Dopper

‘Dopper is ready to grow into a place like Oceans'

It is official! With a big smile, Merijn Everaarts (Founder Dopper & Oceans Haarlem) and Virginia Yanquilevich (CEO Dopper) have signed the lease. A dream has become reality. This dream started two years ago when Dopper started looking for a sustainable workplace that fits their mission. A place by the water was difficult to find, so the ‘Ocean’ was brought to the centre of Haarlem. 

Dopper is the first tenant of Oceans and will rent workspaces on floor one of the Dunes levels. In her brand-new office, we ask the radiant Virginia Yanquilevich some questions about Dopper’s move to Oceans.

You have just officially signed the contract for Dopper’s new office. How does this place feel? 
Very good, very serene. I think it’s nice that a sparkle is created when people walk across the floor. It feels good, there is a good energy. Dopper is ready for a building with more space and light. We are ready to grow to a place like this.

Dopper’s old office is about a 10-minute walk from Oceans. Why did Dopper choose to move?
Two years ago, the idea arose to look for a new building. Together with Great Place to Work, we conducted a survey among our employees. This showed that the people at Dopper were very satisfied with the company, but less so with the workplace. There was not enough space, so we kept renting additional separate rooms. The office therefore did not feel unified. In addition, colleagues said they were unable to concentrate well.

It became clear that we had to look for a place with space, light and silence. We quickly realized that it should not be a traditional office with fluorescent beams and desks. As far as I’m concerned, work is more than that. Work is an experience. At Oceans we will experience that. The total concept fits well with Dopper and I absolutely love the décor.

“Work is an experience. At Oceans we will encounter that”

Why does the concept suit Dopper so well? 
Because of the name, of course (Virginia says laughing). But otherwise, the whole concept makes sense. I like that down, on -1, the ideas arise in the Undercurrent. These ideas are taken to Mama Gaia on the ground floor. Here people can meet and exchange their ideas. The ideas can then be worked out in peace on our own floor. This tranquillity is important. With working from home, we noticed that Dopper colleagues were able to concentrate well and get through a lot of work. Shouldn’t that also be possible in the office? That’s why we came up with rules together. Dunes level is the place to work quietly, and Mama Gaia is the place to chat.

Then there is also the construction. I am very proud of the renovation. So many materials in the property have been reused and recycled. With every choice, the sustainable aspect has been considered. From plants, chairs, tables to the ceiling. Everything here has a true story and that ties in well with Dopper.

‘I am very proud of the renovation. With every choice, the sustainable aspect has been considered’

Furthermore, the food served in Mama Gaia fits well with Dopper. Many people are already vegetarian and therefore the meat will certainly not be missed. The fact that there is coffee downstairs is good for walking, it makes us less lazy! In addition, the Mama Gaia Talks offer a platform to others and ourselves through which we can inspire each other.

We are living in a crazy time with COVID-19. How do you feel about moving to a new office during this time? And to ask your employees to come to a new office?

The timing is indeed quite crazy. Of course, no one knew that COVID-19 was coming. We have made agreements with Oceans so that the number of workplaces on the floors has been adjusted. All measures have been taken to ensure that people have a safe workplace, that goes for the toilets, routes, workstations, and cleaning. The number one thing is that it should be a safe place. We also don’t ask our staff to come to the office but offer them a place to work.

We conducted a survey among Dopper employees to ask how it is experienced to work from home. A lot came out of that. Employees are very well concentrated at home but lack the vibe that being in the office gives. That is why we want to ensure that you can work safely and focused at Oceans. Personally, I don’t like working from home. In the office, things happen, and people inspire each other. You can also do work at home: send e-mails, excel sheets… But things don’t start at your desk. People like to come to the office to be inspired and to create and innovate.

At Oceans, the floors are open and there are other companies on the second and third floor. What do you think of that?  

It is nice! Great Place to Work will also rent workspaces at Oceans, which is a very nice addition. I think it has great added value that there are other companies on the second and third floor. I am convinced that it is very good to get out of your safe bubble. That bubble can be good for focusing on your own mission, but people also need outside inspiration.

In the beginning we had thought to only attract like-minded companies for the building. Over time, this has evolved into the idea that it is valuable to sit in an office with other types of companies as well. That inspires you to step out of that bubble.

What bubble do you mean exactly? 
These are companies where the end goal is not commercial, but where there is another mission. I think it’s great to inspire companies that have a commercial goal to add a mission. To leave our world a better place. Conversely, we can also learn from these companies. We must make big waves together. That to me is the most important thing: that we inspire each other to make big waves.

“We can inspire companies with a commercial end goal to add a mission. We can make big waves together.''

Do you see this change in the working environment as a challenge for Dopper? 

Dopper has its own floor, because I think it is very important that we have our own space. The fact that we meet new people over coffee and tea is only a plus for me. Who knows, maybe great collaborations will arise.

Do you expect Dopper to leave its own mark on Oceans?

Laughing: no. But we are a large club. I don’t think we’re going to leave a mark on Oceans, but I think it’s important that we do feel at home. The Dopper office had a good vibe. Moving to another office is the same as moving with your family. You hope that your new place is also a nice and warm one. We’ll take care of that. I am very much looking forward to the new sparks that could arise here. Oceans is really our next step.

Also inspired to come and work at Oceans? Look at our memberships.