On 19th January 2017 was our 5th working holiday, and I thought it is the right time to pause and reflect on this initiative which we started in April 2015.
Taking time to reflect on what's most important to create ways to overcome difficult challenges is goal of #WorkingHoliday at @shimbilabs
— Siddharth Deshmukh (@siddhud) January 22, 2017
Here is my email to Shimbi Labs Team proposing the idea of Working Holiday.
Team,
In my last email communication, I expressed my displeasure regarding efficiency and standard of coding, but I don’t want only complain. We must move forward and take action, do something to improve the situation.
I was thinking about the same and a couple of weeks ago also discussed with Kailash. We need some training, brainstorming, formulate some framework. To do all this, we must invest some time that is so hard to find on a regular workday. However, we must work on these crucial issues.
Today I wish to propose a WORKING HOLIDAY concept at ShimBi Labs.
So, what is Working Holiday?
It's just another ordinary working day, but the only difference is, we will not work on regular projects. Instead, we will work on how to improve efficiency, build a framework for development and create some coding standards. Brainstorm new ideas, try to solve each other's problems and yes not to forget to have some fun as well.
I propose to have Working Holiday on every 2nd Wednesday of the alternative month, starting 8th April 2015. So we will have 6 Working Holidays in a year.
Working Holiday is a significant initiative & investment towards employees skill upgrade and companies future.
I am open to your suggestions and expect active participation.
Siddharth
Team coming together to discuss some hard to crack #technology problems on #WorkingHoliday @shimbilabs pic.twitter.com/LdNfjapA1e
— Siddharth Deshmukh (@siddhud) January 19, 2017
Over a period Working Holiday idea evolved, and today we set the purpose of this day -
- To understand each other
- To improve communication
- To learn new things
- To be aware of what we do and why we do it
- Have fun!
To remain grounded sometime we seats on floor and discuss #WorkingHoliday @shimbilabs pic.twitter.com/HftKwR33w5
— Siddharth Deshmukh (@siddhud) January 19, 2017
Here is an internal video of me restating the purpose of working holiday and making sure we are continually watching ourselves and moving forward in our mission to be self-aware and deliver best to all our customers.
I think this initiative was well takeoff and it really helps us understand each other. We could examine our shortcomings and strengths. In future also we will continue to pause and ask ourselves tough questions and try to find answers.
And some times we step out to explore local #Musium #RajaKelkar #WorkingHoliday @shimbilabs pic.twitter.com/gl6ftVobP0
— Siddharth Deshmukh (@siddhud) January 19, 2017
Working Holiday like initiative is essential in continually changing and evolving world of technology. I would like to hear from you, what initiatives you are taking at your organisations? How do you deal with knowledge upgrade, stress management?