Teknoland and the Teknolandians: The Story of a Company with a “Soul”

When we founded Teknoland in 1995, we had a clear vision: we wanted to create a pioneering internet company that would not only succeed in the emerging web market but also be a place where people would feel good working, a place with soul. Back then, talking about well-being at work was uncommon, and talking about companies with soul even more so. But for us, the founders, the success of the company made no sense without it having an authentic soul represented by the well-being and satisfaction of every Teknolandian.

Our Approach: Caring for the Teknolandians

From the start, we understood that our greatest strength was our team. We didn’t want Teknoland to be just a place where people worked; we wanted it to be a space where people felt valued, could relax, grow, and most of all, enjoy being together. So, we decided to create a culture that promoted well-being, cohesion, and human connection.

With that goal in mind, we set up relaxation spaces in our offices where Teknolandians could receive free massages to help them unwind and reduce stress. We created a dining hall with healthy food options, where each day offered food that nourished not only the body but also the spirit. Teknolandians could even bring pets—though we had to ban pythons. Our aim was for the Teknolandians to feel that Teknoland cared for them and was there for their well-being, not just to measure their performance.

Spaces for Recreation and Fun

We knew that working in technology could be exhausting, so we dedicated several areas to recreation and relaxation. We had video game rooms and recreational spaces where Teknolandians could unwind, play, and share moments of leisure. These play spaces were part of Teknoland’s culture; they fostered creativity, reduced daily pressure, and helped form deep friendships within the team.

The Tekno Culture: DJ Parties and Cohesion through Music

Perhaps one of the most distinctive aspects of our culture was the shared love for techno music. We organized regular parties, where Teknolandians would perform as DJs and video jockeys, transforming work into a community experience and enjoyment. These parties weren’t just fun events; they were moments of bonding. The music connected us, and Teknoland’s spirit and soul became palpable at each party. Over time, we realized these gatherings were not only important for group cohesion but also helped attract and retain talent. People wanted to stay at Teknoland because they felt part of a family, of something unique and special.

634 Workers in 6 Countries, United by a Single Soul

By 1999, we had reached 634 employees across six countries, and although we grew rapidly, our essence remained. The parties were held in various countries, with headquarters in houses adorned with gargoyles. Each Teknolandian who joined the team understood that the soul of Teknoland was not in numbers or projects, but in mutual respect and care. This supportive culture allowed us to attract and retain some of the best talents in the tech industry of the time. Teknolandians recommended our workplace to friends and acquaintances because they knew that at Teknoland, they could grow both professionally and personally.

The Legacy: From Corporate Well-being to Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Hygiene for All Workers

Today, 25 years later, we see how this culture of well-being has evolved in companies. Many of them promote meditation and mindfulness, but as individualistic techniques for personal well-being. Although most of these companies lack soul, they are relentlessly pursuing the individual well-being of their employees. At Mindkidness, the company specializing in mental, emotional, and spiritual hygiene that I founded in 2024, we have designed a powerful tool to enhance the “soul of companies.” It involves creating a very special space: a single-person tent with automated lighting, an ergonomic seat, and noise-canceling headphones, which we’ve called the “Soul Spa.” Inside, people can practice a Mindkidness training aimed at uniting the souls of all workers through collective mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This allows them to relax, practice introspection, and find a sense of peace and purpose in their daily work, with the goal that the combined souls of employees practicing Mindkidness contribute to creating a true company soul.

For this worker-company soul connection to occur, employees need to be aware of the collective reality in which they are immersed and the benefits of collaborating on a common purpose. This is based on techniques of “Happiscipline,” like compassion-generated connection, gratitude, or forgiveness, and “Futurediscipline” techniques such as individual and common future visualization, daily agenda positivity, and self-blessing as practiced in the sixth phase of meditation.

The Future of Companies with Soul

Looking back, I believe Teknoland’s true success was not just in building a successful tech company but in creating a community. Teknoland was a company with a soul because every Teknolandian knew they were part of something bigger. Today, many companies are replicating this spirit, adapting it to modern times, and promoting individualistic meditation practices like Mindfulness, traditional Hindu meditation, or Yoga to try to create that same sense of belonging and well-being. However, the result is very different when using the implicit techniques in Mindkidness training, like the six-phase meditation, which enhances group connection and the development of a company soul.

When I look at the new trends in corporate well-being, I see that our vision has come to life in ways we never imagined. And finally, in 2024, companies have the opportunity to create an environment where every employee feels valued, connected, and part of a larger purpose through Mindkidness training. And if there’s one thing we learned at Teknoland, it’s that a company with a soul always has a significant advantage: employees don’t just want to stay; they become its best ambassadors for attracting talent.