Working remotely has its perks and I love the autonomy it brings to my role, but for me, as People & Legal Advisor at Wirex I genuinely believe that a key part of the workplace and employee experience is still getting to meet people in the flesh from time-to-time.
Remote work is great for flexibility, but without in-person interactions, it’s easy to feel a bit disconnected. Casual conversations, spontaneous brainstorming sessions, and those random office chats just weren’t happening anymore.
That’s where corporate social responsibility (CSR) became a game-changer.
From Colleagues to Teammates – The Power of Purpose
What started as a simple donation drive quickly turned into something more powerful: a bridge connecting our Wirexers across the globe.
I found myself working with colleagues from different teams and locations - people I’d never spoken to before. And suddenly, those virtual walls disappeared.
CSR gave us shared goals, real conversations, and a sense of teamwork that went beyond our daily tasks.
CSR as a Team-Building Experience
Let’s be honest, team-building exercises can sometimes be a bit… awkward. But CSR? This was different.
Shared wins – Co-ordinating the homeless collection drive wasn’t just logistics; it was about people uniting for something bigger.
Breaking down silos – I worked with teams I wouldn’t usually cross paths with. Suddenly, names on Teams became familiar faces.
Unexpected bonding moments – Conversations weren’t just about work tasks anymore - they were about how many coats we collected or how much money we donated.
The joy of purposeful work – Seeing our impact made everything feel so much more rewarding.
Stepping outside our usual roles to take part in other activities brought us together in a whole new way. It strengthened our bonds and made working together even better — a true win-win.
Feeling More Connected Than Ever
Looking back, CSR didn’t just boost team spirit, it completely transformed my work experience. And I am confident that others feel the same.
What started as a side initiative has now become a regular part of my work life. And we now have our event calendar filled with CSR activities. And the best part? This experience gave me a whole new outlook on what makes a company truly great.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for Blog 3: Why CSR Should Be at the Heart of Every Workplace.