At Akili, we enjoy our work. We believe that if you don’t have fun doing something, you will never excel at it. This is our core value of Fun. Having fun in the workplace encourages a safe learning environment.

Akili has embraced a culture that makes time to have fun. Whether it’s happy hours, company parties, virtual game days, or in-office putt-putt tournaments, we make time to get to know one another outside of the office setting.

This month, we had some Akilians share what having fun means to them in terms of their work and personal life.

Joel Middleton
Fun is always a facet of my work life at Akili. Sometimes the work itself is fun, like when learning new tools or techniques (I know, I know. Very nerdy). But I also bring fun into my work through the different events and activities that we have. Whether it’s Jackbox game tournaments, hoverboard obstacle courses, or just hanging out and shooting the breeze with my fellow Akilians at our weekly Wine & Whiskey Wednesdays, fun is always within reach. Also, I like to ride my skateboard really fast in the office – it’s such a smooth ride in here!
Lindsey Godier
I see fun every day in the Akili office. From pranks and jokes with teammates to our weekly wine and whiskey Wednesday and company parties, there’s always something fun going on. This group is VERY competitive and there are many games, competitions and costume parties for everyone to participate in.
Angela Budagher
In addition to the white noise machines, laughter is a common sound around the office. When I think about planning the shenanigans and all of the organized FUN in the office, it’s not just about the events. Without the people of Akili and the natural priority we put on fun, the office wouldn’t be the same. There is a common phrase that our CEO Shiek uses: “We are equal opportunity offenders”. This is usually followed by a “hehehe” laugh. At Akili, it is encouraged to own up to our mistakes and (hopefully) get to a point where we can poke fun and laugh about them. Supporting the CEO can be intimidating at times, but I always give my best. I also appreciate the transparency of my boss and take comfort in knowing that if I do mess up, we can usually laugh about it in a week. Our culture emphasizes the importance of fun not just in our events, but in our daily behavior. It’s a great group of people that I’m so thankful to laugh with in our day-to-day routine.

While fun can boost overall motivation and work performance, it’s also important to unwind and make time for fun at home. It’s how we reduce stress, increase creativity, feel rejuvenated, improve social skills and so much more.

Joel Middleton
At any given moment you might catch me playing basketball, creating music, playing video games with some friends, or cracking jokes and laughing with my wife. Fun and play is probably the default state in our house and I believe it’s where we can enjoy some of the highest expressions of ourselves. I try to make time everyday to do something that’s fun and reap the joy and benefits it creates. Sometimes it can look like work (tending to the garden or practicing guitar picking techniques) and other times it looks like a party, but I believe it’s the effort, mindset, and companions that make any of these activities fun.
Lindsey Godier
Outside of the office my fun includes playing volleball, social events with friends, art and spending time with my dog Pippa. I LOVE FUN!
Angela Budagher
Outside of the office, I love to spend time with my fiance and my two little nieces. Enjoying anything that makes us laugh and a great excuse to play like kids. The nerf guns are fully loaded and ready to go whenever they come to play.