Category: Terra News

The Craft of Translation A Legacy to Protect
30/09/2024

The Craft of Translation: A Legacy to Protect   

Posted on | by Terra Translations | Leave a Comment on The Craft of Translation: A Legacy to Protect   

A Timely Theme 

This year, the International Federation of Translators (FIT) has selected “Translation, an art worth protecting” as the theme for its celebration of International Translation Day. This theme recognizes that, while translation is sometimes viewed as a straightforward process of conversion, at its heart, it is far more than a mere act of swapping words from one language into another; it’s an intricate art worth protecting. As the development of AI and the expansion of the digital sphere continue to reshape the world as we know it, the FIT calls on all of us to protect this unique art. 

The Craftsmanship of Translation 

Just as a crafty wizard combines ingredients to create a powerful potion, a skillful translator weaves words together to form a new text that captures the essence of the original and is infused with what made it so special. 

Consider the challenge of translating poetry or literature, for example. The translator will want to preserve the rhythm, tone and emotion of the original work, all while making it accessible and meaningful in another language. This requires the ability to not only do linguistic gymnastics but also walk the tightrope between two cultures and know how to invite the reader into this other world. Clearly, with so many elements to juggle, the translator is doing much more than an apples-to-apples equation.   

The Importance of Protecting Translation 

In much the way that spending time in nature helps us develop an understanding and appreciation for it, spending a moment reflecting on translation can bring the vital role it plays in our world into sharper view. 

 Here are some of the many reasons translation is an art worth protecting: 

  • Cultural Preservation: Translation safeguards the richness of unique cultures around the world. It keeps the magic of storytelling alive and facilitates cultural exchange and mutual understanding. 
  • Global Communication: In today’s interconnected world, translation allows for the global exchange of ideas, and it plays a key role in uniting nations and fostering peace, understanding and development. 
  • Access to Information: Translation ensures that information is accessible to people of all linguistic backgrounds, thereby leveling the playing field and promoting inclusion. 
  • Historical Record: Many ancient texts have survived only through translation. Protecting this vital craft ensures that future generations can access these records and the wisdom and experiences of the past. 
  • Creativity and Expression: Translators are artists who create works that stand alone while honoring the original. By protecting translation, we can ensure that new interpretations of existing texts can reach and delight readers and expand their horizons. 

Let the Celebration Begin 

On this special day, we encourage you to take note of all the ways translation contributes to your understanding and enjoyment of our world. Have you read a translated novel? Discovered a new favorite show thanks to subtitles? Heard first-hand accounts in international news segments? Whatever it is, know that a dedicated translator is behind it, practicing their craft to connect us as members of a global community.     

RELATED CONTENT

Nurturing a Culture of Compliance Terra's Journey and Approach
11/06/2024

Nurturing a Culture of Compliance: Terra’s Journey and Approach 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Nurturing a Culture of Compliance: Terra’s Journey and Approach 

A culture of compliance encompasses a set of values, behaviors, and attitudes guiding individuals within an organization to adhere to policies, procedures, and regulations. This framework facilitates better decision-making at all levels, ensuring alignment with the business’s rules. 

At Terra, our commitment to fostering a culture of compliance goes beyond mere adherence to standards. We emphasize cultivating a sense of belonging and shared purpose among team members. Our dedication to continuous improvement stems from the firm belief that there is always room for enhancement, presenting opportunities for growth and innovation. 

This commitment to compliance is evident in our ISO-certified services maintained since 2019 and our strict adherence to HIPAA regulations. Read on to learn more about how we nurture compliance culture at Terra.  

ISO Certifications 

We strive to select certifications that truly enhance our operations and client services. The ISO 9001 and 17100 standards drive our quality-oriented translation services. 

To maintain these certifications through the years, we develop structured training programs and strategic initiatives to provide each team member with the latest tools and encourage them to embrace new technologies. Throughout this process, we constantly review our procedures. Thanks to these efforts, our team members understand their pivotal role in our quality management system and diligently apply best practices in their daily tasks. 

HIPAA Compliance 

As a language service provider, we have a strong commitment to language access. However, we understand that in the healthcare space specifically, a lot of sensitive and confidential information is shared in the translation projects our client entrusts us. As such, we need to handle these files with the utmost care. The compliance culture we first cultivated among our team with ISO allowed us to pursue HIPAA compliance with confidence. Every individual handling ePHI projects understands the importance of safeguarding this information, shares these values, and does everything in their power to uphold them. 

Compliance is a Team Effort 

If a compliance issue arises, the focus becomes identifying the root cause of the problem—not the person responsible for it. During non-conformity analyses, individuals from diverse company teams work together to examine deviations, gain a deeper comprehension of the origin of the problem, and collectively devise solutions. 

While compliance is mainly an internal process, external validation is essential to maintain our clients’ trust. Terra hires experienced external auditors to conduct comprehensive reviews. These internal audits are invaluable learning experiences, where team members see firsthand the impact their compliance efforts have on the team results. This independent evaluation leaves no room for improvisation. At the same time, it enables us to identify areas for improvement in our processes. 

The Takeaway 

Fostering a culture of compliance isn’t easy, but organizations that prioritize it set themselves up for long-term success. At Terra, we navigate the path to continuous improvement with a compass of transparency, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

RELATED CONTENT

8 Benefits of Staffing Services for Your Business
14/05/2024

8 Benefits of Staffing Services for Your Business

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on 8 Benefits of Staffing Services for Your Business

Finding the right talent efficiently is crucial for sustained business growth. Staffing services provide a solution that goes beyond conventional hiring methods, offering a range of benefits that can significantly impact your business. In a previous article, we delved into the importance of effective staffing strategies. Now, let’s explore eight compelling benefits that make staffing services a valuable asset for your company. 

Cost Efficiency 

One of the primary advantages of staffing is cost efficiency. Traditional hiring methods involve various expenses such as recruitment, onboarding, benefits, and social charges. Staffing services help businesses reduce these additional expenses, making it an economical option for acquiring talent. 

Time-Saving 

In the fast-paced business world, time is money. Staffing services streamline the hiring process by providing access to pre-screened talent through their extensive databases. This not only saves valuable time but also ensures a quicker turnaround in the recruitment process, particularly when faced with multiple rounds of interviews and evaluations. 

Expertise and Knowledge of the Hiring Process 

Staffing providers bring a wealth of expertise to the table. With experienced recruiters who understand the intricacies of the job market and industry-specific requirements, they employ effective candidate-sourcing techniques. This expertise ensures your business benefits from the best possible talent acquisition strategies. 

Temporary or Contract Staffing 

Businesses often experience fluctuations in staffing needs due to growth or downsizing. Staffing services offer a flexible solution with customizable contract durations and scalability options. This enables you to efficiently manage temporary or contract positions during peak seasons or special projects without the hassle of long-term commitments. 

Reduced Administrative Burden 

Handling administrative tasks such as payroll, benefits, and taxes for temporary or contract employees can be time-consuming. Staffing services alleviate this burden by taking care of these responsibilities, allowing your business to focus on core objectives and strategic goals. 

Flexible Agreement 

Every business is unique, and staffing services recognize this diversity. They provide tailored plans that adapt to your specific business goals and hiring needs. This flexibility ensures that the terms of the agreement align seamlessly with your company’s requirements. 

Strong Work Relationships 

Building strong, enduring relationships between your company and top industry talent is crucial for sustained success. Staffing services play a pivotal role in this aspect, understanding your company culture, values, and long-term goals. A staffing partner who aligns with your vision can foster trust and collaboration, ensuring a healthy working relationship with new employees. 

Risk Mitigation 

Staffing vendors often assume liability for issues such as workers’ compensation and unemployment claims for temporary employees. This proactive approach helps mitigate legal and financial risks for your business, providing an additional layer of security. 

The Takeaway 

Partnering with a staffing expert can offer your business affordable and productive paths forward for your hiring needs. The expertise, time-saving benefits, and strong work relationships fostered by staffing agencies can streamline the recruitment process, allowing your company to focus on core objectives while accessing top talent. As you explore options to expand your team, consider the numerous advantages offered by staffing services. If you’re contemplating staffing solutions or need guidance on whether it’s the right move for your company, feel free to reach out to Federico Colombo, Customer Success Manager at [email protected]. 

RELATED CONTENT

Thriving Together The Impact of Company Culture at Terra 
16/04/2024

Thriving Together: The Impact of Company Culture at Terra 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Thriving Together: The Impact of Company Culture at Terra 

Having a strong company culture—also known as corporate culture or organizational culture—helps businesses retain the best talent, increases productivity, and improves employee happiness. Let’s explore what organizational or company culture is, why it is important to cultivate a good culture, and what benefits it can bring in the long run for organizations that prioritize it.  

What is “organizational culture” and why is it important? 

The term “organizational culture” is often discussed in business, but a clear definition is hard to pin down. It comes from social anthropology and includes the knowledge and beliefs people acquire in society. In the 1970s, this term became crucial for meeting the needs and values of workers. Today, companies value it more than physical assets, using it to shape new strategies.  

Since we spend over half our day working and interacting with colleagues, a positive organizational culture significantly impacts our well-being and satisfaction in both professional and personal aspects of life. At Terra, we focus on building a strong company culture, recognizing its importance in our success. 

Company Culture at Terra 

Being a 100% virtual company since its inception in 2000, Terra has always prioritized creating opportunities for connection and support amongst our team despite the lack of face-to-face interactions. We understand the importance of fostering a sense of companionship and collaboration, especially in a remote setting where traditional avenues for communication are often limited.  

To address these challenges, we implement various strategies such as prioritizing phone over email communication, hosting monthly company-wide meetings led by our leaders to discuss business updates and vision, team-specific monthly meetings with our CEO, and weekly check-ins within each team for progress updates. Additionally, we provide recreational spaces and flexibility to ensure a well-rounded and fulfilling work experience for our team members. 

Impact on retention 

Within each team, microcultures inevitably form, even within the broader organizational culture defined by the company’s mission and values. These microcultures develop unique values and work styles. While these microcultures need to maintain respectful and functional dynamics that align with the company’s overall objectives, it’s equally crucial to respect their individuality.  

Numerous studies demonstrate that factors beyond compensation influence an individual’s decision to remain with a company. Therefore, acknowledging and respecting the unique microcultures within teams contributes significantly to employee retention and overall organizational success.  

Thanks to these efforts, Terra currently boasts a remarkable 95% retention rate. Positive feedback from climate surveys underscores the effectiveness of our approach, demonstrating that employees continue to choose Terra not only for the supportive team environment but also for the career challenges it offers and the growth opportunities it provides for every collaborator. 

The takeaway 

Finding and training the right talent takes a lot of work and money. To retain top talent, you need to prioritize building a strong company culture that reflects shared values amongst your workforce. Doing so will help both the organization as a whole and individual team members thrive.

RELATED CONTENT

Preparing for Company Expansion Scale Your Team Through Staffing Solutions
19/03/2024

Preparing for Company Expansion? Scale Your Team Through Staffing Solutions

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Preparing for Company Expansion? Scale Your Team Through Staffing Solutions

As businesses undergo rapid expansion, the demand for new talent becomes critical. As exciting as hiring can be, the process of acquiring and onboarding diverse skill sets and backgrounds can be more intricate than expected. In certain situations, expanding may even entail the creation of entirely new departments. Faced with these challenges, decision-makers must choose between managing the recruitment process internally or opting for staffing solutions. Let’s explore how staffing solutions can effectively address the evolving needs of organizations during periods of growth and change. 

What is Staffing and What Does it Entail?

Staffing encompasses the activities of a third-party organization that recruits, selects, and hires employees, subsequently assigning them to work for another organization. This approach enables the client organization to address its workforce requirements without directly handling the hiring process. Staffing services come in various forms, including temporary staffing for short-term assignments and permanent staffing for long-term positions.  

Key components of staffing services typically include: 

  • Recruitment: This process involves identifying, attracting, and selecting individuals with the necessary skills and qualifications to meet the organization’s specific needs. 
  • Onboarding: Ensuring a seamless integration of new hires into the company culture, this step equips them with the essential resources and information needed to thrive in their roles. 
  • Training and development: These elements are pivotal in maintaining a successful workforce strategy and fostering employee retention. Training and development contribute to individuals staying with the company for extended periods and developing a clear career path. 

Why and When You Should Consider Staffing

Companies looking to rapidly expand their workforce should assess their HR department’s capacity and resources to handle a time-consuming recruitment process. Staffing services provide a comprehensive solution for effective workforce management without overburdening HR departments, allowing them to focus on day-to-day responsibilities. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with highly technical or specific job requirements, global recruitment needs, and time constraints. 

The Team Up Boost!

Our own experience in building and growing teams has taught us there are additional aspects to consider during the hiring process: 

  • Multicultural recruiting: With the increasing trend of tapping into global talent, staffing partners can address challenges related to market traits, regulations, payroll, and logistics, ensuring diverse cultural backgrounds enrich the workforce. 
  • Company culture alignment: Ensuring new hires align with the company’s values and mission promotes talent satisfaction and retention. 
  • Follow-ups: Regular check-ins are vital to ensure smooth operations for both the organization and employees. 
  • Custom-made solutions: Flexibility is key. Effective staffing solutions should not only meet current needs but also allow for future adaptability. 

The Takeaway

Companies experiencing growth should carefully consider the benefits of staffing solutions. An experienced partner, such as Terra Team Up, can navigate challenges and act as an extension of the HR team. Choosing staffing solutions wisely can unlock the potential for seamless expansion and sustainable success—all while helping you build your dream team.

RELATED CONTENT

Introducing Our New Service Terra Team Up - Portada
20/02/2024

Introducing Our New Service: Terra Team Up

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Introducing Our New Service: Terra Team Up

We are thrilled to introduce Terra Team Up, a new addition to our service lineup. This venture brings together a team of our seasoned HR professionals with a unique superpower—the ability to guide clients through their entire hiring journey and beyond, offering ongoing support, strategic counseling, and customized staffing services. 

Terra has provided recruitment and staffing services to many clients over the years, initially as a response to specific client needs rather than a predefined business model. Marina Ilari, Terra CEO, shares, “This decision comes from our hands-on experience in providing tailored HR solutions to various clients that had expressed the challenges they were facing on that front. This led us to the realization that it was time to make it official.” 

Why We Chose the Name “Team Up”  

When it comes to how we landed on the name, Natalia Quintás, Chief People Officer, explained that we believe that our name is not just a title but a philosophy. “It represents our belief in the transformative power of collaboration, aligning employers, candidates, and our experienced team for shared accomplishments. It embodies our goal to support our client’s journey, ensuring seamless integration and ongoing success.”  

At Terra, People Management is a collaborative journey that extends well beyond the recruitment process.

Our Team  

We are proud of the HR team we assembled to oversee and execute Team Up. Our experienced HR team has worked with a dynamic and varied client portfolio, collaborating to overcome complex challenges. Whether you’re a startup searching for dynamic talent or an established enterprise requiring strategic HR solutions, our team is here to ensure your success. We recognize that a strong People Management Strategy isn’t a one-time transaction, but an ongoing partnership aimed at unlocking a company’s full potential.  

What Sets Us Apart 

Team Up encompasses staffing solutions, recruitment, and consultancy. Our distinctive features include: 

  • Focus on long-term fit. We prioritize a “perfect fit” in the recruitment process, aiming for employees to stay with the company long-term by aligning leader preferences with company expectations. 
  • Personalized approach. Committed to offering adaptable solutions, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client. 
  • Robust candidate base. Leveraging our experience as a translation and localization company, we have built a diverse candidate base capable of filling various roles. 
  • Integrated support. Our integrated approach provides continuous support, utilizing technology to ensure seamless alignment with our client’s organizational values and efficient integration of new team members. 

Cynthia Tortesi, Talent Manager, emphasizes, “At Terra, we believe that effective people management is not just a strategic advantage but is also essential for the lasting success and contentment of our clients and their teams.” Federico Colombo, Customer Success Manager, feels similarly, “Our objective is clear—to serve as your trusted advisor, assisting you at every stage of your growth trajectory.”  

RELATED CONTENT

Terra's 2023 Highlights A Year of Innovation, Empowerment, and Social Commitment
26/12/2023

Terra’s 2023 Highlights: A Year of Innovation, Empowerment, and Social Commitment

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Terra’s 2023 Highlights: A Year of Innovation, Empowerment, and Social Commitment

At the end of every year, we enjoy pausing for a moment to look back and acknowledge all of the hard work our team put into servicing our clients and helping our community over the past twelve months. While reflecting on 2023, we realized that Terra had quite a busy year. Let’s take a look back together at some of its highlights. 

Terra Localizations Brand Refresh  

Did you notice things looked a bit different around our video game division? That’s because we gave that brand a major visual overhaul. Terra Localizations embarked on a brand refresh to align its identity with the core values and passion of its team while reflecting the overarching ethos of Terra. CEO Marina Ilari’s vision was to infuse the company’s essence into the branding, ensuring it resonated authentically with the gaming community.  This revitalization signifies a pivotal moment in the division’s growth, emphasizing its commitment to quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of gaming culture. 

An Enhanced Commitment to Diversity and Wellness  

As the comfort and safety of each member of the company are of utmost importance to us, we worked on creating programs where their well-being is our top priority—always ensuring that they feel supported and taken care of.  

To start, we launched our diversity policy. This diversity program evolved from ingrained values into a formalized policy with the guidance of the Institute of LGBT+ Public Policies. Although diversity and inclusion have been inherent at Terra since its foundation, articulating these values required structure. An internal committee played a pivotal role in the creation of this policy. Their expertise and direct engagement with Terra’s collaborators shaped the program, ensuring it authentically reflected our core principles. Marina explained why this program is so important to us. “I believe this policy will give our efforts a clear framework so that not only can our team members refer to it, but also potential collaborators and clients can learn more about our positioning and actioning on this important topic.”  

To help boost our team’s wellness, we strengthened our existing Wellness Program with a Skillbridge initiative. This initiative offers a confidential listening and support space for collaborators who need help tackling a complex situation in the workplace or want to improve their interpersonal and communication skills. This enterprise is carried out by the members of our Human Resources team, who are mental health professionals. Their goal is to help Terra’s collaborators become more effective leaders and team players.  

Industry Conference Attendance  

Our team attended several virtual and in-person industry conferences this year, giving them a chance to learn and connect with their peers. Some of them included CLINT, ATA64, and GALA.     

On the video game front, our team also had the chance to be present at Game Developers Conference (GDC), Pocket Gamer Connects, LocWorld 49, LocWorld 50, Game Quality Forum, Gamescom, and Tokyo Game Show, among others.    

Our participation in these events also included presentations on topics such as:    

Great Place to Work Certification  

We went through the Great Place to Work recertification process for the third time and passed, seeing improvements in the overall results. Wait—it gets better. This year, we went for a triple certification: USA, Spain, and Argentina. This certification, awarded through a rigorous process by Great Place to Work (GPTW), acknowledges companies with outstanding workplace cultures. It involves employee surveys and a company questionnaire, combining feedback with independent analysis. The uniqueness lies in its reliance on both sources, making it a credible indicator for job seekers looking for companies with genuinely positive and exceptional corporate cultures.  

Recently, Terra was recognized as a Great Place to Work across borders due to our efforts to create an outstanding employee experience in the U.S., Spain, and Argentina.

Terra Cares  

In 2023, through Terra Cares, we proudly extended our support to organizations like Chicas en Tecnología, Doctors Without Borders, and Sustentabilidad Sin Fronteras, contributing to projects totaling 98,136 translated words.   

Despite our fully remote operations at Terra, our team members continue to travel worldwide for conferences, meetings, and networking. As part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, we are actively engaging in climate compensation efforts by contributing to initiatives that capture greenhouse gases. To this end, we’ve joined the Eco Park “Vida Libre” project, facilitating the planting of 518 trees. This initiative not only enhances the sustainability of our business activities but also fosters new opportunities for nature development and conservation.  

We are so proud of everything our team accomplished this year and are looking forward to reaching more goals together in 2024.  

RELATED CONTENT

Announcing Terra’s Reforestation Initiative to Offset Carbon Emissions 
09/11/2023

Announcing Terra’s Forestation Initiative to Offset Carbon Emissions

Posted on | by Litzaqueline Briceño | Leave a Comment on Announcing Terra’s Forestation Initiative to Offset Carbon Emissions

At Terra, we take a global approach to work. While our operations are 100% remote, members of our team travel around the world to attend conferences, meetings, and networking events. It’s important for us to take steps to reconcile the benefits of business development through travel with the impact it makes on the environment. We know that compensation does not justify environmental degradation but is a way to increase the sustainability of business activities while creating new opportunities for nature development and conservation.  

One step Terra is taking towards climate compensation is to make conscious contributions to projects that capture greenhouse gases at a level equivalent to the emissions we cause. 

The Motivation 

At first, our focus was on internal communications to raise awareness within our team, which consisted of recommendations for the conscious use of energy and resources. Additionally, as part of the Terra Cares program, we reached out to Sustentabilidad Sin Fronteras, a non-profit environmental association, and translated their website and their annual report. 

This year, we wanted to take it a little further. We were interested in taking actions that would have a positive environmental impact and looked at environmental protection non-profits that would help us in our mission to compensate Terra’s carbon footprint. Before we knew it, the project was right in front of us, and we hadn’t seen it. We knew that we wanted to support an initiative that would help us move the needle with climate change. Daniel Ilari, the father of our CEO, Marina Ilari, happened to be working on an eco park project called “Vida libre” in Venado Tuerto, Argentina, her hometown. His work inspired us to do something in collaboration with that project. 

What is the “Vida libre” Eco Park Project?  

It is a private initiative led by Daniel. He is an agricultural engineer and he had this idea for a long time, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that he actively started working on it. This is a massive project that will be executed on a piece of land that has 60 hectares and will be divided into four main areas—a recreational area, a production area, a nature reserve, and a small forest. The hope is for this park to become a great spot for a family outing, where kids can play, walk on pathways, and get an overlook of the place from watchtowers. 

Honoring our Roots 

It was exciting to collaborate on a project of high environmental impact in the city where Terra was born. Beatriz Cirera founded the company in this beautiful city and dreamed about growing the family business there.  

According to the estimates calculated during the first semester of this year, we needed to plant 550 trees to compensate for our carbon footprint. As serendipity would have it, after scheduling and rescheduling the planting several times due to weather conditions, the activity finally took place on International Translation Day, September 30. Local volunteers planted a total of 518 trees and we have plans to continue working on this project. The trees are now between six and eight inches tall, in 12 years, we will start to see a young forest.  

This project had a substantial impact on Daniel. “It means a lot and it is truly beautiful, because I know what this will pass on to my children,” Daniel said, “I’m 64 years old, and these trees will have grown in 12 years. Matías and Marcos, my two sons, have been helping me for a long time. We have planted willows and some canes in the entrance to the park. We are able to have the entire area wooded with various trees thanks to Marina’s collaboration.” 


Marina, is very eager to visit the site in the future, “I have not had the chance to go back to my hometown in many years, so it would be extra special to see Terra’s contribution to the area!” 

In the future, we plan to participate every year in a project that has a positive environmental impact and we’re already considering different options for 2024.

RELATED CONTENT

10/10/2023

Terra’s Wellness Program: Prioritizing Well-Being for a Thriving Workforce

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Terra’s Wellness Program: Prioritizing Well-Being for a Thriving Workforce

At Terra, the health and well-being of those who work with us are a top priority when it comes to talent management. Although we have placed great emphasis on wellness since the foundation of the company, with the accelerated growth we experienced in 2021 and with new perspectives gained during the pandemic, we created the Wellness Program to provide a comprehensive response to various staff needs.

The health crisis we experienced worldwide with COVID made it evident that for operations to work and people to prosper, professionals must enjoy good health. Taking into account that professionals spend a considerable percentage of their time at work, companies are increasingly interested in providing tools to improve overall well-being.

With a strong emphasis on physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, our program is designed to address the diverse needs of our team, fostering a positive work environment and supporting individual growth.

Here’s a closer look at our wellness program.

What “Well-Being” Means at Terra

At Terra, we are dedicated to cultivating a culture of corporate well-being through a comprehensive action plan. We recognize that well-being encompasses four essential perspectives: physical, mental, emotional, and social. Our goal is to prioritize each of these perspectives through strategic initiatives that enhance the overall quality of life for our people.

Through our wellness program, we aim to achieve several key objectives. While the benefits of a well-being plan are diverse and sometimes unforeseen, our primary focus is on the following:

  • Reinforcing our interpersonal relationships
  • Establishing spaces for constructive dialogue
  • Sharing practices and spaces with colleagues from other areas
  • Preventing work-related stress and maintaining an excellent work environment
  • Strengthening the spirit of teamwork and our sense of belonging
  • Reinforcing the concept of self-awareness and self-care

Examples of Initiatives within the Wellness Program

The actions planned by our Human Resources department are driven by a holistic perspective of overall well-being. Our dynamic wellness plan evolves annually to cater to the specific needs of our teams. Here are some examples of the initiatives we implement:

Terra's Wellness Program Prioritizing Well-Being for a Thriving Workforce
  • Weekly active breaks: These engaging sessions include activities like stretching and mindfulness. We also share resources such as informative articles on physical and emotional health through various communication channels.
  • Coaching and one-on-one conversations: The members of our Human Resources team who are mental health professionals provide coaching sessions and personalized discussions to support the well-being of our team.
  • Work climate meetings: Individual interviews and team-specific meetings are conducted to discuss and enhance the work climate, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
  • Workshops on Emotional Intelligence and Team Building: We offer optional workshops that focus on developing emotional intelligence and strengthening teamwork among our team.
  • Diversity and inclusion: To consolidate a safe space where everyone can be their authentic selves, we have established a Diversity Policy. This policy encourages free expression through different communication channels.
  • Annual meetings: Whether conducted virtually or in person, these meetings serve as opportunities to strengthen bonds and nurture a sense of teamwork.
  • Coworking space: While Terra operates completely remotely, in 2022 Palermo Studio opened its doors to offer a coworking space where people from different teams can meet and enjoy each other’s company while working.
  • Flexible working hours: We understand the importance of personal and family well-being. Therefore, we offer flexible working hours to accommodate personal or family medical issues and to support parents with school-age children.
  • Personal days and birthdays off: Our team has access to personal days to attend to personal matters when needed. Additionally, if their birthday falls on a working day, they can enjoy a day off to celebrate.
  • Social commitment: Through our Terra Cares program, team members can suggest non-governmental organizations (NGOs) whose mission aligns with their beliefs. We provide pro bono translation services to these NGOs, and our team has the opportunity to contribute as project managers, translators, editors, and more.

Our initiatives may vary from year to year, but the underlying principle of prioritizing well-being remains constant in all actions facilitated by our Human Resources team.

The Takeaway

Terra’s Wellness Program demonstrates our commitment to the well-being of our team. By addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of well-being, Terra creates a supportive and thriving work environment. As the program evolves each year to cater to changing needs, Terra’s dedication to our team’s well-being remains unwavering. By investing in the wellness of our team we hope to set the stage for mutual growth, engagement, and fulfillment within the organization.

RELATED CONTENT

Terra Recognized as a Great Place to Work Across Borders 
26/09/2023

Terra Recognized as a Great Place to Work Across Borders 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Terra Recognized as a Great Place to Work Across Borders 

Recently, Terra was recognized as a Great Place to Work across borders due to our efforts to create an outstanding employee experience in the U.S., Spain, and Argentina. The Great Place to Work (GPTW) Certification is a recognition and verification process for companies that want to showcase their exceptional workplace culture. 


What makes this certification unique is that it relies on both employee feedback and independent analysis to determine a company’s scores. This means that job seekers can trust the certification as a reliable indicator of companies that truly provide a positive and outstanding corporate culture. 

 
We spoke with Natalia Quintás, our Chief People Officer and head of the HR department, for her insight on what it means to Terra to earn this certification. 

Why We Pursue GPTW Certification 

The GPTW model allows us to assess the vital aspects of the organizational culture we’d like to foster at Terra, which is based on values and the well-being of our team. It is a global model that evaluates the same aspects with the same system in every country. For us, this is useful because it provides us with invaluable information and indicators that can be analyzed in depth and compared to make the best decisions for our teammates around the world. 

In the last three years, Terra grew both in the complexity of the business and the size of the team. We now employ people of 27 different nationalities. “As we keep growing and incorporating more and more diversity, transmitting our culture and values so that everyone embraces them becomes a top priority and a great endeavor,” Natalia explained, “This inspires us to up our game in terms of internal policies and processes, not only within the HR department but in the management of the people in different sectors as well.” For example, our operations leaders faced new and bigger challenges guiding their teams and the other departments stepped up to the plate to provide them with the support needed. 

Applying in Three Regions 

This year, we decided to expand our business operations to Spain. Now, with three strong hubs in terms of operations and concentration of talent, we saw the need to have more detailed information to gauge what is happening with our people in each of these hubs, but also to be more aware of what is happening in the markets where we operate. For us, positioning our employer brand in each of these locations is crucial, and being able to be surveyed and measured in three distinct regions shows what Terra has really become—a global company. 

Recently, Terra was recognized as a Great Place to Work across borders due to our efforts to create an outstanding employee experience inthe U.S., Spain, and Argentina.

“Getting the three certifications is a very rewarding treat for our HR team and team leaders,” Natalia shared, “It is a huge accomplishment for us, and it shows the commitment we have to create action plans where the people and their wellbeing are at the center of everything.” We also know that it entails a great challenge, as it is a starting point to continue improving and thinking about the best interests of the team. However, it is not only the result of the work done by the HR department, but the individual contributions of every member of every department are key. The team spirit truly shows.

What We Learned 

“Every single statistic we get out of the survey is important to us,” Natalia said, “But still, knowing that 96 % of the people consider Terra a great place to work means the world to me. It speaks for itself.”

 
Other impressive statistical findings include: 
 

  • 99% of the people say they feel welcomed when they join the organization 
  • 98% of the people feel team members care about each other  
  • 97% of the people feel management promotes inclusive behaviors 
  • 97% of the people say they feel proud of working at Terra 
  • 96% of the people would recommend Terra to friends looking for a job 
  • 95% of the people think leaders are approachable and it is easy to talk to them 
  • 95% of the people feel it is a fun place to work 
  • 95% of the people say they can count on the help of other team members 

The Takeaway 

Terra Recognized as a Great Place to Work Across Borders - GPTW

According to Natalia, this certification measures credibility, pride, respect, fairness, and camaraderie in the three countries where our operations are centered, confirming that our cultural framework is consistent and strong in a multicultural context. This survey is the backbone of our strategic plan for human resources management. Gathering this much information allows us to truly listen to the different voices in our company and enables us to create action plans that have a meaningful impact on every individual who works with us. 

 
“I could not be prouder and more excited about obtaining the certification,” Marina Ilari, CEO of Terra, said, “For Terra, this means we are on the right path to providing a welcoming and safe work environment for everyone who interacts with our company. For our leadership team, it means we have more tools and more information to continue to do better and be better.”  

RELATED CONTENT