As conventional office dynamics evolve, we like to seek feedback from our employees on their lived experience building an exciting career in the new paradigm. We want to acknowledge the many advantages, as well as any challenges that pop up along the way as we empower our pirates to thrive from anywhere.

With that in mind, we interviewed German Palomeque our Global Video Marketing Manager, to learn what hybrid work has meant for him since we decided to permanently adopt our new working model.

How did you feel when the company initially adopted hybrid work?

I felt great! It was a game changer, to me at least. There is nothing better than being able to work from wherever you are/want. Perhaps most importantly, it’s allowed me to devote more of my time to my family in Argentina, which has been so wonderful.

What has the change meant for your professional life?

I don’t imagine myself working in a fixed place anymore. That’s how powerful the experience has been. Having this freedom really motivates me to work, which has a direct impact on how I perform. I’d go as far as saying that this is vital for my professional life. It’s very hard to imagine going back to full time office work.

Do you consider yourself a digital nomad? Have you been able to travel more?

That’s a resounding yes! As I mentioned, this has enabled me to visit my loved ones at least 2 months a year, which is more than important to me. It completely eliminates the compromise of workplace location in an incredibly freeing way. And all the while, the change has facilitated my best work yet.

How cool is it to spend a couple of months per year in Argentina?

For me, returning to Argentina, the place where I grew up, every year is crucial. Spending time with my family and childhood friends is a way of reconnecting with a part of myself. Those trips to the rivers or road trips in the countryside, exploring new places (or old ones with fresh eyes and a new perspective), hold immense value. To be honest, I feel quite lucky to have the chance to do so. I typically travel during January and February when it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Being more inclined towards warm weather, I find it challenging to cope with winter in Berlin (like everyone else…).

The only downside to my yearly trip is that I usually gain at least 4 kilos each visit. It is very difficult not to indulge in Argentine gastronomy – from fresh pasta stores in every little town to ‘Asados’ (BBQs), pizzerias of European level everywhere, and the ice cream of your dreams.

The time difference with Europe is ‘just’ 4 hours. Work-wise, it is possible for me to travel for two reasons: Firstly, I take most of my holidays during this period. Secondly, I don’t usually have meetings before 10:30/11 am (luckily). This means I never have to open my laptop before 6 am when I am in Argentina.

And what has it meant in terms of work/life balance?

The possibility of traveling and working remotely is a big thing. You can have a more sustainable approach by traveling to any destination for longer times. You can connect more deeply with people from different places and have more time to share experiences during travel, doing the things that you like the most. You escape the constraints of strict holiday time-slots, and instead get the chance to merge your travel with remote work, which is amazing.

What has the company done to help ensure the hybrid working model works for everyone?

Giving people options was the most important thing. Feeling no pressure to be there in person, but always having the possibility to come into the Berlin HQ if you want, is fantastic. It is such a lovely workspace when you visit, so plenty of people do. Also having regular events in house, and many benefits and freebies for those who come in to the office motivates those who are in doubt. We can now cater to all work styles. Our office happiness manager has achieved great things.

What advice would you give someone who’s starting remote or hybrid work soon?

My professional tip: Make sure you always have a back up internet connection. Like a good phone data plan to create a hotspot if needed. That’s vital. It avoids suffering last minute, when the hotel Wi-Fi is not as good as they claimed.

Stay tuned for more insights behind the scenes at HolidayPirates Group!