An open goodbye letter to 200 Crossing Blvd

It’s a strange bittersweet feeling to walk around our office, which is emptying section by section in preparation of a move to a new and exciting space. After 5.5 years in this space, at this company, I am saying goodbye to the office that professionally brought me back to life. That sounds dramatic, but if you know me – I’m the sentimental type. (I’m also on the verge of tears every day as we approach my second baby’s first birthday – that’s a story for another day). But it feels connected, because I truly grew up here.

When I first walked through the elevator doors to the 5th floor lobby of Workhuman (actually, we were then Globoforce), I had no idea the journey I was about to embark on. I could not possibly have known what a special place this would be to me. Although it was clear to me after that first onsite interview that this was a place I truly wanted to be. I could feel it in the air that this place was special. It was different. And it was exactly what I needed.

After 7 years working corporate jobs across a few different companies, I was ready to divorce corporate America. I was done. I was burnt out. I had dreams of ramping up my photography business into something sustainable that could be my fulltime job. But I knew that would take time, and I needed a corporate job that I at least LIKED in the meantime. Didn’t have to be my life’s calling. But I needed to not dread work every day. Fast forward a few months into my time at Globoforce, and not only was I no longer making plans to expand my photography business, I was actually cutting back on it. I was suddenly feeling professionally and creatively fulfilled in a way I hadn’t been at work in a long time (if ever). I didn’t feel the need to pour my energy into the creative outlet of photography, because I felt energized and inspired by the work I was doing 9-5, Monday through Friday. Imagine that?

Professionally, this is the place where I found voice, my confidence (and my people). Prior to working within these four (very yellow) walls, I always experienced a bit of imposter syndrome. I had ideas, I had recommendations, but who was I to bring them forward? Why should anyone listen to me? I’m still green in my career. I haven’t been doing this long enough to be educating others, right? Workhuman is where I learned to trust my gut (and that others would trust me too). It’s where I took the leap into being a people leader for the first time, which is something I’d been wanting for so long. It’s where I learned that building quality relationships is the true key to success and that it was okay to ask for help and be vocal about what my team and I needed in order to succeed and support our business. It’s where I finally felt like I DID belong here, and my voice was valued.

Personally, I am nowhere near the human I was in July of 2018 when I first walked in the door. Since that day, I have brought home my first dog. Survived a pandemic. Became a Mom during said pandemic. Survived post-partum depression and found therapy. Bought my first home and embarked on many home improvement projects. Welcomed a second baby to my family and learned how to embrace (mostly) the chaos of life working full time with two young kiddos (who are always getting sick and dripping snot). Through all of this, I have often reflected on how impossible this would all feel if I was still working at any of my past companies. When I talk to candidates interested in our business, I’ll often say “it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. We have our challenges and hard days. But it’s always worth it and still better than anywhere else I’ve experienced”. And its true. As a recruiter, I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to say these things and truly mean it.

This office space buzzes with energy. I felt it the first moment I walked into the lobby (and Miguel asked me 30 questions about the purpose of my visit before Genessa could get to him and tell him to get lost). There are too many fun memories to list them all (even considering I didn’t step foot in here for over a year due to the pandemic). A few favorites that come to mind include: Halloween parties where Brian always wins. A delightful scavenger hunt from Jenn and Romy who happened to find my headphones in a phonebooth room and held them hostage until I solved all the clues. A special unexpected reunion with a close family friend. A favorite pal in Finance sprinting away when someone tried to get his attention as he walked by. Tyler physically melting out of his chair onto the floor in response to a particular recruiting update. Christina laughing SO hard that she cried for 10 minutes over the silliest thing I still don’t even understand. Coming back to the office after what was supposed to be “just 2 weeks working from home” in June 2021 to squeeze Laury for a whole minute while we both sobbed. Sharing the news of both of my pregnancies with my colleagues, followed by years later finally getting to bring both my babies into the office to meet everyone. Always thinking I was kicking my desk neighbor Ashley, while listening to the pure joy of Joyce’s infectious laugh. And annual Thanksgiving feasts (usually enjoyed with an Irish pal from across the pond who just so “happens” to always visit the week before Thanksgiving….).

The memories are endless, and there are so many colleagues not listed above who have also played an integral role in the joy and success I’ve experienced here. I have so much gratitude for this office space which has welcomed me with open arms for the past five years. As our team continues to move furniture from this space to the new one across the parking lot (which I’m SO excited about!), I’ll be one of the last things to go. I’ll be one of the few still hanging around in the kitchen working on my laptop and enjoying the endless caffeine, even after my desk has been removed. I’ve said so many times over the years that you’ll find me here until they kick me out. And I meant it.

Without our humans, it’s just work.
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