Xojo has always looked for ways to create a healthy and happy work environment. As a small business, we have found it beneficial to be early adopters of cutting edge workplace initiatives. Xojo implemented a virtual office way back in 2009, closing our brick-and-mortar office and allowing everyone to work from home. This decision reduced general overhead costs as well as our carbon footprint. With the majority of our employees located in Texas in 2009, this move allowed those team members to do any number of good things rather than sitting for hours in traffic each week. Personally, it allowed me to keep this great new job when my husband’s job moved us to California. In addition to all this, the virtual office model continues to allow Xojo to hire the right person for a particular position, no matter where they are located on the planet. (We’re currently looking for a Technical Writer, learn more.)
In the 13+ years since then, working from home has become more common and the line between work and home has become increasingly blurred. The “always-on” work culture can sneak up on you. At first it’s just an email in the evening and then it’s replying to a tweet on a Saturday and helping a customer on the Forum during Thanksgiving. Every member of the Xojo team is passionate about Xojo. But a study by Deloitte found that 64% of professionals who consider themselves “passionate” about their jobs are frequently stressed, dispelling the myth that passionate employees are immune to stress or burnout. And we all know stressed and burned-out employees cannot do their best. Of course Xojo encourages team members to take days off and vacations; plus our company policy doesn’t limit the amount of days we can take off. But we acknowledge with a tight and close-knit team like ours, it’s hard to take a break when your colleagues are working.
In light of all this, Xojo has decided to close for the week of July 3rd. After all, Xojo is running a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve been around for over 25 years and we plan on being around for many more. In order to do this, we need to keep our team in good shape. We will return on July 10th, refreshed and ready to get back to work on Xojo 2023r2 and all that comes with it (Android, DesktopXAMLContainer and more!). We appreciate your understanding and look forward working on what’s coming in Xojo.