Blog from July, 2023

We're thrilled to announce an exciting event that will be making its debut at Alto – Bring Your Parent to Work Day!

Mark your calendars for August 1st, as we're gearing up to welcome our employees' amazing parents into the heart of our workplace. On this special day, our employees will have the wonderful opportunity to proudly introduce their parents to the place where they spend their weekdays creating magic.

What to Expect

  • Guided Office Tours: Parents will embark on guided tours, exploring the various departments where their children work and getting a firsthand look at their roles and responsibilities.

  • Engaging Workshops: Informative workshops will provide parents with insights into their children’s work. From the creative wonders in marketing to the technical prowess in engineering, they'll gain a deeper understanding of our company's diverse functions.

  • Showcasing Accomplishments: Our star employees will have the chance to showcase their proudest accomplishments.

  • Team-Building Fun: To enhance the sense of community, we have planned team-building activities that will encourage parents to join in the camaraderie with their children's coworkers.

  • Q&A Session: The day will conclude with an open Q&A session, where parents can ask questions about the company, its values, and its vision for the future.

Building a Supportive and Inclusive Workplace

"Bring Your Parent to Work Day" embodies Alto’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. By welcoming parents into our workplace, we celebrate the significance of family ties and the role they play in our employees' professional growth.

Stay Tuned for Updates!

We can't wait to make this day a cherished memory for all involved. Stay tuned for further announcements and detailed schedules closer to the date.

For more information, contact the HR department.

Remember to use your physical/outdoor activity! You can use one hour of your work time every week to do so. This is in addition to your normal breaks and is counted as regular working hours. You can also divide it into smaller chunks throughout the week, 15 minutes being the minimum for one entry.

Report it in Flexr under project “Outdoor activity” (Stockholm) or under time code “PHYS - Physical acitivity” (London/New York).

We are thrilled to spotlight an incredible milestone as we celebrate Teresa Jones' remarkable journey of dedication and contribution over the past 10 years. Teresa's unwavering commitment, passion, and expertise have left an indelible mark on our company, shaping our culture and driving our success.

Throughout her tenure, Teresa's innovative thinking and proactive approach have driven numerous transformative projects, leaving an enduring impact on our products and services. Her ability to navigate challenges with grace and find creative solutions has set an example for us all. We give the word to her:

From tackling challenges to celebrating victories, it's been a whirlwind of growth and laughter. Here's to a decade of learning, leading, and sharing some unforgettable moments with this amazing team!

- Teresa Jones

Please join us in congratulating Teresa on this incredible milestone and thanking her for her exceptional contributions. We look forward to the journey ahead as we continue to thrive and grow with her leadership and expertise by our side.

We're hiring!

We’re looking to grow the team even further this year. Here are the new roles we are looking to hire:

  • QA Analyst

  • BI Specialist

  • Product Manager (Cross Platform)

  • Support Engineer

With restrictions easing in some offices we introduce updates to our working from home policy to accommodate a more flexible approach. These changes offer you the autonomy to decide where you work - whether from the comfort of your home or in the office.

The main updates

  • The offices are not open in the following offices: Stockholm, London and New York.

  • Updates to the office schedule

  • It’s now up to you whether you wish to work from home or from the office

Process for logging whether you will work from home or office

  1. Access the Work Location Portal: Log in to our internal portal using your credentials. Navigate to the 'Work Location' section, which will be prominently displayed on the homepage for easy access.

  2. Select Your Preferred Location: In the portal, you will find an option to indicate your preferred work location for the upcoming days or weeks. You can choose between working from home or from the office, depending on your current needs and circumstances.

  3. Provide Additional Information (Optional): While indicating your work location, you'll have the option to add any relevant notes or details, such as the specific days you plan to be in the office or any collaborative projects you're involved in.

  4. Submit Your Choice: Once you've made your selection and added any necessary information, simply hit the 'Submit' button. Your choice will be recorded in the system, helping our teams anticipate office occupancy and optimize resources accordingly.

  5. Flexibility Moving Forward: You can update your work location preferences as needed, providing ultimate flexibility to align with your schedule, responsibilities, and personal preferences.

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We are thrilled to announce that Alto has once again claimed a spot on the esteemed "Best Workplaces" list! This recognition wouldn't be possible without the passion, creativity, and dedication that each member of our team brings to the table. Here's to achieving new milestones and another great year to come.

Working from home has become the new norm, and while it comes with its perks, it also presents unique challenges. Whether you're a seasoned remote worker or new to the game, these five tips will help you stay productive, maintain work-life balance, and make the most of your work-from-home experience:

1. Set Up Your Workspace

Create a dedicated workspace that's comfortable, organized, and free from distractions. A designated area helps signal to your brain that it's time to work. Keep essential supplies within reach and personalize your space with a touch of inspiration, whether it's a potted plant or your favorite motivational quote.

2. Stick to a Routine

Maintain a consistent daily routine, just like you would if you were heading into the office. Set regular working hours, take breaks, and don't forget to clock out at the end of the day. A routine helps establish boundaries between work and personal time, contributing to a healthier work-life balance.

3. Dress for Success

While the allure of pajamas is strong, getting dressed as if you're going to the office can boost your productivity and mindset. You don't need to wear a suit, but changing out of your sleepwear can help shift your focus into work mode and increase your overall motivation.

4. Embrace Technology

Stay connected with your team using collaboration tools and video conferencing platforms. Regular check-ins, virtual meetings, and team chats ensure you're not working in isolation. Leverage technology to foster communication and share updates.

5. Take Breaks and Move

Schedule short breaks throughout your day to stretch, walk around, or simply relax. Movement not only benefits your physical health but also helps clear your mind and enhance focus. Consider using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) to maintain a balance between productivity and rejuvenation.

Remember, finding what works best for you might take some trial and error. Experiment with these tips and adjust them to fit your personal preferences and work style. By implementing these strategies, you can create a productive and enjoyable work-from-home routine that keeps you motivated and engaged.

Remote After Work this Friday

We know that remote work can sometimes feel a little disconnected, and we're here to change that. Get ready to unwind, share some laughs, and raise your spirits because we're excited to invite you to our upcoming Virtual Happy Hour Extravaganza! 🎉

Date & Time
7 September 2023 at 5PM CET

Place to be
Google Meet Room (link will follow soon)

Why Join?

Let's face it – we miss those water cooler chats, quick office catch-ups, and the energy of being together. Our virtual happy hour is the perfect way to recreate that sense of camaraderie, even from the comfort of our own homes. It's a chance to take a break from spreadsheets and emails and just enjoy each other's company.

What to Expect

Prepare to be delighted! We've got an evening filled with laughter, connection, and perhaps a few surprise activities up our sleeves. We'll kick things off with some icebreakers to break down the virtual barriers and get everyone in the mood. Then, we'll dive into some fun games that'll have you competing, collaborating, and maybe even blushing a little (in a good way, we promise!).

And of course, it wouldn't be a happy hour without some delicious drinks and snacks. Whether you're sipping on your favorite beverage or trying out a new mocktail recipe, we encourage you to bring your festive spirit to the virtual table.

How to Join

Joining our Virtual Happy Hour Extravaganza is as easy as 1-2-3:

  1. Mark your calendar for 17 September at 5 pm CET.

  2. Click on the meeting link we'll send your way via email before the event.

  3. Show up with a smile, your preferred drink/snack, and an open mind ready for a good time!

RSVP

To help us make this event as fabulous as possible, please RSVP by 3 September. This will give us an idea of how many colleagues to expect and ensure we have enough virtual seats for everyone.

We can't wait to see each and every one of you at our Virtual Happy Hour Extravaganza. Let's create some unforgettable memories, share stories, and toast to our amazing team.

We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and providing our employees with opportunities to rejuvenate and recharge. To ensure that our team can enjoy well-deserved breaks, we have established the following fictional holiday policy.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Every full-time employee is entitled to a generous PTO allowance of 25 days per calendar year. Part-time employees will receive a prorated amount based on their weekly hours. This PTO can be used for any purpose, including vacations, personal days, or mental health breaks.

Floating Holidays

In addition to the standard PTO, each employee will receive two floating holidays per year. These days can be taken at the employee's discretion and do not need to be pre-approved by a manager. They are intended to cater to personal and cultural observances.

Winter Retreat Week

During the last week of January, we’ll close our offices for the Winter Retreat Week. All employees will receive this week off as a chance to unwind and embrace the joys of winter. The company will organize optional virtual team-building activities for those interested.

Summer Adventure Break

In the first two weeks of July, we'll encourage our employees to embark on their own summer adventures. To facilitate this, the company will offer a stipend to each employee to support their chosen activity, whether it's a hiking trip, a beach vacation, or a creative workshop.

Mental Health Mondays

Recognizing the importance of mental well-being. institutes Mental Health Mondays once a quarter. On these designated Mondays, employees can choose to take a day off to focus on self-care and recharge their mental batteries.

Extended Leave Program

For those seeking an extended break, we offer an Extended Leave Program. Employees with at least two years of service can apply for a sabbatical of up to three months, during which they will receive 50% of their salary and maintain their benefits.

Flexible Work Arrangements

To accommodate diverse lifestyles, we support flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, compressed workweeks, and job sharing. This promotes a harmonious integration of work and personal commitments.

Holiday Bonus

As a token of appreciation, all employees will receive a special holiday bonus in December. This bonus reflects the company's gratitude for their dedication throughout the year.

Encouraged Digital Detox

Employees are encouraged to take periodic digital detoxes, during which they disconnect from work-related devices and communication. We believe this practice fosters a healthier work-life balance.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with our HR support desk.

New Alto intranet rolled out

We're thrilled to introduce the Alto Intranet, our new platform for enhanced collaboration and connectivity. Say hello to streamlined communication, centralized resources, and effortless teamwork. The rollout took place in three phases: pilot, departmental, and company-wide launch.

Phased rollout - a recap

  1. Pilot Phase. A select group of employees had the opportunity to explore and test the intranet's features. This phase allowed us to gather valuable feedback and make any necessary adjustments.

  2. Departmental Rollout. Following the successful pilot phase, we gradually introduced the intranet to different departments, providing thorough training and support to ensure a smooth transition.

  3. Company-Wide Launch. Now it’s time for the moment supreme! The Alto Intranet is available to all employees across the organization. We will celebrate this milestone with training sessions, Q&A sessions, and a series of fun activities to help everyone make the most of this new tool.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together!