In a recent one-on-one interview, Alexandre Tomic, Founder of Alea, shared insights into what makes Alea the best place to work. Founded in 2012, Alea has always prioritised investing in its employees, a culture that has matured and evolved over the years.
The company recently completed the construction of a new office, a project that took two and a half years and exceeded the initial budget of $50,000, eventually costing over half a million dollars. Despite not owning the building, Alea has created a space that caters to the needs of its employees. The office is divided into two distinct areas: a workspace on the first floor and a relaxation area at street level. The latter includes a gym, a dining area, and even a hyperbaric chamber, an impressive piece of technology that Alexandre Tomic was eager to discuss.
“It’s not about giving them donuts – we don’t do donuts, we have fruits for example. It’s not about giving them sodas there’s no sodas here – it’s about providing them with things that we believe are good for them”
Alexandre Tomic, Founder of Alea
Alea provides its employees with high-quality water, he says, including local Catalan brands such as Vichy Catalan. While it may seem trivial, Alex emphasised the importance of providing good water and ensuring that the air is fresh and free from pollution, especially given the office’s location in an industrial zone.
Before moving into the new office, Alea provided its employees with Oura rings, wearable devices that monitor various health metrics. The goal was to promote self-awareness among employees about their health and well-being. Although the company had considered collecting this data anonymously, they ultimately decided against it to respect the privacy of their employees.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, Alea took steps to support its employees during a challenging time. Despite not experiencing any direct deaths within the company, the pandemic affected everyone, including Alexandre Tomic, whose father passed away in the first week. Alea’s commitment to its employees, investment in a conducive workspace, and emphasis on health and well-being make it a truly exceptional place to work. As Alexandre Tomic puts it, “We’ve always had that culture since the beginning.” And it’s clear that this culture is a key factor in Alea’s success.