Performance culture: what it really means for us

Performance is at the core of how we work at Osedea. The hard truth is that this comes with high expectations: not everyone thrives in this environment, and sometimes turnover happens because our performance standards are non-negotiable. But that same clarity is what makes our culture work. For those who embrace it, the rewards are clear: growth, autonomy, impact, and being part of a team that holds itself to a high bar.

What makes the difference is that we combine high expectations with high support. We don’t leave people on their own. It’s not toxic or harsh: long hours, relentless competition, or pressure that leaves no room for mistakes. Our reality is different. It’s about striving for excellence while ensuring we offer a human centric experience.

High expectations, high support

Our performance culture is supported by two other pillars: innovation and caring. The magic is in the balance: innovation gives us room to make mistakes, and caring keeps performance from becoming toxic.

• Performance is where we aim high, like elite athletes who constantly improve their craft and set new limits of what’s possible. 
• Innovation gives us the freedom to test and iterate. 
• Caring ensures we treat colleagues, clients, and our community with respect and empathy. 

What it feels like to work in this culture

Being part of this culture means you’re surrounded by peers who are motivated to do great work, without stepping on each other to get there. We set ambitious goals, and we hold each other accountable. Always in an environment of support and trust.

A misconception about performance culture is that it leaves no room for humanity. Our experience shows the opposite: recognition, feedback, and empathy are built into how we work. Whether through peer-to-peer shout-outs, constructive feedback loops, or flexibility in how we organize our time, the goal is to enrich every team member's experience.

Why it works

• Engagement stays high because people know their contributions matter. And that their colleagues will have their backs. 
• Learning never stops, since innovation and feedback go hand in hand.
• Clients feel the difference when they work with a team that pushes for excellence without sacrificing collaboration.
• We are not afraid to experiment. It encourages us to push to improve ourselves and the company. 

A few ideas to inspire you

• According to McKinsey, eliminating wasted effort can unlock up to 20–30% more productivity without increasing hours worked. This is why we focus on removing friction, whether through better tools, streamlined processes, or time-saving practices like our secure cockpit initiative. 
• Studies confirm that teams with frequent feedback show up to 12% higher productivity and greater engagement (Source: Gallup 2024). Feedback is part of our DNA. It is regular, constructive, and multi-directional. Everyone receives formal feedback twice a year, and we also encourage people to actively seek (we built a detailed process) and give it in the flow of work. 
• LinkedIn’s 2024 Workplace Learning Report found that 94% of employees would stay longer at a company that invests in their career development. At Osedea, we learn quickly through diverse projects. But we also host two weekly lunch & learns (one general and one focused on AI), run our Elevate leadership program, and offer a variety of soft skills workshops. On occasion, we also work with an Olympic mental performance coach to broaden perspectives and strengthen resilience. 
• No surprise here, recruitment plays a critical role as well. A Spencer Stuart study shows that 68% of newly hired executives fail within their first year due to poor cultural fit, not a lack of technical ability (source: HootRecruit). We do not only hire for technical skills. We look for people whose values align with innovation, caring, and performance. That alignment sets both individuals and teams up for long-term success.

The bigger picture

Almost a decade into this journey, our performance culture has proven itself. We’ve built a place where people can challenge themselves and deliver exceptional results together. In a world where “performance” is often misunderstood or used in a wrong way, our experience shows that it can be both demanding and deeply human. To learn more about Osedea, take a look at our culture page.