Quadcode is recognized as a significant player in the fintech sector, specializing in financial brokerage activities and offering advanced financial products globally. Steering the Corporate Communications and Culture at the company, Demetris Portokaloglou, a seasoned expert with a rich background in public relations and political sciences, plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s ethos and public image.

Demetris has conversed with FastForward, exploring the essential aspects that define and propel Quadcode’s success. He articulately discusses the importance of corporate culture in today’s business environment, emphasizing the interdependent relationship between a positive work environment and organizational achievement. Demetris also shares his perspectives on the dynamic and evolving nature of Quadcode’s corporate culture, reflecting on its core values of Honesty, Accountability, Proactivity, and Collaboration. Additionally, he illuminates the strategies used to ensure inclusivity and diversity at Quadcode, as well as the company’s commitment to social responsibility.

In my role as a Communications Manager, I have firsthand experience with the profound impact of corporate culture on organizational success. I've observed various examples of both positive and negative cultures, underscoring the critical role a strong and positive environment plays in fostering a thriving business.

Corporate culture is more than just a buzzword; it's a driving force that influences employee engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction. Creating a workplace where employees feel valued, appreciated, and supported is a daily commitment that goes beyond routine tasks.

I firmly believe that management's role in shaping the culture is paramount. Leaders must set the tone, inspiring teams and fostering a fair, transparent, and supportive atmosphere. Transparent communication is vital for building trust and collaboration among team members.

Another often overlooked factor is paying attention to small details. I am a strong advocate for the significance of small daily things. Factors such as the work environment, amenities like parking facilities, high-quality workspaces, relaxation areas, and well-stocked healthy snacks and refreshments all contribute to a positive atmosphere, collectively enhancing employees' well-being.

Flexibility in working hours is another crucial aspect contributing to a positive corporate culture. Allowing employees autonomy in managing their schedules promotes a healthy work-life balance, ultimately boosting overall job satisfaction.

At Quadcode, our corporate culture is really dynamic and evolving I must say, acting as a reflection of the nature of our business. Dealing with technology means we should be one step ahead, continually following trends and innovating to remain at the forefront of our industry. We see ourselves as a group of pioneers, always ready to challenge the status quo and reinvent ourselves to meet the demands of a rapidly changing landscape.

Our main values—Honesty, Accountability, Proactivity, and Collaboration—serve as a compass in this dynamic environment. They not only guide our actions but also contribute to the vibrant and forward-thinking atmosphere that defines Quadcode. Transparency and accountability are essential as we navigate the challenges of our industry, and proactivity is ingrained in our approach to anticipate and address emerging trends.

Collaboration is not just a value but a daily practice, as we understand the power of collective intelligence and diverse perspectives. Moreover, we place our colleagues at the center of everything we do, ensuring that our workplace is not only innovative but also supportive and inclusive. This commitment to our values, coupled with our evolutionary mindset, positions Quadcode as a company that thrives on constant innovation and embraces change as an opportunity for growth.

As mentioned earlier, I strongly believe that organizational culture is shaped from the top down. At Quadcode, our leadership recognizes the pivotal role that culture plays in fostering employee engagement, and we employ a variety of strategies to reinforce this relationship.

One of our key tactics is the use of Regular All Hall Meetings. These meetings provide a platform for open communication, where leadership shares insights into the company's vision, challenges, and successes. This fosters transparency and a shared understanding of our goals among all employees.

We've also embraced an informal communication approach, allowing everyone to message anyone and ask questions freely. This approach eliminates unnecessary formalities and encourages open dialogue, making communication more accessible and fluid across all levels of the organization.

To further encourage open communication, we endorse a hotline service where everyone can send ideas, advice, or complaints completely anonymously. This ensures that every employee has a voice, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

As an international company with a global presence, our commitment to fostering an inclusive culture is a top priority in our operations. We employ various tactics and strategies to ensure that our corporate culture reflects our diverse backgrounds and unites employees in ways that promote collaboration and mutual understanding.

We maintain a global recruitment policy, actively seeking talent from various regions to create a rich and multinational team. We embrace a flexible working schedule, allowing employees to work from home or remotely. We also encourage a flexible approach to work hours beyond the conventional 9-to-5 framework, acknowledging and supporting the diverse needs and preferences of the team.

Continuous training and education are paramount. We've developed an Intercultural Training Course to guide employees on key attributes and efficient cross-cultural communication. English serves as our primary language, emphasizing mutual respect and a shared means of communication.

Throughout the year, we host a great range of celebratory events such as family days, sports happenings and challenges, team-building events, annual corporate parties, and international days at the office featuring local cuisines provide opportunities for employees to come together, strengthen bonds, and appreciate the diversity within our team.

By integrating some of those strategies, Quadcode ensures that our workplace remains inclusive and mirrors the diverse perspectives of our team and clients. This commitment not only enriches our culture but also positions our company to excel in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Our CSR initiatives revolve around key pillars, placing a significant emphasis on supporting local communities, fostering education, and endorsing environmental sustainability. What sets our commitment apart is that it extends beyond financial contributions. We actively involve our employees in volunteering activities, recognizing their pivotal role in contributing to meaningful and lasting change.

We recently did something great for our community by teaming up with Aris Limassol FC to create a football academy in Kalavasos village. Quadcode, as the main sponsor, took care of all the costs like monthly fees, coaching salaries, and sports gear. We even encouraged our employees to get their kids involved and be a part of the academy's growth.

What makes our CSR approach truly impactful is the active involvement of our employees in various volunteering activities. From regular blood donations to collecting food and clothes for those in need, organizing clean-ups, and contributing to animal welfare through food drives and shelter visits, our team is engaged and connected to our CSR mission.

The culmination of these efforts not only underscores our commitment to social responsibility but also fosters a profound sense of pride among our employees. We firmly believe that by actively participating in and supporting such initiatives, we not only contribute to creating a positive and meaningful impact in the wider communities we serve but also cultivate a corporate culture that is characterized by empathy, purpose, and shared responsibility.

As we look ahead to shaping the future of corporate communications and culture at Quadcode, we've already initiated transformative steps. We've introduced an AI-powered Chat Bot to enhance HR-related communication and we’re committed to its ongoing development.

Additionally, we're investing in employee well-being through experiential seminars and sport activities fostering a culture that prioritizes mental and physical health.

Furthermore, we're planning to revolutionize learning and development with TEDx-like conferences hosted at our premises, ensuring a dynamic and innovative approach to skill enhancement.

What: Quadcode

Where: Limassol & Larnaca, Cyprus

More Info: jobs.quadcode.com

Who: With almost a decade of experience in Corporate Communications, Demetris Portokaloglou serves as the Head of Corporate Communications & Culture at Quadcode. Holding a B.A. in Public Relations and a Master's in Political Sciences, he specializes in strategic communication and organizational culture development. Demetris has a rich history of collaboration with global brands, and his dedication lies in fostering vibrant corporate cultures that empower organizations to thrive.