In an innovative move aimed at fostering camaraderie and collaboration among its workforce. A company-Verkada, a leading cloud-based security firm based in California, has introduced the “3-3-3 Perk.” This unique initiative, launched in April last year, incentivizes employees to hang out together after 3 pm on the company’s dime, promoting team bonding and meaningful interactions outside the confines of the office.
Under the “3-3-3 Perk,” three or more employees are encouraged to gather for food and drinks, with each participant allotted $30 to cover expenses. The brainchild behind this initiative, CEO Filip Kaliszan, believes that these informal gatherings provide fertile ground for discussions that could spark innovative ideas and enhance workplace dynamics.
Speaking to Business Insider, CFO Kameron Rezai emphasized the company’s departure from the traditional happy hour model, stating, “The traditional way to do this is happy hour. We thought, can we do it better?” This sentiment underscores Verkada’s commitment to fostering a vibrant company culture that goes beyond conventional norms.
Since its inception, the “3-3-3 Perk” has garnered widespread participation, with approximately 1,800 employees taking advantage of the opportunity to connect with colleagues outside of work hours. However, participation isn’t just about enjoying complimentary refreshments; it also entails sharing snapshots of these bonding sessions on the company’s designated “3-3-3” Slack channel—a requirement that underscores the program’s emphasis on transparency and inclusivity.
For CEO Filip Kaliszan, the true value of the “3-3-3 Perk” lies not in its financial incentives but in its ability to cultivate a sense of community and shared purpose among employees. “It wasn’t about the money; it wasn’t about the budget. It was about everyone knowing that this is something they can do and then everyone getting excited about it,” Kaliszan remarked.
In an increasingly competitive industry landscape, characterized by tech giants worth billions, such as Verkada’s rivals, fostering meaningful employee interactions becomes paramount. As Kaliszan aptly notes, these informal gatherings provide a platform for employees to discuss relevant work-related matters, ultimately contributing to the company’s competitive edge and sustained growth.
As Verkada continues to champion innovation both in its product offerings and workplace culture, the “3-3-3 Perk” stands as a testament to its commitment to nurturing a cohesive and collaborative workforce poised for success in the dynamic realm of technology and security.
