Interview with Florian Jacques, Co-founder and CEO at Midstay

Hello Florian, it’s nice to have you as a guest! Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Florian. Initially, I'm from Belgium. I'm a UX designer, and I have an interesting story to share. Before COVID, I had been working for companies and startups in New York, San Francisco, and Australia, while also organizing a music festival in Belgium. In early 2020, I made the decision to take a flight to Bali, but due to the pandemic, I ended up getting stuck here for eight months. It was during this time that I met Magnus, the founder of Midstay, and we started working together.

If I were to explain what we do to a four-year-old, I would say to imagine a big space where people are working. It's like a co-working space where everyone has their own screens and boundaries. What Midstay does is remove those boundaries. We allow remote workers to connect in real life, promoting socialization and overcoming the isolation that comes with remote work. This means people can have more fun and play together, alongside focusing on their work during the day.

On our B2C platform, we enable individuals to connect with strangers in their vicinity, based on proximity. Additionally, we facilitate companies in bringing their colleagues together through team retreats. For a few days, teams can gather in dreamy locations like Bali to strengthen their bond and collaborate in a different environment.

Could you speak a little bit more on the benefits of remote work and team retreats for both individuals and companies?

Sure, let's dive into it. We all know that remote work is most likely here to stay. People have been enjoying the benefits of reduced commuting, increased flexibility, and better schedule management during the COVID-19 period. These are the key advantages of remote work, right?

However, one of the significant challenges that both companies and individuals face in this new way of working is isolation and loneliness. Companies struggle to maintain their company culture, keep employees engaged, retain talent, and attract new talent if they don't fully embrace remote work flexibility.

So, what are the benefits of a platform like Midstay? Well, we offer companies a hassle-free solution to bring their teams together. We take care of all the logistics, from flights to accommodations, and even the activities. We provide engaging business workshops and arrange for delightful dining experiences at unique restaurants. Additionally, we ensure smooth mobility for the team, ensuring they can easily move from one place to another.

Our goal is to offer hassle-free services that allow companies to bring their teams together and focus on what truly matters—creating lasting memories with their colleagues. After all, those special team moments are difficult to recreate through Zoom while working from home.

So you have a full package where everything is covered, right?

In addition, it's important to highlight that while we offer a wide range of services, we always come back to the very first question we ask when a company approaches us: What is your goal? Why do you want to bring your team together? This is crucial information for us to know.

Whether it's employee onboarding, annual planning, sales strategy, team bonding with a strong social focus, or a retreat with a specific work focus such as design sprints, we start by understanding the purpose of the retreat. Based on that, we carefully curate and compile the best estimation and proposal to ensure it aligns with the company's needs.

By prioritizing the company's goals and tailoring our services accordingly, we ensure that the retreat is a meaningful and impactful experience for all participants.

Okay, so you said that remote work is definitely going to stay, right?

For sure. I strongly believe that, otherwise I won't be working so hard on Midstay. That can serve as a nice proof, isn’t it ?

What makes people choose the remote format instead of the typical 9-5 office thing?

People are seeking alternatives to the traditional constraints of work, including the need to commute. Remote work offers the desired flexibility that enables individuals to achieve a better work-life balance. This is particularly important for the younger generations, Gen Z and Millennials, who prioritize this balance.

By allowing individuals to schedule their own work and plan their tasks, remote work empowers employees to take control of their productivity. Ultimately, what matters most for a company is the outcome and whether objectives are met, regardless of the specific hours worked. This understanding is leading modern companies to adopt remote work and compete effectively in the market. Those organizations still adhering to outdated work environments risk losing out on top talent as they fail to provide the desired flexibility and work-life balance.

Remote work is all about effectiveness, right?

Wrong. Achieving a balance between work and personal life is a significant aspect that I deeply value. It's not solely about working incessantly during designated work hours. The challenge lies in establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life.

Setting boundaries is essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It involves defining specific times for work-related activities and dedicating quality time to personal interests, relationships, and self-care. By establishing these boundaries, individuals can avoid burnout, enhance their overall well-being, and ultimately increase their productivity and effectiveness in both work and personal domains.

What personal traits and characteristics does a person need to become as successful at working remotely?

Indeed, while skills such as effective communication, adaptability, and setting boundaries may not directly contribute to the company's bottom line, they play a crucial role in the well-being and personal effectiveness of individuals. Creating boundaries between work and personal life is essential for maintaining a healthy balance and preventing burnout.

In addition to these skills, fostering effective communication and collaboration is vital in the digital age. Utilizing asynchronous tools like Notion and Loom can enhance collaboration and enable efficient remote teamwork.

Now, when it comes to work-life balance, there are certainly unique insights and strategies that can offer valuable perspectives. Finding the right balance is a continuous journey, and it's crucial to explore different approaches that work best for each individual. By sharing and implementing these insights, we can collectively enhance our understanding and practice of work-life balance, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the organizations they work for.

Are there any misconceptions about remote work that you would like to debunk?

Indeed, work-life balance has become a popular and captivating concept in various contexts. It's a term that carries a certain allure and captures our attention. However, it can also be quite broad and subject to different interpretations.

While some may associate work-life balance with idyllic settings like Bali, it's important to note that achieving work-life balance is not solely dependent on the physical environment. Regardless of where one is located, it's possible to strive for and attain a sense of balance.

For example, even in bustling cities like New York, individuals can carve out time for activities that bring them joy and rejuvenation, whether it's running in Central Park or engaging in other personal pursuits. It's about finding a blend that works uniquely for each person and ensuring that work is balanced with meaningful breaks and moments of self-care.

By incorporating these breaks and allowing ourselves time for personal fulfillment, we can recharge our minds and enhance our productivity in the long run. Work-life balance is ultimately about finding a rhythm that supports both our professional and personal well-being, enabling us to thrive in all aspects of our lives.

Remote work has some drawbacks to it. Do you mitigate them with team retreats?

Absolutely, it's truly remarkable to witness the transformative power of bringing teams together in person. Oftentimes, companies underestimate the significance of physical collaboration and the impact it can have on team dynamics and productivity. While remote work can be effective, there is a unique value in fostering face-to-face interactions.

When individuals who have never met in person come together, it can lead to extraordinary outcomes. The synergy and connection that emerge from such encounters are often unexpected and surpass what can be achieved through virtual collaboration alone. It's in these moments that the true potential of teamwork is realized.

For instance, imagine a scenario where a company embarks on a hiking expedition to conquer a volcano. During the journey, team members from different departments find themselves supporting and assisting one another to reach the summit. This experience not only strengthens their physical bonds but also creates lasting memories and a shared sense of accomplishment.

These connections go beyond mere professional interactions; they foster genuine chemistry and camaraderie among team members. They create a foundation of trust and cooperation that transcends the limitations of remote work. Such physical experiences have a magical quality to them, instigating chemical reactions among team members that cannot be replicated solely through virtual means.

There are lots of solutions related to augmented reality, avatars, and different virtual spaces for remote workers. In my opinion they can’t really substitute for physical connection yet...

I agree with you. Physical connections and face-to-face interactions are still very important and will continue to be valued. While the digital world offers convenience and connectivity, it cannot replace the depth and richness of personal connections. Humans are social beings, and we need real-life interactions to feel a sense of belonging and to build strong relationships. Even as more people work remotely, the need for physical connections will remain. Gathering together, collaborating in person, and sharing real-life experiences are essential for personal and professional growth. So, let's not forget the significance of physical connections in our increasingly digital world.

Are there any tips on how to build or maintain connections?

That's a great question. We offer companies the opportunity to create their own surveys for their team members. This ensures that the activities and planning for the retreat are chosen collaboratively, giving a sense of collaboration and inclusivity. It's not just the HR or manager creating the event; the team members have a say in it. This approach fosters a feeling of collaboration right from the start.

During the retreat, natural and human connections happen organically. We believe that you can't force human connections; they happen naturally, and that's the beauty of it. Additionally, we split teams into smaller groups and offer a variety of activities based on interests, such as yoga, cooking classes, and surfing. By bringing people together based on shared interests, team bonding is further enhanced. This approach has been proven effective, supported by various statistics.

After the retreat, we provide managers with anonymous surveys to evaluate and monitor the retreat's success. Many companies choose to work with us again, repeating the experience every quarter. While connections continue to be maintained through platforms like Slack, we also offer tips on how to organize virtual games. At Mid-Stay, we host monthly virtual games, where I personally take on the role of the game master, and team members participate via Zoom. However, it's important to note that nothing beats a team retreat held in person.

Following the retreat, we suggest techniques for maintaining the momentum and connection that was established. Some companies choose to continue the retreat experience by organizing shorter getaways or follow-up activities over the course of weeks or months. We also provide photography and videography services during the retreat to capture content that companies can use to promote their culture and attract new talent through platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor. This investment serves as a convincing argument for prospective talent.

Ultimately, maintaining frequent team engagements and ensuring that the retreat experience is not a one-time occurrence are key. By keeping teams engaged and connected, companies can continue to reap the benefits of a team retreat. And from a content perspective, the retreat provides ample opportunities for capturing videos of employees engaging in activities such as surfing, cooking, yoga, meditation, and socializing with each other. These videos can showcase the positive experiences and camaraderie that comes with a team retreat.

What kind of social media do you use to promote your company, your values, your vision, the mission?

Depending on the target audience, our platform serves both B2C and B2B purposes. For the B2C aspect, our platform functions as a consumer social media platform, similar to Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Individuals can sign up for free and connect with remote workers in their vicinity, whether it's in their home country or during temporary stays in different locations, such as Bali for three weeks. This allows for networking and social connections among remote workers.

On the B2B side, our platform focuses on catering to businesses and professionals, primarily utilizing LinkedIn as the main platform for engagement. It provides a space for companies to connect with remote workers, foster collaboration, and explore potential partnerships or employment opportunities. By leveraging the professional nature of LinkedIn, our B2B strategy aligns with the needs and expectations of businesses and professionals in the remote work landscape.

Do you think that Tik-Tok might be underutilized by companies now?

Absolutely, I completely agree with you. TikTok has become a powerful platform for reaching and engaging with the younger generation, particularly Gen Z. Their values of independence, authenticity, and freedom align well with the concept of remote work. By leveraging TikTok, you have an opportunity to inspire and educate people about the benefits and possibilities of remote work.

With creative and engaging content, you can showcase the flexibility, work-life balance, and unique experiences that remote work offers. Whether it's sharing success stories, tips for productivity, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into the remote work lifestyle, TikTok can be a powerful tool for building awareness and sparking interest among Gen Z users.

By tapping into the platform's viral nature and utilizing popular trends, you can amplify your message and reach a wider audience. And as remote work continues to gain momentum and become more mainstream, I believe there is significant potential for your platform to make a positive impact and attract a growing user base on TikTok.

So, I encourage you to explore TikTok as part of your marketing strategy and leverage its unique features to connect with and inspire the younger generation about the possibilities and benefits of remote work. With the right approach and compelling content, I have no doubt that you will find success on this platform.