Cosmic People Archives | Cosmic Development https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/tag/cosmic-people/ Wed, 15 Jan 2025 09:25:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Cosmic People Archives | Cosmic Development https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/tag/cosmic-people/ 32 32 Reflecting on 2024: A Cosmic Year of Growth, Impact, and New Horizons https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/reflecting-on-2024-a-cosmic-year-of-growth-impact-and-new-horizons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reflecting-on-2024-a-cosmic-year-of-growth-impact-and-new-horizons Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:49:44 +0000 https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/?p=14171 As the calendar flips to 2025, we at Cosmic Development reflect on 2024 – a year filled with challenges, inspiration, and remarkable achievements. From meaningful community contributions to professional milestones and celebrations, this past year showcased the extraordinary outcomes of vision and collaboration. Let’s revisit the moments that made 2024 truly unforgettable. Building Communities, Both Inside and Out In 2024,…

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As the calendar flips to 2025, we at Cosmic Development reflect on 2024 – a year filled with challenges, inspiration, and remarkable achievements. From meaningful community contributions to professional milestones and celebrations, this past year showcased the extraordinary outcomes of vision and collaboration. Let’s revisit the moments that made 2024 truly unforgettable.

Building Communities, Both Inside and Out

In 2024, we strengthened our greatest asset: our connections—with our team, clients, and the wider community.

Internally, our bonds grew stronger through memorable team experiences. A highlight was our unforgettable team-building trip to Greece, where collaboration flourished. Events like Easterland and Earth Day in Skopje showcased our spirit of togetherness. We celebrated creativity with Halloween and energized our team at the Rumble Afterparty.

Other memorable moments included our wine-and-paint event in Skopje and the Ping-Pong Tournament, both of which offered opportunities to connect, unwind, and enjoy time together as a team.

Externally, we demonstrated our expertise on a global stage. Attending events like the International HR Conference, the Web Summit in Lisbon, and the Ruby Conference allowed us to connect with industry leaders and exchange ideas. Our visits to the Rumble U.S. Headquarters and participation in the International Political CPAC Conference in Budapest further established our reputation as forward-thinkers and trusted voices in our field.

Driving Client Success 

2024 was another year of strong partnerships and innovative solutions. We were privileged to work on projects that broke new ground and delivered measurable impact. Whether solving complex challenges or building tailored solutions, our commitment to helping our clients thrive remained steadfast.

Each collaboration allowed us to explore fresh ideas, integrate advanced technologies, and build scalable systems to meet our clients’ evolving needs. Through these efforts, we continued redefining excellence and demonstrating innovation’s power in action.

Making an Impact Beyond the Office

Our commitment to giving back reached new heights in 2024. We supported education and healthcare through initiatives such as donating IT equipment to schools, providing essential supplies to hospitals, and distributing school materials to students. The philanthropic spirit extended to Easterland, blending festive joy with meaningful contributions. 

Additionally, we proudly sponsored math prodigy Damjan Davkov, whose extraordinary talent earned him a gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad, inspiring excellence and perseverance. We also supported the Prespa Swimming Marathon, celebrating the spirit of resilience and dedication. These efforts reflect our belief that true success is measured by the positive impact we leave on the communities we serve.

Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Learning

Learning is a journey that never ends. In 2024, we prioritized growth for our team and future tech talent. 

Our Soft Skills Academy ran throughout the year, equipping employees with tools to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively. We also welcomed the next generation of tech talent through our IT Internship Program, where participants gained hands-on experience and insights that prepared them for the demands of the industry. 

These initiatives reinforced our commitment to creating an environment where professional development is part of our everyday culture.

Staying Active and Connected

Movement, both physical and metaphorical, defined 2024. From running in the Avicenna Women’s Race and the Halk Eco Run to crossing the finish line at the Wizz Air Marathon and Ohrid Trchat Marathon, we embraced the thrill of movement. 

We also inspired the next generation by supporting the Mini Trchaj Be Marathon in Bitola, proving that health and wellness are values we hold close.

Celebrating Cosmic Anniversaries

This year, we celebrated team members who reached significant milestones of five and ten years with Cosmic Development. Their dedication and contributions are the foundation of our success and a testament to the strong culture of belonging within our workplace.

What’s Next?

Looking back fuels our drive to move forward. In 2025, we aim to think bigger, dream bolder, and achieve more. From launching innovative solutions to growing our team and advancing sustainability, we’re ready to make 2025 our best year.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey

To our team, clients, and community—thank you for your trust and collaboration. You inspire us to push boundaries and pursue greater heights.

Stay tuned for more stories and milestones in 2025.

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Creating a Culture of Lifelong Learning: Cosmic Development’s Approach to Employee Development and Growth https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/creating-a-culture-of-lifelong-learning-cosmic-developments-approach-to-employee-development-and-growth/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=creating-a-culture-of-lifelong-learning-cosmic-developments-approach-to-employee-development-and-growth Tue, 30 May 2023 09:12:53 +0000 https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/?p=7541 In an era of rapid technological progress, adapting and learning quickly is vital for success. At Cosmic Development, we recognize the importance of staying ahead of the curve and understand the value of providing opportunities for our team members to develop professionally and personally. That’s why we are committed to offering various learning and development options, such as an annual…

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In an era of rapid technological progress, adapting and learning quickly is vital for success.

At Cosmic Development, we recognize the importance of staying ahead of the curve and understand the value of providing opportunities for our team members to develop professionally and personally.

That’s why we are committed to offering various learning and development options, such as an annual budget for professional development and growth, access to paid platforms for learning and development, as well as various online courses, workshops, and mentorship programs, which enable our employees to achieve their goals and unlock their full potential. By empowering them to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment, we enhance their job satisfaction and engagement and drive our company’s innovation and competitiveness. Because investing in our employees’ development isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s crucial for our continued growth and ability to succeed in an ever-evolving business landscape.

In today’s blog post, we will share the experiences of five of our employees who have benefited from our learning and development program and witnessed the positive impact it can have on their careers.

Empowering Employees Through Learning and Development Programs

Maja: Never stop learning – easily done when your company never stops investing in you and offers you the luxury of access to multiple paid platforms with excellent courses for each relevant field. I’ve been enjoying this L&D luxury for months at Cosmic Development, including outstanding Udemy courses on IT recruiting and IT for recruiters, but also the incredible Irina Shamaeva, Mike Santoro, MBA, and David Galley’s books full of Sourcing Hacks, Boolean Strings, and X-Ray Search!

I am grateful for being provided with all the resources I could ever ask for in order to learn, upgrade and constantly improve my skills as a sourcer and recruiter. Cosmic Development doesn’t just care for our intellectual growth but also our emotional development, communication, interpersonal skills, and the capability to work together as one big happy family! Hence, the investment in several rounds of workshops and training on topics such as empathy, holding difficult conversations, listening, etc. Cosmic’s learning and development benefits never neglect the human factor because we are people first and employees second. And that is the healthiest work environment anyone could ever wish for.”

Kosta: Since opening in 2011, Cosmic Development has always had high values for its employees. That’s why one of the “oldest” benefits in the company is the ability to give employees the option of constant learning and improvement through its program: paid online courses or visiting seminars, trainings, etc. This benefit provides the ability to expand skill sets, increase skill and knowledge retention, generate ideas, boost morale, and raise overall employee performance.

On the individual level, this can help achieve career development goals, obtain or update professional licenses or certifications, and explore new perspectives to approaching work. To the company, this benefit contributes to organizational goals forward-thinking innovation culture in the workplace.

I recently finished an online course for the advanced use of the automation framework Cypress. Upon completing the course, I could better understand the framework and build more reliable automation tests for any web application. The course also included articles for JavaScript so that best coding practices for Cypress tests can be implemented. I would not stop here because constant learning is crucial for this line of work and helps maintain a marketable professional skill set.

Ivana: Continuous learning and development are vital for personal and professional growth. They allow individuals to remain updated with the latest industry developments and best practices, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment. Investing in continuous development can increase their value in the organization, enhance their job performance, and unlock new career opportunities.

Participating in the Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace training was an incredibly valuable experience for me. Emotional intelligence is a critical skill that every manager and leader must possess. Effective communication, conflict resolution, and team management rely on emotional intelligence. Understanding and managing our emotions and empathizing with others can develop stronger relationships with our team and foster a positive work environment. The training gave me a deeper understanding of these concepts and equipped me with practical tools and techniques to apply daily with my team. The training was engaging, informative, and immensely helpful in making me a better colleague and, ultimately, a better person.

I believe that investing in employee training and development is beneficial not only for the employees but also for the company. A well-trained and highly skilled workforce can help organizations stay competitive, innovate, and achieve long-term success. Companies must prioritize employee development, and I am grateful to be part of a company that values and supports the growth of its people.

Tome: Learning and development are essential to personal and professional growth. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a one-day data security and safety training. As a security analyst, this experience was really valuable because I learned a lot about the latest regulations in our country that affect my work and how to adapt to changing circumstances. Also, it was great to network with professionals from different companies in the field. I really hope that I will have the opportunity to attend similar trainings abroad. It would be a fantastic opportunity to expand my knowledge and experiences even more.

I encourage all my colleagues to take advantage of this awesome benefit that Cosmic Development offers. Whether you aim to improve your career prospects, increase job satisfaction, or just broaden your horizons, investing in learning and development can help you achieve these goals. With a wide range of resources available, from online courses to workshops and mentorship programs, there’s no excuse not to invest in your personal growth.

Maja: I am thrilled to be a part of the Cosmic family because this team of amazing people is always there for us, whether in our professional or personal lives. They invest their best efforts in helping us improve our skills.

When I expressed my interest in upgrading my digital marketing skills, they supported me in achieving that goal. I am currently undergoing basic-level training in one of Udemy’s courses, and I couldn’t be more excited. Working here presents me with many challenges, which makes every day different and fulfilling.

Cosmic Development’s Commitment to Professional Development and Growth

The experiences shared by Maja, Tome, Ivana, Maja, and Kosta highlight the vital role of continuous learning and development in keeping employees competitive and motivated in their careers. That’s why we emphasize not only the importance of developing hard skills but also human skills like emotional development, effective communication, and strong interpersonal skills.

By providing access to learning opportunities and encouraging employees to pursue their career goals, we’re setting a powerful example for other companies looking to attract and keep top talent. Our commitment to building strong workforce and thriving teams not only benefits from a more skilled and productive workforce but also creates a culture of innovation and lifelong learning.

We encourage and support our people to take full advantage of the learning and development opportunities available. By investing in your growth, we invest in our collective success. Ultimately, the commitment to continuous learning and development is essential for personal and professional success. We must adopt this mindset and stay ahead in an ever-evolving world. Join us on this journey toward growth and success!

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What Makes a Modern Workplace? Six Characteristics of a Modern Workplace https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/what-makes-a-modern-workplace-six-characteristics-of-a-modern-workplace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-makes-a-modern-workplace-six-characteristics-of-a-modern-workplace Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:32:50 +0000 https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/?p=7317 The modern workplace is an evolution of the traditional office experience characterized by a formal office structure, a lack of digital technology, and fixed working hours. Modern organizations are environments that have invested in advanced methodology and technology and are designed to meet the physical and technological needs of both the company and its employees. But businesses don’t just succeed…

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The modern workplace is an evolution of the traditional office experience characterized by a formal office structure, a lack of digital technology, and fixed working hours. Modern organizations are environments that have invested in advanced methodology and technology and are designed to meet the physical and technological needs of both the company and its employees.

But businesses don’t just succeed because of technology; they succeed because of people, so the modern workplace is more than using sophisticated tools and technologies. At its essence, it’s about using the right resources, opportunities, and motivation to help employees reach their full potential. It is employee-centric and stimulates an open, positive, collaborative, and flexible culture tailored for the modern worker.

The combination of intelligent technology, efficient processes, and the human factor is the key to building workplaces of the future and is essential for the modern workplace to exist. When employees have the right environment, tools, and culture that encourages them to be creative and innovative, they will perform at their best and be the most productive.

In today’s blog, we will explore key characteristics that define the modern workplace that motivates and attracts modern-day workers and that you should look for when searching for a new job.

1. An Engaged and Mobile Workforce

Today’s workers don’t want to be limited to a single location and tied to their desks. They expect flexibility and mobility when it comes to where and when they can work and be productive. 

Therefore, companies that want to stay connected and keep their workers engaged must implement a digital workplace strategy and empower employees with advanced tools and cloud platforms. Employees should have the most modern and up-to-date devices and secure access to company networks, documents, and communications systems to work effectively and efficiently. 

This is an essential step toward improving the efficiency of an organization’s business processes. Besides keeping employees engaged and satisfied, it will increase flexibility, agility, productivity, and revenue.

2. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

Employees today put a great value on flexibility and well-being and are looking for companies and jobs that align with their values and support their lifestyles. They expect a schedule tailored to their specific needs that allows them to care for their physical and emotional health and childcare needs or gives them more family time. 

Flexible working can motivate employees and help them feel happier, healthier, and perform better. By taking the time to understand their employee’s needs, companies will increase their ability to attract talent and improve morale and employee retention.

3. Remote and Hybrid Work

Remote or hybrid work is the number one trait of a successful modern workplace, and employees now expect this work policy as standard. According to a McKinsey survey, about 90% of organizations plan to combine remote and on-site working as part of their long-term working strategy.

A remote company gives people the trust and the tools to do their jobs from anywhere and collaborate across different time zones. They have flexibility and freedom to organize their work and personal life, thus creating a better quality of life and increased productivity.

The hybrid model, a mix of in-office and remote work, can offer even greater flexibility because it enables employees to choose the environment that makes them most productive. It is best for those who find it difficult to perform efficiently in a home office or feel isolated. They can enjoy both the autonomy of remote work and the social advantages of in-person interactions.

Which form of work is suitable for a company depends on the type and industry, so companies should consider which options work best for them and their employees.

4. Support Learning and Development and Offer Career Growth Opportunities

Companies that build a culture of continuous learning and invest in training and development will stand out in the modern world. Encouraging employees to succeed in their current roles and eventually move up in their careers through professional development will stay at their current workplace longer and improve your organization’s productivity.

5. Effective Collaboration and Open Communication

Collaboration is at the heart of every company and is vital for business success and competitiveness. To facilitate open communication and seamless collaboration, modern companies need to provide people with digital tools to help them collaborate from anywhere, anytime.

Today there is an abundance of collaborative tech tools available. Whether it is shared productivity tools and cloud apps, or video conferencing platforms and chat, they will significantly impact employee engagement, boost a team’s morale and increase efficiency.

6. Employee Benefits Packages

Modern-day workers want to work for companies that have a people-first culture. Adequate compensation is no longer enough because time is as valuable an asset as money. They want the flexibility to have a personal life without sacrificing their freedom for their career. They expect work environments where they will feel valued, engaged, and trusted to do a good job.

Consequently, organizations that want to attract and keep the best talent and have happier and more productive employees must prioritize employee benefits and perks. A well-thought-out benefits package is more than office snacks and ping-pong tables. It should have a visible impact on employees and address issues like burnout and poor physical and mental health.

Some examples of quality employee benefits packages will include flexible working, health and life insurance, training and development, office perks, employee discounts, rewards and bonuses, and wellness benefits.

The Bottom Line

Hopefully, now you have a better grasp on what makes a modern workplace. In essence, it is a collaborative and flexible culture suited to modern-day employees and enabled by digital technology and tools. It understands the needs of its people, empowers them to make the best of their workday, prioritizes employee well-being, and ensures an overall positive workplace experience.

Cosmic Development- a Company Embracing the Future of Work

In the past years, we have effectively capitalized on modern employment trends and successfully incorporated these six characteristics into Cosmic Development. Our people are the driving force behind our business success, and we strive to nurture them in the right ways. Our employees have the freedom and flexibility to set their schedules and work remotely because we are convinced that results, not time and attendance determine performance.

But we believe that the future workplace is not remote but hybrid because we are social creatures and need to work together as a team. So, we have designed a workspace to meet the needs of our hybrid teams so they can complete projects and assist our clients with their business requirements.

We also have excellent benefits packages with a focus on employee well-being. Cosmic Development covers full private health insurance for the close family members of all employees; a yearly budget for professional growth and learning and training programs. Additionally, we offer wellness benefits, employee recognition, reward programs, and subsidized healthy meal options.

The list of benefits continues to grow, and we will offer even more at the beginning of 2023. 

If you want to work in a thriving modern company focused on improving the employee experience and offering numerous benefits, we encourage you to check our open positions.

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Our Mission is to Provide Our Employees With a Memorable Career Journey https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/our-mission-is-to-provide-our-employees-with-a-memorable-career-journey/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-mission-is-to-provide-our-employees-with-a-memorable-career-journey Fri, 18 Nov 2022 13:55:40 +0000 https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/?p=7295 It is not very difficult to become a part of the IT world these days; however, being there for a decade and with the same company is a perfect example of loyalty and dedication – qualities you don’t see every day on the IT market. The managing director of our company, Anthony Naumoff, is one of the rare in Macedonia who has built his career journey in the same IT company. He has been there from the beginning, throughout the years, and today, when the company is growing rapidly and has recently celebrated a ten-year jubilee.

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Pursuing an IT career is quite common nowadays, but carving out a successful IT career journey at the same company for a decade is something you don’t see every day. The Managing Director of our company, Antony Naumoff, has built his career at the same IT company and is a rare example of loyalty and dedication. He has been there from the very beginning, throughout the years, up until today, when the company is growing rapidly and has recently celebrated a ten-year jubilee.

Read and find out how it all started and the challenges and achievements along the way of the success story that Cosmic Development is today.

The original article in Macedonian is available here.

Anthony Naumoff is the Managing Director of Cosmic Development. He was born and raised in Chicago, USA, attended Kansas State University, and graduated from University American College Skopje.

His life story is extraordinary. He is one of the rare people who returned to his parents’ homeland and graduated college and started working for a local company. That company started from a small office in Skopje eleven years ago and has spread across four locations with nearly 150 employees today. One of its most loyal clients is a unicorn startup that has recently become a publicly traded company, trading on NASDAQ, and is valued at more than $2 billion. A few people from the Cosmic Development team had the honor of attending the NASDAQ bell-ringing ceremony in New York City, an experience that they will probably never forget.

Cosmic Development is a Canadian IT solutions and staff augmentation services provider with over a decade-long tenure. They provide custom-made, dedicated talent solutions to companies of all sizes. Thanks to their unique approach, they select highly-experienced developers and other professionals from different business areas and create flexible and customizable dedicated teams for clients and business partners worldwide. Their outstanding services are supported by a wide net of teams spread across different locations. They have offices in Toronto, Skopje, Bitola, and Belgrade. A company set in this way is a new deal for the IT industry.

You are in charge of one of the leading IT consulting and development companies that have put Macedonia on the global map. Tell us how it started eleven years ago and where the company is today.

Sure! We started eleven years ago as a company with only one employee, working on a trial period with only one potential client. Luckily, one of Cosmic Development’s founders, a very famous and successful businessman from Canada, is of Macedonian origin and his heart and thoughts are always with Macedonia. His respect for the country where his ancestors were born went beyond words, and he tried to help Macedonia in the best possible way. The idea for this success story and opening of this company was born when he visited Macedonia. 

After the initial trial period had proven to be more successful than we expected, we started growing slowly but steadily, and we started promoting our business to clients outside of the country and within the country in front of potential employees. 

We first opened and started growing the Skopje office. Things went well, resulting in the opening of offices in Belgrade and Bitola. The Belgrade office gave us direct access to a large talent pool from the IT field, which was a clever step in cases when we couldn’t find employees with specific skills in Macedonia. At the same time, the office in Bitola helped us grow as a company in providing BPO (business process outsourcing) services.

Today, with more than 150 employees, it is truly amazing to see the progress we’ve made. Soon we are opening a modern and state-of-the-art office in Bitola. I am really happy about that, and I can freely say that the company is experiencing stable growth and intensive development as never before. But our growth is effective and allows us to create and maintain a positive working environment which is absolutely essential for us.

For years, Cosmic Development has been on the list of the most wanted companies to work for, according to employees. How do you stay ahead of the competition in a country with many IT companies, especially considering the Balkans’ shortage of high-quality workers suitable for the global market?

There are several factors at play. Above all, we practice a relaxed and positive working environment. We strive to introduce play-and-relax zones, flexible working hours, location flexibility, and good employee benefits packages that are regularly enhanced. Additionally, our employees are free from administrative micromanagement, which is key to preventing fatigue and killing their creativity. 

We also strive for openness and transparency toward our employees. Our honest relationship is incredibly important, and we recently put a lot of attention and focus on it. Our employees are always informed about our goals, achievements, and plans. We are always realistic – we never promise what we can’t deliver, and most importantly, we are always fair and honest with the whole team, without exceptions.

We are not perfect, and no business is, but the thing that helped us achieve success is that we are always learning from our mistakes and trying to improve for our employees and clients.

Cosmic Development is oriented towards outsourcing a wide range of IT services. In your client’s testimonials, mainly from the USA and Canada, one can read their impressions about your company. They say that the relationship you establish with your clients is of relational rather than transactional character, and your services are produced through interaction between the clients and the teams.

Yes, that’s right. Our motto is: We build teams for brands! But that doesn’t mean we only hire people who will work for a particular client and will be told what to do. Our way of working is characterized by a high level of trust between the company and the clients and cooperation and mutual respect between the clients and employees. Our clients want employees that will cooperate and give ideas and improvement suggestions that can have a significant impact. They want a team that can work jointly and effectively, not just anonymous workers from some corner of the world working on the given task.

This combined effort is very serious, but it helps establish an effective collaboration where both parties are satisfied with their work. And a job that is completed successfully is crucial for clients and their businesses. 

Your growth and development allowed you to expand your services in the area of non-technical services (BPO). What types of services are most requested?

Besides IT, we also offer non-technical services or BPO. We are currently oriented towards this type of service because it provides greater flexibility than IT services. The IT part is always slower but with steadier growth because the market is very saturated and competitive. On the other hand, the BPO part allows us to grow and hire more people faster. Additionally, the current client base needs workers from this sector, which explains our continuous growth.

What is your company’s potential, and what can Macedonia do to support the IT industry? How do other countries succeed in maintaining and developing this vital branch?

Macedonia has an exceptional and competitive IT industry. Getting a developer job, whether junior or senior, is much easier than before. This results from the growing number of tech businesses and their rising demand for tech talent, and we expect it to grow in the coming years.

The pandemic has normalized remote work; now, many developers prefer remote work or freelancing. Our company has successfully adapted to the new reality, and we let our IT professionals choose their way of working.

Regarding the non-technical services we offer, I think Macedonia has unlimited potential in that area because the country has a young, talented, and educated workforce willing to work. That’s why our institutions must recognize the best companies and try to keep them. It is also essential to ensure that companies that take advantage of favorable business conditions and pay their workers low salaries, like those in India, are not supported. The BPO services are an excellent possibility for the country’s economic growth and can improve further if the workers are treated equally everywhere. 

And in terms of how other countries maintain and develop their IT sector, I wouldn’t comment because it’s not my area of expertise. However, investing in young people and their education and creating a favorable business climate for IT companies is never a mistake.  

Your job is keeping you in Macedonia. So what are your impressions, what do you like, and have you adopted any local habits? What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in this part of the world?

Over the years, things changed, and now it is not only the job that keeps me here. I got married and have a child, so my family life is in Macedonia. And although I was born in the USA, I love Macedonia and life here. Like any place in the world, there are good and bad sides. It is not perfect, but nowhere is. I love the way of life here. Macedonia has relaxed and friendly people, and they can be excellent hosts. If I could, I would spend my days in a kafana, talking with people.

Another thing I like is its natural beauty. Macedonia has many incredible mountains, lakes, historical cities, and undoubtedly the most beautiful women, as you can see by my wife! As I’ve already mentioned, the downsides are only natural, but I never focus on them; I only see the good things.

Under the right conditions, Macedonia has a vast potential to be a great place to live because it has a small territory and can quickly thrive, much easier than other countries.

What are Cosmic Development’s plans for the future, and what management strategies push companies forward? Please give us a little glimpse into the future.

Cosmic Development’s next plan is to continue growing and create a positive and stimulating work environment where our teams can develop professionally. The future is unpredictable, but we are sure that we will continue to aspire to improve, collaborate, and treat our employees in the best possible way. We will continue building a strong company culture that will drive business success.

The opening of the new office in Bitola is something that we are looking forward to and is a motivating factor for all of us. I believe that we are setting an example that will stimulate positive change in the life of this beautiful city which is a mecca for IT companies.

With this expansion, which is an investment in excellent working conditions, we will provide our employees with an exciting career journey, just like we always do, because we remain a company that is entirely committed to its people.

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Different Approach To Making Results: Meet Milan Andreev, a Front-End Developer with a Passion for Sports https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/meet-milan-andreev-a-front-end-developer-with-a-passion-for-sport/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=meet-milan-andreev-a-front-end-developer-with-a-passion-for-sport https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/meet-milan-andreev-a-front-end-developer-with-a-passion-for-sport/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2022 11:38:39 +0000 https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/?p=7215 At Cosmic Development, our employees determine our success day in and day out. Our Employee Spotlight series provides a peek behind the scenes of the unique individuals who work hard every day to create the best possible experience for all our clients.  Today we chatted with Milan Andreev, a front-end developer. He joined Cosmic Development in 2017 and is currently…

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At Cosmic Development, our employees determine our success day in and day out. Our Employee Spotlight series provides a peek behind the scenes of the unique individuals who work hard every day to create the best possible experience for all our clients. 

Today we chatted with Milan Andreev, a front-end developer. He joined Cosmic Development in 2017 and is currently a front-end developer for our loyal client, Bookmark. Milan is a performance-driven developer who is unafraid to take on challenges and give outputs that impact our company. His positive attitude, collaborative spirit, and love of learning are just a few character traits that make him a beloved member of our engineering team. In addition to his love for technology, he enjoys connecting with nature at any chance he gets, whether by running, rock climbing, mountain biking, or kiteboarding.

In today’s interview, we discuss his career journey to date, what he does daily as a front-end developer, and what he enjoys doing besides work.

Milan teaching React.JS

First, we would like to congratulate you on your 5th anniversary at Cosmic Development. How did it all start?

Thanks. It is my pleasure to work with all of you. It all started five years ago. I worked remotely for more than ten years in many companies before Cosmic. They were small companies with two to five employees.

However, with no project management to handle tasks, the workload was hefty, and the pressure was high. And that is why I decided to start fresh in a new big company. When I got the job at Cosmic Development, I felt free, happy, and fulfilled after a long time. I am motivated, the work is always done, and there is always time to catch up with colleagues. I have the best time.

What does your average workday look like?

I am a morning person. I get up early, at six or seven, depending on the season. My day starts with a cup of coffee or tea. Then I put on my headphones, play some chillout music, and head for a run or bike ride. Sports activities and watching the sunrise give me a lot of energy for the rest of the day. Then my work day starts. In the morning, I feel the most creative, so I work with clarity at a fast pace. The first thing I do is check the task manager and organize for the day. We often have daily meetings where we share information about progress and future tasks. As the day passes, my concentration drops, which is a lunch alarm. After lunch, another fast pace coding session, a meeting with the colleagues, and the day is over. The best thing about my work is that there is no pressure; everyone is doing their work and helping each other. Cosmic is an environment that is too good to be true.

Can you tell us about your background? When did you decide you wanted to build a career in front-end development?

I started working in 1998. My first website was a fun page for the gymnasium Orce Nikolov, the high school where I went. Next, I started working on a project named Autoinfo – an application for listing cars for sale, the first of its kind at that time, and also my first dynamic website built in “ASP.” That is how I fell in love with creating websites and applications.

I graduated in Computer Science and carved out my career in that direction. There were many projects along the way, requiring different skills and engagement, but eventually, I ended up being a front-end developer. There is no particular reason why I chose front-end development; it came naturally. When I worked on full-stack development projects, and we split the work between colleagues, I felt more comfortable working on the front end.

You mentioned that, at the moment, you are working on design implementation. Can you tell us more about it? For example, what makes a good design implementation, according to you?

For good design implementation, you need a solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Use as little code as needed, write clean, high-quality code, and read the designer’s intention. They often work in strict dimensions, so you need to code the same design in relative dimensions, so the design is responsive on all devices. And that’s it; it is very straightforward.

What is the most exciting part about being a front-end developer?

Front-end design is not very exciting, but it is rewarding. The best part is when at the end of the day when I feel fulfilled that I’ve finished the work as best as I could. The more I accomplish, the better I will feel about myself. 

And finally, who is Milan out of the office? Any outside hobbies or interests?

An introvert who finds peace and joy in sport and nature. I have a lot of hobbies that are my driving force in life – sports hobbies. I want sports that need a long learning curve.

For example, I started rock climbing many years ago. With rock climbing, you must learn about security, working with the devices for ascending and descending, working on the movement technique, and training endurance and power. The progress is very slow, and that’s why I like it. Also, I ride a road and a mountain bike. I want to be closer to nature and enjoy the views from the top of the mountain! I run, too. Although running seems like a basic activity, it isn’t. There are also running techniques involved, training for endurance and training for speed, and the progress is also very slow.

I also started kiteboarding, which is the hardest to learn from all of the above. You need to learn about wind windows and direction, controlling the kite, safety, and riding a board – all at the same time. It is very fun and enjoyable. And in wintertime, I ski. In every season, I switch between these sports. Sport makes me an enthusiastic and productive developer. 

It is a great way to unload and restore my body and mind. It gives me the tools and skills to succeed not just in the workplace but in life too.

If you’re interested in working with colleagues like Milan, check out our careers page. Cosmic Development offers a unique and exciting environment where you can have a significant impact daily and deliver real value for our clients. 

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Productivity Tips: How to Stay Productive While Working from Home https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/productivity-tips-how-to-stay-productive-while-working-from-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=productivity-tips-how-to-stay-productive-while-working-from-home https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/productivity-tips-how-to-stay-productive-while-working-from-home/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2022 14:26:12 +0000 https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/?p=7202 If you are looking for some work-from-home productivity tips, you are at the right place. At Cosmic Development, we have practiced remote work in various formats for years and our employees are sharing their experiences and tips on staying productive. In the past two and a half years, the way we work and live has dramatically transformed. The pandemic has…

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If you are looking for some work-from-home productivity tips, you are at the right place. At Cosmic Development, we have practiced remote work in various formats for years and our employees are sharing their experiences and tips on staying productive.

We asked some of our coworkers that have experience in working remotely to share tips on how they maintain their productivity.
Home Office Setup

In the past two and a half years, the way we work and live has dramatically transformed. The pandemic has normalized remote and flexible work. Cloud technology and advanced communication and collaboration tools have allowed companies to embrace remote work and reap the benefits it can bring. Instead of being a temporary pandemic measure, work from home has become a lasting feature of the modern workplace.

Despite the apparent benefits of remote work, like freedom and flexibility, no commute, a higher quality of life, and better work-life balance, working remotely is more complex than it seems and can bring many unexpected challenges. This perk can turn into a missed opportunity if not handled carefully, and you can become your own worst enemy,

Productivity is one of the biggest challenges, especially if you are new to remote work. Having that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some essential remote working productivity tips from our employees. We also asked a few to share their personal experience in working remotely and explain how they navigate the pitfalls and ensure they stay focused, productive, and happy.

Set up a home office space that limits distraction

Whether a corner in your living room or a separate room turned into an office, it is crucial to designate an official home workspace where you can comfortably work without noise and distractions.

Create a healthy, stimulating environment that best suits your personal ergonomic and productivity needs. Keep it clutter-free and organized. Add houseplants to boost your mood, and if possible, put your desk by the window to have access to natural light because it will improve your mental alertness and focus. Invest in equipment that will enhance your performance – adjustable desks, ergonomic desk chairs, spacious monitors or laptop stands, and noise-cancelling headphones. A dedicated workspace will give a sense of legitimacy to your work environment and help you maintain boundaries between home and work life.

Define boundaries

Besides having a separate workspace where you can concentrate and minimize disruptions, it is equally important to put clear boundaries between work time and family. It can be hard to separate your work from your personal life, especially if you have children.

However, everything is possible with a little more pre-planning and communication.

Work out a schedule with your household members and inform them of your working schedule and that you are unavailable during this time. Ensure that your home office is off-limits when working and that your work does not intrude into other people’s lives. Learn to say no, because you can easily become stressed and overwhelmed by others’ demands, which will definitely affect your productivity.

The opposite is also true, setting healthy work boundaries to avoid overworking. Stick to your work schedule, do your work as best as possible, and once your work day is over, switch off, put away your work tools and enjoy your free time.

And remember – setting your boundaries is in your own hands. If you don’t respect them, no one else will either. It is a battle you’ll need to fight for yourself, but with time you’ll become a master of juggling work and family.

Set up a work schedule and maintain a daily routine

The best thing when working from home is the flexibility to establish a routine that’s ideal for you. Creating and following a work schedule will save your sanity and boost your productivity. 

Here are some steps you can follow:

  • Maintain consistent working hours. Decide the time when you will start and finish working each day and commit to it. Plan for virtual meetings with others in your schedule, childcare, or any other responsibilities you may have throughout the day. Be aware that you’ll need to be flexible from time to time and that there will be exceptions to your rules. Sometimes you’ll have to give extra time to your work and sometimes to your personal life. 
  • Discover your most productive time of the day. Some people peak in the morning, others in the afternoon or night. By aligning your schedule with your peak energy times, you make it easier to focus on work when you feel the most energized and motivated, thus being more productive, focused, and quicker.
  • Track your time. Time tracking can help you be more aware of how you spend your time during the day and how much time you spend on each assigned task. This practice will give you valuable insights into your productivity and help you find ways to improve and optimize your workflow. If you’re unsure how to do that, ForestRescueTime, and Toggl are just some of the many time-tracking apps you can use. They will tell you how you spend your time, analyze your work trends and help you make smart decisions. 

Set priorities

Taking a proactive approach will give you a sense of accomplishment and put you in control of your day. 

One of the biggest productivity mistakes you can make is focusing on getting as many tasks as possible instead of doing the most important ones. So start by identifying your main to-do’s for the day, and qualify them by their urgency. Try the Rule of Three – a simple but effective productivity hack that requires you to focus on accomplishing only three essential goals every day. You can apply this rule not only for your day but also for your week, month, and year. Our brains are not evolved to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, so by engaging in fewer tasks, you increase your focus and are more efficient. Similar productivity methods you can also try are the Pomodoro Technique or the Zen to Done Rule

Take regular breaks and practice self-care

Working remotely and sitting all day can harm your body and mind. Don’t hesitate to take a break and recharge. Regular micro-break breaks throughout your working day will lower the risk of burnout, reduce stress levels, and increase overall productivity. They are good for both your physical and mental well-being. A play with your kids or pet, a short conversation, listening to music, stretching, breathing, whatever you like, as long as it is a break from screen time and gets you moving.

Incorporate self-care into your daily routine, whether that is walking in the park, regular exercise, spending time in nature, contacting loved ones, watching a good movie, reading a book, cooking a fun meal, or spending virtual social time with colleagues. These activities will lower your stress, help you relax, and clear your mind.

Stay engaged in company life

Working from home can get boring and lonely. If you feel isolated, you will not be happy or productive. Fortunately, with the technologies today, you can easily stay engaged with the team and be involved in daily company life. Stay in touch with your colleagues via Slack or similar cloud-based collaboration tools. Try video chats, participate in different events and activities and stay connected.

The Bottom Line

Working from home has many great advantages, but when it comes to productivity, it certainly has its drawbacks. It’s challenging to maintain an excellent work-life balance and stay productive. But with proper planning and the right tools and techniques, you can create space and time to be effective without letting work interfere with your personal life. 

Staying productive while working from home is different for everyone. What works for you might not work for somebody else. Find what works best for you, stay productive, and keep your head up no matter what.

Come work with us and join our team of great people!

We offer a hybrid work culture flexibility that combines the benefits of both remote and office work. Check out our current openings and learn why Cosmic Development is the right fit. 

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Beyond the Role of a Content Manager at Cosmic Development https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/beyond-the-role-of-a-content-manager-at-cosmic-development/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beyond-the-role-of-a-content-manager-at-cosmic-development https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/beyond-the-role-of-a-content-manager-at-cosmic-development/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2022 06:54:36 +0000 https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/?p=7176 Content Managers are an embodiment of a company’s content marketing and ensure business success in the digital world. They understand the voice of the brand they represent and use it to communicate with customers. At Cosmic Development, Ivana Radulovic is that person. She has been part of the Cosmic family since 2015, working as a Content Manager for one of…

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Content Managers are an embodiment of a company’s content marketing and ensure business success in the digital world. They understand the voice of the brand they represent and use it to communicate with customers. At Cosmic Development, Ivana Radulovic is that person. She has been part of the Cosmic family since 2015, working as a Content Manager for one of our fastest-growing clients.  

How did it all start? 

Through the years, I’ve changed roles and been part of several Cosmic Development teams. In the beginning, I was in the Business Development team and had the role of a Publisher Account Strategist. My main job was finding big and attractive publishers that would be posting our content on their sites. That brings value not only to the content creators but also to the publishers. As the platform grew over the past years and management started doing some internal transformations, I got the chance to work in different sectors, which helped me understand how the platform works. 

Working in different sectors through the years brought me to the content manager position. My primary responsibilities include:

  • Getting on track with the latest trending content.
  • Finding content that has the potential to become viral.
  • Getting in touch with huge Content Creators.

Attracting huge content creators to work with us and getting in touch with public figures and famous media and TV companies from around the world is the most exciting part of my job. It’s like a dream come true!

Can you tell us the pros and cons of being a Content Manager? 

Ivana Radulovic (right) working with her team

In short, it’s both exciting and demanding! The long answer is – the pros are being exposed to more growth opportunities and responsibilities, whereas the cons are the deadlines and making sure you reach the right decisions. In other words, knowing that you are trusted to make crucial decisions is always a great feeling. Being in charge of a team means being in charge of employee schedules, ordering supplies, tracking performance, budgeting, etc. Managers have a great deal of responsibility, which can be an exciting benefit and opportunity for the right person. 

In terms of experience, landing a managerial position means turning your job into a career. And when you love what you do, and you love your team and colleagues, it’s truly a blessing. 

But, part of being a manager is making some tough decisions. Keeping the balance between the upper management decisions and the needs and preferences of the employees is really challenging. Reaching a compromise, especially in situations where all sides shall be happy and the end goal is reached, is stressful. Another downside is the constant chase with time to complete everything on time and yet stay ahead of the latest trends and happenings. 

Ivana Radulovic, Content Manager at Cosmic Development

How do you keep up with the latest trends in your industry?

The essence of my job as a Content Manager is researching and identifying emerging trends, so it is only natural that we quickly come into contact with the latest trends in our industry. The advancements in technology and the availability of accessible and high-quality information helps us to keep up with the competition. This industry is based on competitive analysis, which enables us to determine what’s new on the market.

Ivana at the start line of the 10krace in Bitola

Your passion doesn’t stop at doing your job as a Content Manager solely. You are also a Brand Ambassador who actively participates in company events and activities. Tell us more about this, and please share what drives you.

My passion for the job, the company, and the people I work with play a big role. They support me at the right times, unselfishly and consistently, which is a true driving force for me to represent the company in the best way possible. The energy is mutual and circular. What you give is what you get. A successful company is a result of happy, loyal and truthful employees. 

Do you have any tips to share with anyone willing to join Cosmic Development?  

Anyone eager to get out of their comfort zone and willing to grow is welcome. And to our future colleagues, I’ll just say – be open to new ideas and experiences. Be yourself, stay positive, and be ambitious. You can never know what your dream job is.

Ivana and the colleagues from our office in Bitola

We’re hiring!

Cosmic Development is the right place to be for innovative problem solvers and creative thinkers who want to grow professionally every day. Check out our current job openings and see if you would be a good addition to our team. We always want to connect with talented people who share our mission and vision. 

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Creating Successful Websites Through People-Focused Design: Meet Marko Pavlovich, a Passionate Web Designer https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/creating-successful-websites-through-people-focused-design-meet-marko-pavlovich-a-passionate-web-designer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=creating-successful-websites-through-people-focused-design-meet-marko-pavlovich-a-passionate-web-designer Fri, 05 Aug 2022 09:22:11 +0000 https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/?p=7148 Get to know our Web Designer Marko Pavlovich in the latest Cosmic Development Employee Spotlight. Undoubtedly a well-designed website is a powerful digital marketing tool that can help businesses increase their online presence and credibility and make them stand out among competitors. An exceptional website not only looks good, but it is easy to navigate, user-friendly, and provides the visitors…

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Get to know our Web Designer Marko Pavlovich in the latest Cosmic Development Employee Spotlight.

Undoubtedly a well-designed website is a powerful digital marketing tool that can help businesses increase their online presence and credibility and make them stand out among competitors. An exceptional website not only looks good, but it is easy to navigate, user-friendly, and provides the visitors with the best user experience with the brand.

Successful companies know how to identify and meet users’ expectations and do that by hiring competent professionals with the necessary skills to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Web developers and web designers, be it UX (user experience or UI (user interface), are the bridge between a brand vision and the website. They study the company’s goals and design and create unique and well-functioning websites. One such professional at Cosmic Development is Marko Pavlovich. 

Who is Marko? 

Marko is a web designer with  15 years of experience in the IT industry. Marko is enthusiastic and passionate about designing websites and apps and has successfully delivered unique design solutions for many of our clients since he joined Cosmic in 2017. He specializes in User Experience (UX) Design and focuses on building effective and easy-to-use websites. He is responsible for understanding the users and investigates and understands their habits, needs, behaviors, motivations, and emotions. 

Here’s some more information about Marko we learned during our recent chat:

It is your fifth year at Cosmic Development. Any aspects of the company culture and the working environment would you like to point out? 

For the last five years, my main focus has been UX design on exciting projects in finance, games, etc. During that time, I had the opportunity to work on new technologies and improve my knowledge. Much of my success is thanks to Cosmic and the excellent working environment that offers countless learning opportunities. The culture of our team is built upon a shared understanding, trust, and respect. 

What makes a good design?

Everything around us is designed, from the services we are used to to the houses we live in, and everything is designed to solve a problem. A good design uses the information available to simplify the users’ lives.  It shines in both form and function and has a clear purpose. It is visually pleasing and easy to navigate, and technically stable and secure and the same time. 

Marko Pavlovich

What’s your working style? Any preferences you have in your design style? 

My working style is a mix of independence and collaboration with the other team members. When I start a new project, I first get well informed about the product, customers, and the possible solutions that the competition has. In the initial stages, I prefer to work independently. Then I consult with my team to ensure we’re all on the same track. We must work together and learn from each other’s perspectives if we want to build a great product. In terms of preferences, I always try to keep the audience in mind and provide the best user experience possible.

How do you communicate your designs with web developers?

As I mentioned, great websites require a joint effort between designers and other team members, especially web developers. Communication is the key here. In my 15 years of experience, I’ve learned how to clearly and effectively communicate my designs through words or collaboration software. I also do regular check-ins and design reviews to ensure everything is going according to plan.

Where do you go for inspiration? 

Each of us should find inspiration within ourselves and answer the question of what pushes us to the limits and beyond them. For me, hanging out with friends can be a fantastic way to expand my design horizons. People, places, music, films, nature; there are no limits. I can find inspiration anywhere. In addition, I follow several blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels, and Instagram pages. Some of my recommendations are ukplanet.org, smashingmagazine.com, usabilitigeek.com, The Futur, AJ&Smart, Flux, etc.

Marko and his colleagues from our office in Belgrade, working remotely

What do you believe is the most exciting new big thing in UX design? 

One thing that excites me most about working in web design, especially in UX, is that our industry is constantly changing and evolving. Many new technologies are emerging every day, and it is crucial to stay up to date. 

 Surely, the Metaverse will drive UX design, and UX designers should prepare for this new era. Designs led by virtual and augmented reality, and AI, are definitely the future of UX.

What tools or programs do you use for design?

I prefer to use Adobe applications, such as XD, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, but I am familiar with other tools created for UX/UI designers. Figma is one of them that I like to use.

What advice would you give to younger colleagues?

My advice to younger designers is not to be afraid and not to stop believing in themselves and their talents because of others’ criticism of their work. This is a long race. Start with jogging until you run a marathon.

Come work with Cosmic Development.

Cosmic Development is the perfect place to be a part of a team of innovative problem solvers and creative thinkers and grow professionally every day. Explore our current job openings and see If you would be a good addition to the Comic team. We always want to connect with talented people who share our mission and vision. 

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The Perks of Remote Work: Summer Workations at Cosmic Development https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/the-perks-of-remote-work-summer-workations-at-cosmic-development/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-perks-of-remote-work-summer-workations-at-cosmic-development https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/the-perks-of-remote-work-summer-workations-at-cosmic-development/#comments Mon, 25 Jul 2022 08:47:48 +0000 https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/?p=7128 You’ve probably heard about the newest trend among remote employees and companies – workation. For those unfamiliar with the term, workation (work + vacation) describes the practice of combining working remotely and vacation. This is not a completely new notion. However, it became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote work became ‘a new normal’. The pandemic changed how…

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You’ve probably heard about the newest trend among remote employees and companies – workation. For those unfamiliar with the term, workation (work + vacation) describes the practice of combining working remotely and vacation. This is not a completely new notion. However, it became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote work became ‘a new normal’. The pandemic changed how we work for the better, and now it’s changing how we vacation. Now, with the advancement in remote work tools and technologies, it is easier for employees to work on projects from remote locations while enjoying a break from the regular daily routine.

The possibility of working and vacationing at the same time may sound unbelievable, but we can assure you it’s reality. We are one of the few companies that adopted this hybrid work model that allowed working remotely even before the pandemic. Our people are free to create a work schedule that suits them best. They are able work from wherever they want, as long as that doesn’t interfere with their tasks and duties. The well-being of our people is vital to our company culture. For that reason, along with the flexible work schedules and relaxed working atmosphere, we introduced remote work options long before it became a trend.  

In this article, we’ll share with you how our Cosmic citizens enjoyed their summer while working from various locations and why embracing a remote work policy and flexible working hours is the way to go. 

The Benefits of Summer Workations 

Why work from one place when you can take your work anywhere? Why not?

Our colleague Ivan from the office in Belgrade working remote

Workations come with huge benefits that are difficult to ignore. When you are not tied to your working desks all day and don’t waste time commuting, you have more freedom and flexibility to explore other options while performing your professional responsibilities and earning money. And, if you are working from home most of the time, you know that it can become quite tedious and leave you feeling stuck after a while.

Workations are an excellent opportunity to enjoy a much-needed change in scenery while you work. And you can use your spare time to relax and explore new places,. This is a great motivator and it promotes well-being. It can also enhance your productivity and creativity, give you a different perspective and encourage new ideas.

Waking up by the sea or in the mountains, drinking your coffee with a panoramic view of nature, and working online with your work desk pointing towards your favorite mountains or beaches, is definitely far better than spending eight hours in the office staring at a blank wall or working in a busy, stressful environment. However, workations shouldn’t be regarded as a substitute for actual holidays because you still need time to shut off from work completely.

How Cosmic Citizens Enjoyed Remote Work Perks This Summer

The Cosmic team took full advantage of their freedom and flexibility this summer and combined work and lovely summer sceneries. Besides working from the comfort of their gardens and balconies, our employees enjoyed the benefit of working from their hometowns and different distant getaway locations in nature while still getting the work done. 

Here’s how some of our employees spend the summer and the beautiful sights they visit.

The Cosmic team working from various remote places

Are Summer Workations Good for Companies?

Yes! It’s not only the employees that reap the benefits from the workations; it’s the company too. Business success, job performance, and employee well-being are closely connected. 

When companies invest in their people’s mental and physical well-being and trust them to work from anywhere, they have happier employees. And happy employees work harder and better than those who aren’t. 

The benefits of flexible work schedules and workations include better productivity and creativity. It also boosts employee satisfaction, motivation, and morale. Moreover, it is a great way to build employee loyalty and retention because the new generation of workers puts great value on flexibility. 

However, companies should establish a clear remote work policy and outline expectations that everyone in the company can rely on. With a solid work-from-home policy, teams are more likely to achieve their goals, keep productivity, and be satisfied with their work. This includes performance expectations, availability expectations, working hours, expected response time for each communication channel, client confidentiality, cybersecurity, and equipment requirements. 

In our company, summer benefits are a way to reward hard work and give people a break they need. But, remote work and summer workations come with a responsibility to deliver high-quality work to benefit our clients. Our employees have the flexibility to work from home. However, we still sometimes require that they are available during certain core hours that overlap with their team members. That way, we ensure that everyone is available for team meetings or clients in certain time zones. 

Join Cosmic Development and enjoy the freedom of choosing your workspace.

Freedom and flexibility are perks at the core of our company culture, and we are really proud of having them.

Remote day for our colleagues from Belgrade

We at Cosmic believe that personal well-being is essential for top job performance. Which is why we have the option to let our employees choose their work locations. However, we are still keeping our offices open for those that want to work from an office setting.

Your work setting is irrelevant as long as you are an engaged and productive team member. You’ll have the freedom and tools to get the job done regardless of your position or location.

Cosmic Development may be the answer if you are looking for a place where you can take advantage of countless benefits like combining work and travel. You can check our current job offers here.

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Talk with HR: Sneak Peek at Our Human Resources Department https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/talk-with-hr-sneak-peek-at-our-human-resources-department/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=talk-with-hr-sneak-peek-at-our-human-resources-department https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/talk-with-hr-sneak-peek-at-our-human-resources-department/#comments Fri, 20 May 2022 07:40:57 +0000 https://www.cosmicdevelopment.com/?p=7067 The Human Resources department plays a pivotal role in a company’s overall growth strategy and is an integral part of any modern-day organization. In the last years, the responsibilities of the HR department and HR managers have grown considerably, and now a professional HR department encompasses many roles and activities. Being an HR professional requires commitment and dedication. After all,…

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The Human Resources department plays a pivotal role in a company’s overall growth strategy and is an integral part of any modern-day organization. In the last years, the responsibilities of the HR department and HR managers have grown considerably, and now a professional HR department encompasses many roles and activities.

Being an HR professional requires commitment and dedication. After all, they are responsible for managing a company’s human capital, its most important asset.

Besides managing the employee life cycle like recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training and firing, employee relations, and benefits management, they are also responsible for protecting the employee’s well-being and keeping them satisfied. They also play a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing the company’s culture and creating a positive working environment while focusing on company values.

Given that many activities in the workplace are impacted by HR, a strong human resources department is the best way to ensure employee satisfaction, productivity, and future growth, thus setting the foundation for a thriving company.

The HR strategy at Cosmic Development is simple – be a high-performing company and a great place to work. Our HR team is our partner in business. They are the company’s driving force because they manage the most critical and valuable resource we have – our people.

Cosmic HR managers and other related professionals work hard together to support the needs of our employees at various stages of their careers. HR ensures that they have the right tools and resources to perform to thrive and maximize their input.  They focus on employee well–being and offer professional support in addition to compensation, benefits, career advancement, and work-life balance.

HR has always been important, but the past two years have demonstrated why it is instrumental in keeping businesses afloat. We successfully navigated the challenges in recruiting, retention, and safety and managed to assist our employees during the pandemic’s stressful circumstances.

The best way to acknowledge employees’ roles, efforts, and achievements is to celebrate them throughout the year. Today, to mark the International HR Day and recognize the hardworking and dedicated HR professionals, we will offer you a glimpse of the individuals who work hard to help Cosmic Development constantly improve, accelerate, and grow. Meet three ladies of our HR team.

Who is Marina?

Marina is a graduate economist in the accounting, finance, and audit section, but as a person who loves to work with people, her career path took her to human resources. She spends her time with her loved ones and friends, reading books, and cycling.

When you joined Cosmic Development, you had the chance to become part of a rapidly growing team with a lot going on. How was that experience? What do you love most about your job, especially here? 

Joining a rapidly growing company was challenging to do on the one hand. Still, it was like an adventure to discover and learn new things, get more professional in my experience, and meet new people. The work is very dynamic but having flexible working hours and working remotely when needed gives me the freedom to manage the tasks properly. The flexibility and the right HR team besides me are the things that I love most about my job.

Who is Liljana?  

Liljana is an IT recruiter at Cosmic Development. She has a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and enjoys working and communicating with people. She loves encouraging employees and strives to create a happy workplace. When Liljana is not busy recruiting new talent, she enjoys spending time with her sons Matej and Luka.

Your expertise is recruitment. But what does it mean to be a tech recruiter? What traits do you need to be successful in your field?

Yes, my specialty in Cosmic is recruitment. To be a recruiter, you have to be many things. You need to be curious by nature and ask the right questions. You need to have excellent research skills and be up to date with the latest trends. You also need strong negotiation skills and be able to communicate with potential candidates effectively. People skills and knowing how to listen are essential for building relationships.

Another important thing is to be a good storyteller and tell stories that answer questions and provide the information the candidates need to decide if the company is a good fit as an employer. Storytelling is the best way to connect potential candidates with your brand and work culture and communicate what a company offers. The same skills that apply to sales marketing, like communication, strong organization and negotiation skills, and patience, apply to recruitment. You need skills to “sell” the job to the candidate and “sell” the candidate to the client. 

Who is Andriana? 

Andriana has almost five years of experience in the human resources field and has been Cosmic Development’s HR manager for the past nine months. She has a Master’s degree in Business Informatics and Management from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia and started working for Cosmic just a few days after finishing her studies. Initially, she began as an office manager, moving to the HR assistant position, and finally, the most recent, HR manager. 

Besides her professional responsibilities and obligations, Andriana always tries to fit physical activities into her busy schedule and spends at least an hour daily doing exercise or in nature. She enjoys traveling and visiting new places. She is also an animal lover and a devoted owner of two dogs. 

What are the future company plans and goals?  

At this moment, the company is growing rapidly, and we constantly have new positions open. In the first quarter of 2022 alone, we’ve had 16 new colleagues. In fact, hardly a day goes by without communicating or interviewing potential candidates, whether for IT or non-technical job positions. That is clear evidence of the company’s growth and makes me incredibly happy.

In the future, we will continue working in the same spirit. We already have plans to continue growing our team. We also plan to make internal organizational changes and introduce new benefits. And our priority will remain the retention and encouragement of our employees.

As the main HR Manager, what’s the secret formula to making all things happen?

HR encompasses many things—from effective communication, patience, ability to analyze and see things from different angles to planning and multitasking. What’s most important for me and most challenging at the same time is establishing a healthy relationship and collaboration with the employees – which is the essence of being an HR professional. In terms of the secret formula, I would say that besides loving what you do, you’ll also need ideas and a strong will to make things happen. With thorough planning ahead, you can achieve anything.

Final Thoughts

A company is only as good as its people and the HR team is in charge of creating and maintaining a solid team. Strong HR departments help companies get the most from their people and help people get the most of the companies. They serve as the advocates for employees and help companies recruit and retain top talent to help a business succeed. That is why investing in Human Resources should be a priority of every company.

Cosmic Development succeeded in building a strong and effective HR department. Our employees can use HR to voice concerns and experiences. At Cosmic, we believe that only by working hand in hand can managers and employees build an environment that inspires and engages.

If you want to work in a thriving company that is focused on improving employee experience at each stage in the employee lifecycle and a company that offers numerous benefits and a flexible work schedule, we encourage you to check our open positions.

The post Talk with HR: Sneak Peek at Our Human Resources Department appeared first on Cosmic Development.

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