For Ainhoa, company culture isn’t just about fun perks. It’s about creating a space where people feel valued, supported and excited to connect – whether it’s over a shared lunch, a spontaneous laugh or a very competitive steps challenge. 

As part of our “Meet the Department” series, we sat down with her to hear how she builds community, fosters belonging and makes gridX more than just a workplace.

Your journey and role

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up at gridX?
I originally come from the event world. I studied event management – I love bringing people together. When the pandemic hit, like many professionals in my field, I had to rethink my path. I quickly found my way into HR and company culture because it felt like a natural fit – after all, events are about connecting people, right? After a short detour in the bike industry, I wanted to join a company that truly aligns with my values, where I can feel like my work matters and where I can really make an impact.

What does your role as Culture Manager involve?
My role is basically like a surprise box. I make sure our office is a place where people want to be: comfortable, welcoming, with great perks (and yes, we definitely have the standard fruit basket, but also so much more). I organize fun events that strengthen team spirit, promote health initiatives to keep everyone feeling good and handle workplace safety. In short, my mission is to make sure everyone loves coming to work, feels valued and can truly thrive – not just survive.

What excites you most about working in Culture Management?
What excites me the most is seeing people smile and connect — especially when events or initiatives bring together colleagues who might not normally interact. It’s amazing to watch new friendships form, teams bond and even new sports groups emerge. Seeing that sense of community, and knowing I helped create it? That’s the real reward for me.

Working at gridX

What’s so unique about working at gridX compared to your previous experiences?
I’d describe it as: warm, funny and full of appreciation. Coming to work feels like joining a big, supportive family that doesn’t take itself too seriously. We share laughs, help each other through tough spots and celebrate wins together. The humor and heart make us more than just colleagues; we’re a tight-knit crew.

How would you describe the culture at gridX?
Warmhearted and appreciative. It’s a joy to come to work, exchange ideas, experience new things together and grow as a team. There is a strong sense of unity that connects us despite our differences, while still allowing individuality.

What does a “typical day” look like for you at the Aachen office?
Honestly, no day looks the same, which I really like. I usually start with a cup of coffee at our fancy barista machine, do a quick office check (is the snack stash full? who needs a coffee?) and then dive into whatever’s on deck: event planning, health projects, office vibes – you name it. The only constant? The coffee.

People & collaboration  

How do you help foster a positive atmosphere in the office?
For me, a positive atmosphere means people can laugh together, think together and share everything from the serious stuff to silly chats. We bond over lunch, swap hobbies, plan after-work hangouts and yes, we talk a LOT about food because we’ve got some serious home chefs around here. It’s all about open communication, making sure nobody feels left out and creating a space where everyone feels welcome and comfortable just being themselves.

What’s your approach to bringing people together across different teams or locations?
It’s definitely a challenge with remote folks and different offices, but we tackle it with a big annual Team Week that literally mixes everyone up and brings us all to one table. We also do smaller events that rotate between locations, and encourage office visits and cross-team mingling. We plan fun activities after work to keep the bonding going. It’s not always easy, but those moments of real connection are totally worth it.

What small things do you think make a big difference in workplace culture?
It’s the little stuff that counts. For example, sharing Kinder chocolates (those are a serious team builder in Aachen), grabbing a coffee for a colleague or just chatting about what we’re cooking for dinner. The way people connect over everyday things – regardless of their role or background – is what really makes our culture shine. It’s about friendship, respect and genuine interest in each other.

Projects and moments

What’s been the most fun or memorable project you’ve worked on at gridX?
Every Team Week is a wild ride. Planning it takes months, but it flies by in a flash. The best part is seeing how it brings everyone closer, and hearing about it for weeks after. It’s a highlight for me every single time. Our last steps challenge was also hilarious – everyone got super competitive tracking their steps, planning lunchtime walks and cheering on each other. It’s moments like those that make the job so rewarding.

What challenges have you faced in your role, and how did you overcome them?
The toughest part is managing when workloads get heavy and people feel overwhelmed. It’s tricky to remind everyone to pause and breathe when they’re in full-on work mode, but it’s so important. Thankfully, I get strong support from leadership, which helps me push the message that taking care of yourself is part of doing great work. It’s about creating that space to recharge without guilt.

Are there any small office “rituals” or traditions at gridX that you love?
I’m a huge fan of our Culture Nights. Watching colleagues share their cultures through food, stories, music and games is heartwarming. Sitting together at our giant, homemade table feels like family: passing salt, swapping stories, diving into everything from pop culture to quirky ideas. Those moments brighten my day and really show the heart of our team.

Work-life balance and personal side

What do you enjoy outside of work? (Hobbies, interests, etc.)
Cooking and eating are my absolute passions – it’s more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. Trying new recipes, hunting down the coolest restaurants, hosting dinner parties and pairing everything with the perfect wine is my jam. I also love hitting the gym for strength training and Pilates to balance it all out.

How does gridX’s culture help you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
The freedom to shape my own schedule is a total game-changer. Want to hit a morning Pilates class or meet friends for an early dinner? No problem! My work fits around my life, not the other way around. That flexibility is the secret sauce to keeping my balance and my sanity.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring culture managers, what would it be?
Keep an open heart and mind. Embrace every personality and role with warmth. Don’t be afraid to try new things and always ask for help when you need it. The world’s full of surprises, and you never know what you’ll learn from someone new – so stay curious and kind.

At gridX, we’re always looking for people like Ainhoa – community-builders who care deeply about people, culture and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. If you’re passionate about making work more human and meaningful, check out our open positions!