Cisco's office at Sofia Airport Center: spacious, healthy and in a beautiful natural atmosphere

What is the feeling of working in one of the most modern and innovative spaces in Sofia, what is the favorite place for employees to relax and how the pandemic changed the perception of the workplace, a conversation with Miroslav Saraydarov, Senior Manager Bulgaria.

Please introduce Cisco?

Cisco is a global technology leader in complete communications solutions designed for large corporate clients, telecommunications companies and ISPs, as well as small and medium-sized businesses. The company provides hardware and software solutions, products and services in five main technology areas: Networks (Ethernet, optical, wireless and mobile), Security, Collaboration technologies (voice, video, data and virtual environment). Our goal is not only to be a prosperous company, but also to be a significant factor and a global technological bridge between businesses, industries, healthcare, education and other fields. Cisco provides daily care and attention to its own employees. We value people, technology and change for a better life. Proof of this are the leading positions won in 2020 in many rankings for "Best Workplace". "We are Cisco" and our team is constantly growing, appreciating and encouraging proactivity in every employee.

The company has been part of the Sofia Airport Center community for six years, how this has affected the overall environment in the organization?

For us it was a positive change towards a more comfortable working environment, modern and highly efficient building management, an opportunity for balance in the working life of our team. The building in which our office is located is well maintained in every respect and offers the necessary conditions for each employee to concentrate on their tasks in a relaxed atmosphere. Other representatives of world technology companies are concentrated in the business complex, which enriches the social contacts of our team - people know each other and are really a small community. We also like that the overall concept of Sofia Airport Center is inspired and based on "green" and wellness ideas. This provides an opportunity for the much-needed short moments of relaxation and recharging in a beautiful natural atmosphere. We are also grateful for the diversity that is provided with tenants in mind - various affiliate programs in which employees can take advantage of events, creative workshops, bazaars, services and trade discounts. In a pandemic, a number of restrictions are imposed, but we are positive about the future.

What do you think distinguishes the complex from other business centers in Sofia?

Opportunities for development - while most business centers arise in or even in some way cause a more busy environment, concentrating their activities with a very large number of users on its territory, Sofia Airport Center has the capacity for deployment and space. The area is favorable, the exterior and interior are well planned so that tenants feel comfortable. The buildings are not high, they are surrounded by greenery and wide areas. 

What are the main advantages of the business center?

The location is convenient for our colleagues from other Cisco offices around the world. The proximity to Sofia Airport greatly facilitates business visits. A green environment and constant care to improve conditions are also important advantages for us. We can always count on a timely and responsive attitude to the needs of tenants by Sofia Airport Center.

What is your favorite place in Sofia Airport Center and why?

Probably for all residents and visitors, the most impressive is the park with the lake. There is hardly a person who does not stop for at least a minute and does not enjoy the well-maintained green areas, diverse flora, and even fauna and does not stare for a moment at the wonderful views that are revealed from the mountain. In the future, the views may change a little, but the park will remain a pleasant place for relaxation and events. 

What are the important things that can change the environment in an office and help increase productivity and creativity in employees?

From a business point of view, these are well-equipped and furnished halls and shared spaces for meetings and events. Teamwork is reinforced in a common environment. From a personal point of view, places to rest help a lot to increase productivity. The fresh, even playful design of these corners predisposes to creativity. They stimulate the creative talents and skills of employees, unite people and charge everyone with a good mood and new strength for work. Sports opportunities are also very important. Modern technology requires static desk work, but we all need good physical shape for better health and tone. The other big plus is the services - the work rhythm requires a serious commitment and concentration in the tasks and the more comfortable and diverse services can be used in the area of ​​the business center, the easier the everyday life of people working in SAC buildings. Of course, under the current conditions, very good advance planning and reservations may be needed in order to make optimal use of their capacity. 

Is the "hybrid" model of work possible and what does it mean for you?

So far, this model has proven to be possible for Cisco, the company is successful in this difficult period for all. The hybrid model means adaptation at all levels, more flexibility in decisions, a symbiosis between personal responsibility and trust. People have proven that they are up to the challenge, and the technologies that are being developed in our field have definitely helped to make this adaptation process go smoothly. Globally, we have been able to help many of our partners move confidently through the change to a hybrid way of working. 

If you could give an idea to make Sofia Airport Center an even more special place - what would it be?

Perhaps a sports field or a combined, semi-outdoor sports field would be a great addition to the variety of amenities and facilities that SAC has already provided for its tenants. Our proposal is largely in line with the current situation. We would suggest other ideas when the general background normalizes.