Team building through fresh eyes – employee’s experience

Since the beginning of Software Sauna, team building day has been one of the company’s cornerstones. Now, as a fully remote company, the value of this live event is higher than ever – you don’t get to see your teammates that often!

We faced another new challenge – the challenge of internationalization: colleagues coming from four countries and nine cities. After weighing the options, staying close to Sauna’s birth city and HQ, Zagreb, made sense. So, we decided to head east from Zagreb and spend the day at a lovely local vineyard: Vostinic Klasnic
Winery & Gallery.

And hello there! I’m Viktor, a Senior Full Stack Developer from Macedonia. As someone who just recently joined Software Sauna, this was my first opportunity to experience our team building magic and meet the team members who could attend the event. I want to share my impressions and thoughts about the event to give you a glimpse of the Sauna vibe and culture. Here we go!

Team bonding: where fun meets flawless planning

My immediate impression: hands down – the entire event was flawlessly planned and executed in terms of both organization and logistics. Every team member who wanted to join the event got all the support they needed, and they were all set up and covered by the company.

Naturally, there was a schedule in place, and we followed it as punctually as possible without compromising the fun the team was having. The activities were creative and served a positive purpose, whether helping the team get to know one another, showcasing individual creativity, learning new things, or simply having fun.

Wining and dining: team bonding at the vineyard

Before the actual team-building day, we all got together in the city of Zagreb, the beautiful capital of Croatia. Thinking afterward, this was crucial because, for some colleagues like me, it meant meeting your team in person for the first time. The accommodations provided in Zagreb were more than adequate and conveniently located near the company office. It was easy to visit the office and meet my colleagues who were working on-site the day I arrived.

The following day, we departed for the actual team-building location, a lovely privately-owned vineyard near Zagreb. There, we had the chance to socialize and sample a wide variety of drinks from the winery. Soon after breaking the ice, the first activity began—a game where we were split into teams and challenged to showcase our creativity through photography.

After some fierce photo sessions, it was time for lunch, and the buffet stayed open throughout the day. There was certainly no shortage of food and drinks – just perfect!

The day continued with various activities and competitions. Yes, competitions – including prizes received by the best teams! Also, the most deserving individuals were rewarded for their contributions in the past months. We spent almost the entire day at the winery, and by evening, we returned to Zagreb.

Great vibes and a dog that just won’t quit

What impressed me the most was how easygoing and pleasant the entire team was to be around. I learned a lot from talking and mingling with everyone, and I’m already looking forward to the next event. Additionally, the company’s efforts to ensure everyone felt welcomed, included, and appreciated left a lasting impression on me.

As a bonus, I must mention the winery’s dog, who never seemed to tire and spent the entire day hanging out with us. Earns a medal; such a perfect furry host for the place!

Sauna culture: where work meets wellness

Before joining Software Sauna, I had only read online about software companies and their awesome team-building days like this. I was skeptical: do they actually exist? Well, they do! Now, I feel thrilled and privileged to be part of a culture like this.

The Sauna atmosphere is exactly what a healthy work environment should feel like—one where you can excel at your strengths while learning from others, improving yourself, and helping your colleagues wherever possible.

Once the final goodbyes are said, after a beautiful, sunny day spent at a vineyard with breathtaking views stretching across the rolling hills, you realize it was absolutely worth it. This is why we live by the philosophy: Work remotely, be flexible, but when it’s time for a live event, do it right—with a touch of style.