossip won’t do well here.
Conflict
We encourage constructive conflict and passionate business-related debates or discussions. We resolve conflict and let it go. Once a decision is made, we buy in, support it, and execute.