Audio Playground - The Sound of Connection
Imagine this … you step into an office but rather than finding the usual desk, meeting room and coffee station combination, you find it transformed into a playground of creativity, music, and laughter. The air is filled with the sound of kids giggling as they belt out their favourite songs at the karaoke station, and you can feel the concentration in the air as small hands are stringing colourful beads into bracelets or trying out coding, and others are building towering Lego structures. A magician captivates a group of wide-eyed children, and live musicians bring an extra layer of magic to the atmosphere. The smell of hot dogs and fruit dipped in a chocolate fountain drifts through the space. Welcome to Audio Playground, an annual event where Spotifiers and their little ones come together to create unforgettable memories.
At Spotify, we believe that fostering a sense of belonging extends beyond just our bandmates (employees) – it includes their families too. That’s why Audio Playground has become a cherished tradition in our offices, from Stockholm and New York to Singapore, London, and LA. In some locations, it coincides with the national Bring Your Kids to Work Day, making it even more special.
The initiative is spearheaded by our CommunityX team. This is the global team that creates the environment for connections that build our Spotify community and amplify the employee experience. They are community builders, engagement experts and certified celebrators! For smaller offices, our extended team, the local CommunityX ambassadors bring the event to life, ensuring that no one misses out on the fun.
Audio Playground is more than just a day of entertainment – it’s a tangible way we reinforce company culture in a distributed world. As flexible work models evolve, creating intentional moments of connection has never been more important. While we may not always share an office daily, Audio Playground offers an opportunity for employees to experience their workplace in a new light – through the eyes of their children. Seeing their kids explore, play, and interact in the office fosters a deep sense of pride and connection. It reminds our band members that Spotify isn’t just where they work – it’s a place they belong.
Beyond the fun and games, Audio Playground contributes to something bigger: it’s these moments that create shared experiences, deepen relationships, and ultimately help us build a strong and engaged workforce. They act as the “glue” that holds our community together. Our bandmates leave with more than just memories – they carry a renewed sense of connection to their workplace and colleagues.
As we continue navigating a distributed work environment, initiatives like Audio Playground play a crucial role in shaping our culture. They remind us that fun isn’t just a perk – it’s a vital part of who we are.
