At Stenik, we provide our team with the opportunity for remote work, allowing them to work from the comfort of their homes from various locations across Bulgaria. This follows the trend of the "work from anywhere" model adopted by many large global technology companies. Often, colleagues choose to work from home or remotely to avoid commuting to the office, enabling them to achieve a better balance between work and personal life. Over the past year, we have welcomed to our team colleagues from cities such as Plovdiv, Haskovo, Svishtov, Burgas and Razgrad.
To foster close relationships among team members, which are built not only during work hours but also in informal settings, we frequently organize events and initiatives that colleagues from all over the country can participate in. In addition to our work schedule filled with tasks, we also fill our annual calendar with productive events and team-building activities.
A more emotional 2023
This year, we kicked off our team adventures at the end of April with a mini team-building event in two cities - Pazardzhik and Plovdiv. The choice of locations was not random; we wanted to get to know and bond with colleagues who work remotely from these cities. To our delight, team members from other cities, such as Shumen, also joined the event. We're pleased that kilometers have never stopped our team from coming together whenever the opportunity arises, driven by the desire to be together. Or, as we joke within the team, "If they don't come to the office, we'll go to them!"
Stenik hits the bullseye
One of our unforgettable team-building experiences was in Panagyurishte, where we shared wonderful emotions and some of the team members had the opportunity to try archery for the first time. Therefore, we decided to relive the experience and introduce the new colleagues to this thrill.
On the afternoon of April 22nd, we headed towards our first destination - the city of Pazardzhik. Our gracious hosts were KREZ Armory - the most modern shooting range complex in the Balkans. Besides being their guests, we're also their technological partner in developing their new online store, which we'll soon proudly showcase in our portfolio.
The adrenaline rush surged as we entered the shooting range, and the good mood swept over us from the start. After everyone registered and geared up, the group received thorough instructions. Professional instructors were available to the team, ensuring our excellent understanding of fair play, types of weapons, shooting stances, recoil control, grip, sights, aiming, loading, and most importantly, safety.
From the extensive selection of 43 different firearms offered by KREZ Armory, we chose 3 models of small-caliber pistols and the Grand Power - Stribog Carbine. Each team member had the opportunity to fire over 30 rounds with various firearms, and the targets were placed at distances ranging from 5 to 25 meters. We also received our individual paper targets to record our results. For our complete safety and comfort, we were equipped with earmuffs and tactical shooting glasses. During the shooting session, the professional team was always by our side, assisting even those of us who had never handled a firearm before.
It was an explosion of sensations - that's how we would describe the feeling of aiming and pulling the trigger, feeling the strong recoil and the pushback against the body, and seeing the shots hit the target that you aimed at.
Aiming for a 10 with the Stenik sights
The experience was anti-stress and provided a successful way to unwind at the end of the workweek. Some of our colleagues showcased their expertise, while others experienced something new and different. The team effectively worked on their focus and aim, definitely demonstrating good shooting skills.
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To everyone's surprise, some of our colleagues turned out to be quite accurate and rarely deviated from the center of the target. Among those who excelled were Dimo, Stefan, Nikolay, Dimitar, and Bozhidar. The ladies didn't lag behind in any way, showcasing impressive skills and precise aim. Zori hardly left any space outside the bullseye, and Martina proved to be skilled with the carbine. The professional instructors praised the team for the demonstrated skills and results.
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Some of the team even managed to mark off a few tasks and work without being disturbed by flying bullets and shots.
We thank Krez Armory for their hospitality, organization, wonderful attitude and experience. We're delighted to have reinforced our partnership and had a great time together.
We accelerated the social pulse and headed towards #pLOVEdiv
After fully relaxing and "shooting off" the tension, we were ready to move to our second destination - the city of Plovdiv. The city under the hills, which we often visit for various events, corporate gatherings, and to meet our new and long-standing clients. Just under an hour's drive, we settled into Plovdiv City Center Hotel. With elevated spirits, all colleagues quickly prepared for the evening, which promised immense doses of entertainment and sensory delight.
Pavaj - the gem of the Kapana Quarter
Our dinner was organized at the iconic Pavaj restaurant in the artistic Kapana quarter. The restaurant is a favorite not only among our Plovdiv-based colleagues but also among a large portion of the team from other cities, who never miss a chance to visit whenever they're in the city under the hills. We indulged in culinary experiences of the highest level in the unique atmosphere of the culinary epicenter. Dining at Pavaj is an unmatched sensation for the taste buds and senses, and doing so in the company of the coolest colleagues is truly priceless.
And as the culinary delights melted in our mouths, the rakia and wine glasses seemed to multiply effortlessly - two, three, four - and thus, a few enjoyable hours flew by. The venue once again won us over with its attitude and unique recipes crafted from locally grown produce. We didn't miss the chance to raise a few toasts, carefully selecting from the special rakia menu. After a delicious meal, what else could we do but dance and have fun.
Cocktail o'clock
Just a few meters away, Qbar Plovdiv awaited us, where the party continued into the late or rather early hours. :) The cocktail enthusiasts were well taken care of by the professionals behind the bar. Kapana felt almost like Havana, and we definitely enjoyed the tropical signature flavors. As for the rest of the colleagues, don't worry, they trusted the well-stocked shelves of high-proof beverages and were left very satisfied. DJ Gorro took care of the mood, atmosphere, and musical greetings from behind the booth. Admirations to this professional, as they managed to get even those colleagues dancing who were showing their dancing skills around the tables in front of the team for the first time. We'll definitely return to the bar to relive the emotion. Our parties are phenomenal, especially when colleagues from Plovdiv join in. :)
City walk and sunny rays for rainy Sofia
As they say in Plovdiv, the city walk was a full "aylyak" (a laid-back attitude). After the vibrant evening, our heroes were tired, but we managed to form a small group for a city walk. We started with a reviving breakfast at the Greek café and bakery, El Greco. The walk began from the Ancient Roman Stadium located at Djumaya Square. Walking along the Main Street is always enjoyable and lively, and it's also an excellent starting point for exploring the Old Town of Plovdiv. That's where we headed, to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the Revival Period.
The old houses and cobblestone streets are simply enchanting, with so much history hidden behind them. After a short climb, we reached our final destination - the Ancient Theater. A beautiful historical site and also a stage for many concerts and festivals, some of which some of us have attended as the audience. Time somehow flew by so quickly, and it was time to head back to Sofia, where we learned that rainier weather awaited us. But armed with a fantastic mood and Plovdiv's sunny rays, we weren't afraid.
We had a fantastic time!
Another team-building event came to an end and once again brought us additional value by strengthening team spirit and our friendly relationships within it. We proved that the stenik4etata, besides aiming for eCommerce peaks, also hit the bullseye! The excitement still lingers, and we can't wait to gather again, which will be very soon in a beautiful and exotic place ;) Follow our blog to find out more details. That's it from us for now, work awaits... :)
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