O2 flexibility: testimony of Yoan, back-end developer

Flow, a recruiting website that showcases flexible employers in Quebec, recently met up with Yoan, a back-end developer who’s been at O2 Web since 2014.

– What flexible work arrangements does your company offer? 

• Flexible schedule
• Work from home
• Management style isn’t based on employees working at the office
• Other: Work hours can be scaled back as needed

– Which flexible work arrangements do you take advantage of and why? 

I often choose to work from home and adjust my work schedule to suit my needs. Working from home means I don’t have to waste time commuting. It saves me about an hour per day, allows me to start a little earlier and helps me be more efficient overall. I take advantage of the flexible hours, regardless of whether I’m at home or travelling. I can choose to start earlier or later, depending on my needs. This gives me more flexibility when planning my week. If something comes up, I can always make up the time on the weekend.

– How do you benefit from flexible working conditions? 

The flexibility at O2 Web has made a huge difference in my personal life. I have more time to be with family and friends, keep up with house work and help out my family even though they live far away from me. I’m not as stressed and I really love knowing that we don’t have to physically go into the office. Another thing that’s completely changed my life is being able to work from anywhere in the world.
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places—like Costa Rica, Mexico, France and many more—while still working full-time! I’m extremely grateful for the flexibility that my company offers!

– Were flexible working conditions an important consideration when you were looking for a job? 

Even though that was 7 years ago, I remember that I wasn’t very enthused at the thought of working a classic 9 to 5. That seemed pretty old-school to me, even back then. O2 Web caught my attention because they were already offering a flexible schedule. I was thrilled with what they offered at the time, and I’m obviously delighted with how things have progressed. Remote work has definitely become a key criterion in what to look for.

– In the future (and only hypothetically), would you consider working for an employer that didn’t offer flexible work arrangements? 

I honestly don’t think I could go back, even if the salary was higher. Flexibility has become so important in the digital industry, I don’t think an employer could attract workers without it.

– How do flexible working conditions affect your physical and mental health? 

The pandemic forced us to make a lot of adjustments, but it actually prompted me to develop some healthy habits. Since I’m home all day, I’ve started going on a daily walk. It seems like a small thing, but it’s made a big difference for me, both mentally and physically. I also think my stress has gone down thanks to the flexible conditions. I’ve stopped worrying about what time I need to start, finish or take breaks. But I also recognize the value in going into the office now and then, whether it’s to see colleagues or to give my mental health a little boost.

– How do flexible working conditions affect your relationships with colleagues and superiors? 

Remote work has had a big impact on my relationships with colleagues. Even though we don’t see each other daily anymore, video calls help keep our relationships alive and give us a way to get some much-needed social interaction. Now we appreciate it more when we’re together in person. We no longer take each others’ company for granted. Plus, spending so much time at home means we’re more eager to get together for drinks after work or other social events.

– What makes the company an employer of choice for both managers and employees?

I’ve seen tremendous growth and change at O2 Web since I first started. Year after year, the agency never ceases to surprise me! In my experience, the company’s biggest strength is what we call the O2 Web familia. Everyone is really friendly and respectful. We’re all really close and enjoy spending time together, whether it’s to talk about work or to catch up after the work day is done. We always have fun together. Since it was founded, the agency has always made an effort to continually improve and adjust to the needs of its workforce. The agency wants everyone to contribute, regardless of their level of seniority. As employees, we feel like we belong and are heard. If you have a personal problem or work issue, there’s always someone available to help.

People are very supportive and welcoming to new team members. That’s why everyone feels included as part of the O2 Web familia. The company has set up a number of committees to steer the company’s development. One committee focuses solely on fun. They organize all kinds of activities throughout the year: softball, laser tag, picnics in the park or weekend getaways—you name it! There’s never a dull moment! Even with everyone working remotely, we’ve always found ways to include everyone and have a laugh over lunch or after work.