Teal organisations – what are they and how do they affect employees?

Coming across the most interesting job advert I had ever seen was somewhat serendipitous for me.  Job description, salary, and benefits aside – I was piqued by the ask. “Send us a covering letter telling us who you are, not what you do.” 

It was the closing quarter of what I’ll call my not-so-great year, and I found myself in the position of looking for a new role. This time was different though. I promised myself that I would not look for status or money, but for a role where I could truly be myself. Where I would use all the knowledge that I had gained and where I could continue to learn. Ultimately, I wanted to enjoy the work I did on a daily basis. And above all, it needed to work with my family life.  

I sat down and wrote my letter. I did my best to paint the truest picture of myself on one page and sent it off. I clearly remember thinking that I wouldn’t be contacted, but it was a great writing exercise if nothing else… 

Fast forward two and a half years later and I can truly say that my life has changed for the better. Working for Hatmill in a Teal environment has taught me that work life and “normal” life can easily blend. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone and achieved so much. Without having to be different people in different aspects of my life. 

But what is a Teal environment?

Simply put, it feels like owning your own business but with everyone working towards the same goal. Tapping into your colleagues knowledge to get the best outcome for the client and the rest of the team. It means you’re in charge of what your responsibilities are, your growth, your performance, everything…it’s up to you. 

My main takeaways and learnings from working in a Teal way over the last two years are:  

• YOU have autonomy and trust – My best work comes from being given the trust to get jobs done and being allowed to figure out the best way to do them. It doesn’t matter if this is at 10pm or 9am, it allows for me to be a mom and be there for my family as needed. Being homebased means I can start early and fit other commitments in my life around work and vice versa.  

• YOU push yourself to try new things – Growth for me has come from learning. I’ve found myself helping Hatmill move towards international expansion and gain the top spot as a UK Great Place to Work – all in the first 18 months of my employment. 

• YOU bring your whole self to work – Individuality is welcomed, your weird hobbies are welcomed, your work life and home life can co-exist. I now lead a happy balanced life. I work hard; I’m present in other areas of my life and feel like I can truly disconnect when I’m on holiday and look forward to coming back home. 

There is a reciprocal appreciation of my colleagues and work, it doesn’t feel like a chore, but something I’m grateful for and want to do. 

Hatmill isn’t for everyone, neither is Teal

You have to be ready for the opportunity to work in this way – no one will tell you what to do, but if you’re ready to stretch yourself, your outputs will speak for themselves. 

I always thought you had to be two people – your home self and your work self. Now I know there is a better way and I have found my people. 

Find out more about our Teal culture here.