Sofija dreamed big, and her team followed — a story of one bold idea and teamwork.

Curious about how one idea can inspire a team? Discover how Sofija Vla’s bold workation concept brought her team closer and fostered creativity at IDiNG.

Post by Wilma Ivanisevic

When you dream big, your team will follow; a journey fueled by bold ideas and collective strength.

Our dear colleague Sofija Vla recently had an opportunity to share an idea regarding a team-building event with her teammates. The proposition was a kind of breakthrough! Everyone was so excited about it! Hence, Sofija and her team are now looking forward to putting their plan into practice. This is one of the reasons why we asked Sofija for an interview. But before we discussed her proposition in more detail, we asked her to share something about herself and her career path.

A Brief Introduction to Sofija and Her Background

What’s your professional background?

I was fortunate to be recognized as one of the top students in Serbia, which opened many doors for me early in my career. I began working in accounting for a state-owned company, but despite the stability such a position offered, I found myself craving a more dynamic and challenging environment. The scope of work in the public sector was limited, and I wanted a role where I could learn something new every day and return home feeling fulfilled.

This led me to transition into the private sector, joining a major retail chain in Serbia where I specialized in tax accounting. While I gained valuable experience there, my heart was drawn toward an even bigger dream—working for a Dutch company.

How did you become a part of the Iding team then?

Cycling has been a lifelong passion of mine, and from a young age, the Netherlands has always represented an idyllic place to me. This dream was reignited two years ago when I shared an apartment in Barcelona with a young woman from Amsterdam. Her energy and stories about the Dutch culture, lifestyle, and work ethic left a deep impression on me. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be part of a company that embodied those values.

When I returned to Serbia, I started searching for a firm that specialized in accounting or finance with a Dutch spirit—and that’s how I found Becky. I wasn’t sure such a company even existed, but as soon as I connected with the team, I knew this was where I belonged.

After completing the hiring process, I had the chance to meet both the Belgrade and Dutch teams. From the very first meetings, it was clear that our goals, values, and energies aligned perfectly. I knew then that Iding was the ideal place for me—a company where I could grow every day as a young professional and feel genuinely happy with the work I do.

What role do you currently hold, and what do you enjoy most about your position?

I currently hold the position of Junior Accountant. However, as someone who loves new challenges, I am simultaneously learning elements of reporting with the goal of transitioning to another role in the future. This learning process greatly enhances my ability to ensure that each client’s administration is accurate, clear, and prepared for a variety of client needs.

What I enjoy the most about my role is that no two days are the same. Each day brings new challenges, requiring me to apply previous solutions or develop entirely new ones. I also deeply value how my team sees me as a young professional eager to learn and grow. Their trust and encouragement make this position even more rewarding.

Sofija’s Work Approach and Her Role within the Team

What drives you to contribute and take initiative in your team? What inspires me most is the incredible knowledge and expertise of my colleagues. I’ve always dreamed of working alongside people who challenge me to grow and evolve, both personally and professionally. Being part of a team where learning is a shared value motivates me to take the initiative and suggest innovations or new methods that can enhance not only my own work but also the overall success of the Iding team. For me, collaboration and progress go hand in hand, and contributing to a group of such talented individuals makes every effort worthwhile.

How do your ideas and contributions help the Iding team as a whole?

I believe my ideas bring a sense of youthful energy, vibrancy, and innovation to the entire team. Since I’m passionate about following advancements in technology even in my personal life, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to automate or optimize processes. Ultimately, I think my team is the best reflection of how my contributions make an impact. Their feedback and support continuously inspire me to bring fresh perspectives and solutions that align with our shared goals.

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An Innovative Idea

You came up with an interesting idea. Please, tell us briefly about it.

Sure, I thought it would be beneficial to our team bonding if we rented an apartment in Spain, where we could work and spend more time together for the month of May.

Can you walk us through the thought process behind this idea?

The idea came about quite spontaneously. Last year, while I was in the Netherlands, my colleagues and I were talking about our travels and realized that nearly half the team had spent their vacation in Spain that year. We all agreed that it would be amazing to have a team-building event there someday. Just two days after that dinner, as I was waiting for my flight home, I sat down with the rest of the team, and the topic of team-building came up again. I casually suggested that it would be great to rent a small house or a large apartment where we could all go for a working holiday or simply relax together. Since we all love the sea, good wine, and seafood, I thought it would be a perfect fit. I proposed renting a house or apartment instead of staying in a hotel because I wanted everyone to feel, even just briefly, as if we were living by the sea. To my surprise, Bram, the owner of IDiNG, immediately said it was a great idea and something we could actually make happen. Honestly, I didn’t think much of it afterward, and I never expected the idea to become a reality.

How did you come up with the concept of a “workation,” i.e. combining work with vacationing and visiting a destination while still working, and why do you think it’s important for team bonding?

To be honest, it was my colleague Jelmer who introduced me to the term “workation” when we were discussing team-building ideas. I genuinely believe that a workation offers a deeper connection with the team compared to a traditional trip. The beauty of a workation lies in its balance. Part of the time, we work together on tasks that are best tackled collectively, face-to-face. Solving those challenges in person is not only more efficient but also builds trust and collaboration. The rest of the day is free for us to explore—whether it’s heading to the beach, enjoying a nice restaurant, cycling, or simply soaking in the beauty of the destination. There’s a unique freedom in having so many enriching activities at your fingertips. What’s even better is the option to treat it as a vacation—you can bring along your partner or child if there’s space in the accommodation. For some, spending vacation time with colleagues might sound unbearable, but for us, it means unforgettable memories.

Her Colleagues’ Response

How did the Iding team, especially your managers, react to this suggestion? I think they were genuinely excited about the idea. The only challenge was to explore its feasibility and ensure we could find the perfect apartment and workspace to meet our needs. Once those practicalities were addressed, the enthusiasm only grew stronger. It was wonderful to see how open and supportive the team and managers were in turning the suggestion into a reality.

How does it feel knowing that your idea was embraced and turned into a reality?

As a young person, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see my idea come to life. In many environments, young professionals can face challenges in sharing their ideas due to traditional workplace structures or the perception that they lack experience. What made this experience so special was the open and supportive culture I encountered. Instead of being met with hesitation, my idea was welcomed and nurtured. This approach not only made me feel valued but also motivated me to contribute even more. It’s a testament to the power of inclusive and forward-thinking company cultures that prioritize collaboration and growth.

The Key Benefits of the Workation for the Team

How do you think this experience will impact team collaboration and communication?

I believe that spending time together in person, whether on a trip or sharing a living space, is one of the most effective ways to strengthen team collaboration. It provides an opportunity to see how each person approaches challenges and communicates, which is invaluable for building trust and understanding. Since our team operates in English, which isn’t our first language, it’s natural for some nuances to get lost or misinterpreted in online communication. By working and living together, we gain a deeper insight into each other’s personalities and communication styles. This not only improves how we collaborate but also helps us appreciate the unique qualities and strengths each team member brings.

How can initiatives like this improve work culture and employee well-being? Ultimately, experiences like this create a stronger foundation for teamwork and ensure that, even when we’re back to working remotely, our interactions are smoother, more empathetic, and more productive.

Reflections on Blending Work and Travel

How do you think this trend can help improve productivity and team dynamics in the long run?

I believe that a single team-building event won’t significantly impact the productivity or dynamics of our team. Our productivity stems from values like openness, trust, and mutual respect, which form the foundation of our daily work. These principles create an environment where collaboration thrives, and challenges are easily overcome.

As my colleague said, “The success of Iding is the success of all of us,” and this mindset drives our shared commitment. While team-building activities are enjoyable and strengthen relationships, the key to our productivity lies in fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and supported. In companies without such a culture, a single team-building event is unlikely to bring long-term change.

Do you see this as something that could be implemented in other companies or teams as well?

In my opinion, this type of team-building activity is particularly well-suited for smaller teams or colleagues working remotely, where in-person interactions are less frequent. That said, the success of such initiatives can vary greatly depending on the company culture and employee preferences.

For instance, in some work environments, employees may prefer to keep their professional and personal lives separate, making it less likely they would participate in activities outside of work hours, even in relaxed settings like cafes or restaurants.

And then you have the Iding team – where we’ll live, work, and cook together! For some, this type of team building might seem a bit unconventional. That’s why I recommend companies considering a similar approach to start by conducting an employee survey to understand how open their team might be to such experiences.

Being Part of a Team that Values Creativity and Innovation

How does the Iding team’s openness to suggestions and new ideas influence your work?

The openness of the Iding team to suggestions and new ideas significantly impacts my work by motivating me to give my best every day. Knowing that my input is valued, even as a junior, inspires me to approach tasks with professionalism and dedication. This supportive environment encourages me to stay productive and continuously strive for improvement, ensuring that my contributions meet the highest standards. It’s motivating to work in a team where I can learn, grow, and feel confident that my efforts are both recognized and aligned with the team’s shared goals.

What does it mean to you to be in an environment where creativity is encouraged and celebrated?

Although accounting doesn’t offer much room for creativity in the traditional sense, I’ve always expressed my creativity through hobbies like drawing, sewing, and even sculpting. Creativity is very important to me as it drives me to constantly explore new ideas. In my professional life, while I may not be able to be creative with numbers, I always strive to bring fresh ideas to team activities. For instance, our workation in Malaga is a perfect way to combine creativity and team bonding. It’s just the beginning, and I’m always looking for new ways to contribute to the team and make sure we have a good time together.

Dear Sofija, we genuinely appreciate what you shared about yourself and the idea your team wholeheartedly embraced. We hope you and your team will have a nice time in Malaga. Also, we are looking forward to other valuable insights from Sofija’s world!

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