The Significance of Our Office: A Testament to Our Commitment

This statement, heard on a podcast some weeks ago, has lingered in my mind, prompting me to reflect on what our office truly represents. As an EdTech company, we develop innovative software that enables students worldwide to take exams anytime, anywhere. Yet, when visitors step into our office, they are often taken aback by the environment. They wonder why an EdTech firm needs a small film studio, a meditation garden, or even a pizza oven. The answer lies in three core principles that guide us: design-centricity, people-centricity, and a long-term vision.

Design-Centricity: More Than Aesthetics

Design is not just about aesthetics—it’s a philosophy, a deliberate choice that reflects what we believe in and how we convey that to our users. At Proctorio, design goes beyond making our product visually appealing; it’s about creating a user experience that resonates and makes sense. The rapid shift to online education has been challenging for many, particularly in an industry with millennia of tradition. Our goal is to make this transition as seamless and accessible as possible, ensuring that our technology opens doors to new opportunities. This is why we invested in a film studio within our office. It allows us to produce videos that not only explain our product’s functionality but also illustrate its impact on people’s lives.

Our commitment to design is embedded in our company’s DNA, permeating every aspect of our environment. Our office, adorned with memorabilia from iconic sci-fi movies, might seem like a quirky touch, but it holds deeper significance. For me, these movies and TV shows were a source of inspiration as a child, igniting my passion for technology. Science fiction often becomes science fact, and we encourage our team to dream big and create ideas that could transform a student’s life. Our office is designed to be a place where inspiration thrives and possibilities are endless.

People-Centricity: Real Amenities for Real Needs

When we founded Proctorio nine years ago, we consciously avoided the stereotypical start-up office culture. There are no foosball tables, ping pong tables, or bean bags from IKEA. Instead, we focused on providing real amenities that genuinely enhance the well-being of our team. Security is paramount—each employee has an electronic key that grants access to the building and their office, a constant reminder that data privacy is integral to our mission. We also prioritize sustenance, providing daily meals, with pizza Fridays being a beloved tradition. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability is evident in the solar panels installed on our parking roof, generating clean energy to power our servers and improve our algorithms.

Wellness is another critical aspect of our office environment. We’ve recently completed a meditation garden where employees can retreat, recharge, and find peace amidst their busy workdays. This focus on the built environment reflects our dedication to creating a space where our team can thrive, both personally and professionally.

Long-Term Vision: Building a Legacy

Our attention to our office environment is not just about the present; it’s a statement about our future. Proctorio is a proud member of the Evergreen movement through the Tugboat Institute, which sets us apart in the tech community. Unlike many tech companies, we’re not looking for a quick exit or a cash-out opportunity. We’re here to build a legacy. As we approach our ten-year anniversary in April, we remain committed to our partners, some of whom have been in education for centuries. Our office is a testament to our commitment to providing the best service, to our employees that they can grow their careers here, and to the industry that we intend to remain at the forefront of expanding access to lifelong learning.

Our Office as a Brand Statement

If it’s true that your office is your brand, then our office embodies our values. We stand for accessible design—every student, regardless of their circumstances, deserves an education. We stand for personal and professional growth—our employees have the opportunity to evolve and progress within the company. And we stand for innovation—our continuous investment in this office is a reflection of our commitment to constant iteration, the oldest and most enduring goal in technology.

As we move forward, our office will continue to be a space that inspires, nurtures, and drives us to achieve our mission of making education accessible to all. This is what our office means to us, and this is the brand we are proud to represent.