When a half-hour presentation sparks an hour-long Q&A session, you know it was a success. That’s exactly what happened at our recent #139 Tech Coffee event.

This time, we were joined by Jakob Plenge, a Copenhagen-based entrepreneur who founded Oak Digital in 2019 with a mission to revolutionize the agency workplace by prioritizing employee well-being.

A lightbulb moment for the young Dane 

Jakob shared how he created a unique business model that specifically values the skills and attributes of his employees. A transparent performance evaluation system allows both employees and employers to see areas for improvement, fostering a more open and constructive dialogue.

He also recounted a personal anecdote from his previous job where a rigid corporate culture stifled creativity and employee morale. This experience inspired him to create a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered.

Six years, one resignation 

Under Jakob’s leadership, Oak initially focused on web development and e-commerce solutions. However, in recent years, the company has shifted its focus to becoming a Medusa expert, providing global commerce solutions.

Despite impressive business results, Oak Digital measures its success primarily by employee retention. In six years, only one employee has left the company. Jakob attributes this to a strong company culture focused on employee well-being and personal growth.

It’s not just about free snacks 

Jakob emphasized that building a strong company culture is an ongoing process. While perks like free snacks and social events are nice, they are not enough. It’s about creating a sense of belonging and purpose. Oak encourages work-life balance and provides opportunities for personal and professional development.

Different strokes for different folks 

While the audience generally agreed with Jakob’s approach, there were also dissenting opinions. One attendee mentioned preferring a more structured work environment. Jakob acknowledged that different people have different preferences and that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to building a company culture.

The event concluded with networking, Trapula beer and beloved ćevapi, giving attendees a chance to connect and continue the conversation.

The presentation will be available on the Split Tech City YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe. 🙂

Did you know that Open Coffee Split has brought together over 1,000 programmers, designers, marketers, entrepreneurs, and investors since 2008?

We use technology in our businesses, but we shouldn’t forget the value of face-to-face interactions. Join us on Meetup platform and don’t miss the next event!