The heart of Lingoda’s office: How Maxine Thendele shapes the employee experience

Tell us a little bit about your tasks and projects. 

My tasks revolve around creating and improving the employee experience at Lingoda. This includes welcoming everyone who enters the office and acting as the central point of contact for information on whom to approach for various topics and questions at Lingoda.

I occasionally assist the Management Team with tasks such as booking external venues for Board meetings and arranging travel for the team when needed. Furthermore, I keep the workplace safe and healthy so everyone can do their best work without worries. I make sure the office layout and resources are on point. I aim to create a space where Lingodies have everything they need to work comfortably and efficiently.

Helping new team members settle in smoothly and ensuring seamless transitions for those leaving is also a key part of the role.

Last but not least, I organize get-togethers, from celebrations like Halloween and Easter and  the annual  Berlin company run to big events like our summer and winter parties.

Can you share a project or task that you particularly enjoyed or learned a lot from? 

The  Lingoda  Winter  Party 2024 was such a project for me. Organizing this event was a rewarding experience because  I got to work closely with amazing teammates. Their feedback and ideas gave me fresh perspectives, and their support—especially during those hectic moments when I was juggling other tasks—made all the difference. I gained a great deal from working alongside them and thoroughly enjoyed the teamwork. 

Additionally,  the project involved cross-department collaboration with the  Office  IT  and Marketing teams. Their input contributed significantly to creating a magical event, with subtle yet highly  appreciated elements that  made the party memorable.  While the project was challenging at times, the end result was incredibly rewarding. 

If you had to name three things that contribute to a positive and productive work environment, what would they be?

1. Collaboration and teamwork: Working closely with colleagues in projects like the Lingoda Winter Party creates a supportive environment where team members can exchange ideas, provide feedback, and motivate each other during challenging times.  I believe collaboration allows us to grow, and my team exemplifies this exceptionally well.

2.  Effective communication:  Serving as the go-to person in the office ensures that everyone knows whom to approach for various topics,  promoting clarity, reducing confusion, and streamlining workflows. 

3.  A  welcoming and professional atmosphere:  "Creating and maintaining a safe, presentable office space fosters employees' sense of belonging and comfort. This environment makes everyone feel welcome and ensures overall productivity and satisfaction.

What's the most rewarding part of your job at Lingoda? 

The most rewarding part of my job at Lingoda is witnessing all the puzzle pieces come together.  Although each department,  whether it's  Engineering,  Marketing,  Finance or the Student Success Teams, works separately and diligently on their specific goals. In the end, it's incredibly fulfilling to see how all these efforts align to achieve the overarching business goals. Every team brings its own unique piece to the puzzle, and seeing it all come together into a cohesive whole is so rewarding and exciting to be part of.

Which skills or knowledge would you like to develop this year? 

This year, I  would like to develop my project management skills further, particularly since I enjoyed organizing and coordinating cross-departmental initiatives like the  Lingoda  Winter Party. Additionally, I would like to deepen my expertise in the HR field, building on my experience with employee experience, onboarding, offboarding, and benefits coordination. Over the past year,  I’ve gained valuable team collaboration, event management, and communication skills.  I’ve discovered a strong passion for creating a positive employee experience, and this year, I’m eager to focus even more on this area. I look forward to tackling new challenges to help create a supportive and dynamic workplace where employees thrive and feel valued.