This winter, Henrik Ollus, our Customer Success Manager, has spent almost two months in sunny and warm Valle de Agaete, the Countryside of Gran Canaria, Spain. We asked him to share his tips with anyone who is planning a similar experience. 

How easy it was to organize everything?  

It all started with an idea that we discussed at a weekly company meeting on Friday. My colleagues supported it and I started planning the trip.

It was easy to organize a quiet and comfortable workspace with a good internet connection as I had my own apartment in Spain. I however had to buy a second screen when I first arrived at Gran Canaria to set up an efficient and ergonomic workstation. During my time abroad I didn’t suffer any problems or distractions that would have disturbed my work.

Valle de Agaete is 2 hours behind Helsinki. My first meeting usually starts at 9 am Finnish time, which was 7 am for me. Because of that, I got up at 6 am most mornings.. 

Was teamwork as efficient as if you were in Helsinki with the team? 

When the COVID crisis hit us, the whole QOCO team easily and quickly adapted to remote work. With this experience, remote work doesn’t impose any challenges on our collaboration anymore.

I’m exclusively working with global customers, meaning that meetings are online even if I were working from our Helsinki office. Working from abroad did not impact customer communication either.

Any struggles in communication while working abroad?

Not really. When in Finland, and the COVID situation allows, I usually work 1 or 2 days from the office. Honestly, I did miss those office visits and seeing my colleagues in person a bit.

Anything that worked better than when you are home in Helsinki?

While the darkness and intermittent slush and freezing weather in Finland is great for building character, I did think that it was easier to enjoy my free time in shorts, next to hiking trails and surf spots ;) 

Any good-to-know that you would appreciate knowing before leaving for a trip?

There wasn’t really any hassle. I might well do something similar next winter. 

QOCO fully supports remote work and temporary relocation to another country or city. Many of our employees are often traveling abroad, whether visiting families or just exploring new cities. Sounds like a perfect job for you? We are rapidly growing and looking for new talents. Check out our Career opportunities.

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