By Dawson McPherson, Talent & Communications Coordinator
Two weeks ago, I stepped into the McAfee Plano office with a mixture of emotions – excited, eager, nervous. It was my first day as a McAfee employee, and like most people starting a new job, I didn’t fully know what to expect. So, I took a deep breath and started my journey at McAfee fully embracing the unknown.
In just a few short weeks, that ‘unknown’ has quickly turned into a sense of belonging and purpose.
While it’s easy for companies to boast about their fun-loving cultures and family-like values, I’m already amazed at the lengths McAfee goes to make work a great place to be for their over 7,000 employees worldwide. Because we’re encouraged to work hard, be ourselves, and have fun at work, many of the stereotypes and ‘silos’ that exist in the typical corporate work environment are few and far between at McAfee.
Take Halloween, for example. It happens to be a big deal around here. Last week, the company held a “trick-or-treat” event and office decorating competition for employees and their families. The halls were filled with kiddos in costumes, lots of laughter (and a little bit of screaming), ghoulish decorations, and a plethora of candy (that reminds me, I need to get started on that sugar detox!). What stood out to me most, however, was just how creative, innovative, and ‘all out’ each department went to win the decorating contest.
I must admit that this year’s contest winner came as a surprise to me. The Tax team, part of our wider Finance department and commonly known as a serious-natured group, swept the competition with their fun and crazy Frankenstein theme. Fueled by one of our favorite McAfee core values, “We play to win or don’t play,” the Finance folks pulled out all the stops to secure their victory.
When asked what made the Halloween event so special, Anne, a Finance Manager based in our Plano office said, “McAfee empowers us to be excellent in everything we do. Whether it be the launch of a new product, or hosting a fun Halloween party for our employees, we make it the best it can be. Every time.”
But it’s not just about our winning attitude, it’s also about our inclusive culture and acknowledging the role that families play to help make our teams successful. “McAfee is great about recognizing the importance of our families and letting them be a part of our office on occasion,” concluded Anne.
Here are a few pictures of the winning decorations.
Finance wasn’t the only department to get in the Halloween spirit. Employees from across the organization celebrated in true McAfee fashion. Just take a look at some of the spook-tacular pics below.
Of course, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to dress up our pups. Last Friday, employees were encouraged to bring their pups to the office in full costume. We had some strong contenders, but here a few of our “best dressed” winners.
As we make our way into the holiday season, I’m especially thankful to be a part of a company that openly encourages and promotes diversity, innovation, and fun in the workplace. What are some of the ways you celebrate and observe global holidays at your workplace? Share your stories in the comments below!
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