How Do We Strike a Balance Between Discipline and a Friendly Work Environment?

Does it sound contradictory to be both disciplined and relaxed at work? What if we told you (in Morpheus' voice) that it's very likely? Consider our organization. We foster a culture that encourages high-performance teams, meeting deadlines, and creating value for our clients while ensuring no one feels burned out and the workplace is pleasant. It means we prefer a discipline that's not rigorously structured. Instead, it reflects itself in flexibility, healthy boundaries, and mutual respect. And how does it work on the spot?

Respecting Individuality Is the Starting Point

It took some time to understand that there is no single best approach to creating a work environment that is both disciplined and enjoyable for all employees. How this balance is set up and maintained will depend on the experience and character traits of the people on the team. On the spot, this entails a different approach for young people, students, people with little or no work experience, and seasoned professionals. We have frank conversations with new employees struggling to fit in with their coworkers and develop soft skills. Helping them grasp what's expected of them plays a huge role in determining (on their own) the best way to maximize their output.

We do our best to get to know each member and give them the conditions they need to do their jobs best, whether that's working from home, in an open space, needing to be alone, working on a project while snacking, designing in slippers, or coming up with a marketing plan over a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Discipline, in our view, is not an objective in and of itself but rather flourishes in a setting where individuals treat one another with respect. Our team appreciates the labor of their colleagues. So we don't interrupt each other while we're trying to concentrate. Still, we all know we can always count on each other for assistance when we're "stuck," and overcome any difficulty with a positive attitude and a willingness to work through it.

Daily routines vary from person to person. Because of this, we allow everyone some leeway in choosing their schedules for work within the given time frame (10 am–6 pm in our case). Working when you are most productive promotes healthy self-discipline and boosts your well-being. Likewise, an arbitrary break (which we never deprive you of) enables everyone to listen to their body and give themselves a well-deserved rest. We are up to date with what period each of us is on break during the day and don't expect anyone to reply in a flash just because someone pings them at that particular moment. Non-collegiality, imposed overtime, pressure, and burnout have nothing to do with Lilly021. For us, discipline means being responsible, not abusing remote work, and respecting your own and other people's time. Being kind and understanding in communication with superiors, colleagues, and clients goes without saying.

Encouraging Genuineness and Collaboration

Let's say you like to make the most of your working hours, but you also enjoy chitchatting with your colleagues and want to get to know them better. You're more than welcome to. Lilly021 couldn't be further from the IT company where everyone sits hunched over their keyboards, addresses colleagues formally, and is afraid to express their opinion. On the vanguard side, we don't work with our feet up on the desk, coding with one hand and taking selfies with pink donuts for Instagram with the other. Not that we have anything against donuts! We simply try to follow the trend that we set for ourselves.

How we go about our work varies from day to day as the scope of the project grows or reduces. When there is a nagging bug that needs fixing, we focus in silence. Some days we work on less complicated tasks, so we crack jokes, comment on daily affairs, or share funny memes on the team channel. Each of us has the right to occasionally go to a quieter office if we have an important call with a client or to go out and get some fresh air when we need mind clearing. We don't micro-analyze every step but value everyone's right to make their work discipline a priority. Therefore, no matter what the day is, we know that we are accepted the way we are, and at the same time, our relationship is collaborative, and open to business brainstorming and launching initiatives.

No Room for Vanity

We're not just clocking in to make a buck. Our team is here to build smart software solutions, relying on our own and others' expertise, and contribute to shaping the digital future. Instead of being vain, we improve our services by incorporating the ideas and strategies of our teammates, giving even greater value to the client, learning, and progressing.

As we said, discipline goes hand in hand with responsibility. It's not a one-way street to put in the effort to finish a task that a superior, mentor, teammate, or client has given you by the deadline. Both individual drive and work ethic are essential. And when your team appreciates, supports, and motivates you, the fine line between discipline and fun at work is easy to walk!