Teamwork happens naturally, right? (You know, the type where you’re happy to jump in and finish a colleague’s project or grab a coffee together over your lunch break).
Hm, not so fast. At PowerToFly, we beg to differ.
Teamwork and collaboration require a solid foundation to build on. The kind that happens when companies encourage cross-collaboration, create spaces to connect, and prioritize employee relationships.
We’re talking about more than just ping-pong tables and free snacks. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your colleagues, you know real teamwork requires intentional effort and the right culture.
That's why we're spotlighting workplaces that truly get it. These 10+ companies have built collaboration into their DNA, creating environments where people connect, create, and solve problems together (beyond just virtual icebreakers).
Zillow
In our Cloud HQ model, we know the power of coming together intentionally. zRetreats are a chance to step outside of the daily routine and think big as we help more people get home. From strategic discussions and brainstorming sessions to moments of team connection, zRetreats are where creativity flourishes, perspectives broaden, and bonds strengthen. Living our core value of Better Together fuels our innovation, and zRetreats are one way we ignite our passion, embrace challenges, and push boundaries to unlock what’s possible.
Learn more about Zillow.
Nestlé
Nestlé fosters teamwork and collaboration through various initiatives, such as organizing team-building activities that encourage employees to work together, build trust, and enhance communication. Networking programs are also implemented to facilitate connections and collaboration among employees from different departments and locations. Virtual and on-site team workshops are often organized to provide a relaxed and informal environment for employees to interact, share ideas, and build relationships. Additionally, Nestlé promotes a culture of open communication and inclusivity, where employees are encouraged to collaborate and contribute their unique perspectives to achieve common goals..
Learn more about Nestlé.
Automattic
At Automattic, we do it with real-life meetups:
- Grand Meetups every five years.
- Annual team and business unit meetups around the globe.
- “Get travelling”: The how and why of Automattic meetups.
(Between meetups, we connect via Donuts, ERGs for special interest groups, virtual “office hours,” and group participation in online games.)
Learn more about Automattic.
Celonis
At Celonis, teamwork isn’t just a concept - it’s a shared experience that transcends office walls. Across all locations, employees come together through immersive activities that spark collaboration and connection. Whether it’s teamwork in play at an escape room, mastering a new recipe in a cooking class, or bonding over calligraphy, these moments cultivate relationships beyond work. From spontaneous coffee chats to team dinners and networking events, every gathering reinforces our culture of teamwork and collaboration. No matter where they are, Celonauts find ways to learn, grow and succeed because great things happen when we come together.
Learn more about Celonis.
Stryker
At Stryker, teamwork goes beyond projects and deadlines—it’s about building meaningful connections. Stryker’s Best Friend at Work (BFAW) initiative fosters strong workplace relationships that boost morale, enhance collaboration and create a sense of belonging. With employees across the globe, Stryker’s teams often consist of colleagues from different office locations—or even different countries—who support and inspire one another every day. Whether working on a project or celebrating personal milestones, these friendships make a meaningful impact. At Stryker, teamwork thrives because of the people behind it. Don’t just take our word for it, learn why “Work is better with your bestie”.
Learn more about Stryker.
Moody’s
Moody's cultivates a culture of teamwork and collaboration by promoting open dialogue, leveraging modern collaboration tools, and supporting cross-functional projects. We utilize collaborative tools to facilitate smooth communication and file sharing among team members. We also promote an open communication culture through regular meetings, town halls, and by maintaining an open-door policy, encouraging employees to share their ideas and feedback freely. Our intranet, EXPO, serves as a centralized platform for seamless communication, empowering teams to work more efficiently with personalized news, announcements, a navigation dashboard, and a company-wide collaboration forum. Additionally, through Moody’s TeamUp®, our annual global volunteer campaign, we enable our people to serve their passions and live our values in support of our communities.
Learn more about Moody’s.
Esri
At Esri, one of our guiding principles is "Communicate and Collaborate". Our staff come from all corners of the world—79 countries in total—working in small teams to make big ideas happen. We learn from each other and from our customers as we work to build and share solutions to global problems. In-person, our offices are designed to encourage collaboration through open workspaces, team outings, and celebrations like our annual holiday breakfast or fall barbecue! Virtually, we have an online community with 100+ channels to connect with colleagues on myriad of topics ranging from sports, hobbies, culture, parenting, and more.
Learn more about Esri.
ServiceNow
At ServiceNow, our people are at the center of everything we do, and this is embodied in two of our values: win as a team and create belonging. We host various events to unite our employees, celebrate our progress, and ignite ideas. Annually, we host Employee Kickoff, our global hybrid event, and Sales Kickoff, our in-person event for our sales employees. Both events highlight our company’s achievements and priorities and feature live musical performances by celebrity guest(s) and inspirational speakers. We also host quarterly company-wide town halls packed with exciting updates, sneak peeks, fun surprises, and celebrations. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of learning and development programs and socials where employees get to bond with others and network as well.
Learn more about ServiceNow.
Exploring ServiceNow values: Create belonging - YouTubewww.youtube.com
Relativity
At Relativity, collaboration is key to our company’s success, and we have a variety of programs that help foster teamwork. Our eight Community Resource Groups (CRGs) offer invaluable opportunities for employees to connect in meaningful ways over shared identities. One CRG, Relativity Women of the Workplace (RelWoW), runs a mentorship program that promotes cross-team connection and personal development. Our Remote Connections program organizes local social events for remote employees to build relationships with one another outside of their day-to-day work. Additionally, Relativity’s Next Gen Leader program convenes future leaders to help them understand their strengths and connect with peers.
Learn more about Relativity.
Zapier
At Zapier, remote collaboration isn’t just about tools—it’s about intentional connection. Since 2011, we’ve fostered teamwork through hundreds of #fun Slack channels (#fun-cooking, #fun-music), a company blog that shares life beyond work, and four active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that create space for belonging. Our annual all-team summit transforms virtual bonds into real-world relationships, while our transparent, async communication keeps everyone informed and empowered. By prioritizing community and meaningful engagement, we’ve built a remote culture that proves distance is no barrier to strong, collaborative teams.
Learn more about Zapier.
Remote together: How Zapier thrives in a distributed world - YouTubewww.youtube.com
Avery Dennison
At Avery Dennison, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are open to all employees and offer opportunities to engage in a supportive environment that provides professional and personal connections, as well as development for employees in the workplace. Members and allies can build relationships and expand networks across business units and functions, collaborate, and showcase and develop their skills. The primary focus of ERGs is creating awareness, networking, community outreach, and mentorship.They are safe spaces for open dialogue, creating a sense of community, camaraderie, and connection within the organization. ERGs create opportunities for employees to learn and experience greater belonging.
Learn more about Avery Dennison.
