At Progress, we are dedicated not only to driving innovation for our customers but also to providing our employees the best environment to work and thrive.
In June we celebrated the move of our team in Sofia, Bulgaria—nearly 500 employees—into a new office building. The goal of the facility is to further drive collaboration, innovation and creativity. With its modern interior design and innovative technology, it provides an inspiring working environment. Let me tell you all about our newest – and largest - Progress office.
Local Identity in a Global Company
The interior design theme of the new office is Bulgarian nature. Chosen by the employees, it aims to reveal the uniqueness of Bulgaria as a country and prompt the frequent visitors from other Progress offices around the world to learn more about the local culture. Interwoven subtly into the overall design, the theme features well-known and beautiful scenery from different locations in Bulgaria as part of the entire look and feel of the space.
image by Svetlin Nikolaev
Collaboration, Creativity and Innovation
Our new office is large and spacious, encompassing an entire seven story building. In addition to the 500+ working stations, it has 36 multi-functional meeting rooms with capacity from two to 200 people. The rooms are very flexible: they can quickly and easily adapt to host different meetings because of their moving walls and smart technology.
image by Svetlin Nikolaev
In Sync with the Dynamic Tech World
Today’s employees expect their working space to look like their life outside the office. This is especially true for the technology sector which prides itself in offering the most exciting amenities. Our new office is designed with this in mind:
- A large gym including a climbing wall and a zone for group sports
- Collaboration & recreational areas – bright and cozy spaces for unplanned meetings to spur informal conversations
- Game area with darts, tennis tables, pool, play station
- Cinema-like video room – suitable for watching educational videos and live conferences
- Parking lot on 3 levels with space for motorcycles and bicycles
Now, let me tell you about one more hidden treasure in the new office that needs your attention!
JNGL Kids Center
On the ground floor of the office building lies the hidden place for youngest members of Progress – the children of our employees.
The Kids Center is a kindergarten-like space specially created for the employees’ kids. It can now accommodate nearly twice as many kids as it used to. The center provides not only daycare activities but also a number of specialized rooms to help kids develop their cognitive, creative and logical thinking and their interests. In addition to the traditional classrooms, the Kids Center also has a Montessori cabinet, a dining room with a nook for little chefs and a kids’ library for reading and relaxation as well as indoor and outdoor playgrounds. The interior design of all rooms is based on the kids’ age, abilities and interests.
image by Kamen Bandev
2 Awards for Our New Office
We are proud to share that our new office won first place for "Innovative Building" and second place for "Creative Office Space" from the Bulgarian B2B Media Annual Awards just two days before our move. The new office exemplifies a smart office that answers tomorrow’s challenges with intelligence and flexibility.
image here (and header image) by Alexandrina Shipochky
Expect many new ideas and innovations to be born here in the near future. Because at Progress, we dream big and build bigger!
Alexandrina Shipochky
Alexandrina Shipochky is part of the Global Communications team at Progress. She is focused on supporting Progress IT community engagement efforts and CSR initiatives in Bulgaria. In her spare time, Alexandrina enjoys outdoor sports.