Strength in Unity

There’s no denying 2024 was an eventful year in our industry, filled with challenges and uncertainties. Our collective resilience, however, enabled us to not only overcome these difficult moments, but to also emerge stronger as a team. 

In the past few months, our team members embraced opportunities to share their expertise and amplify their voices through impactful live panels and events. We advanced thought leadership with two dynamic discussions: Women in Leadership: Navigating Challenges and Creating Opportunities, which celebrated the inspiring journeys of trailblazing women, and Empowering Voices: Women and Diversity in Gaming, which explored how inclusive storytelling is reshaping the gaming industry. 

Our team could also be found participating in key conferences and events, which took us from Valencia to Los Angeles and back again. Platforms like GALA, NAWIC, WBDC, ALC, NMSDC, LocWorld 51, LocWorld 52, Game Quality Forum, and Gamescom allowed us to engage in meaningful discussions across industries, and explore themes that resonate deeply with professionals from diverse sectors. 

While we were on the road, these events also gave us the opportunity to showcase, on an international stage, our expertise on topics including:
 

• Managing Nimble Multicultural Teams in the Age of AI and Technological Transformation 
• The Shrimp Pose Theory or Why You Should Start Listening to Your Impostor Syndrome 
• Working in Multicultural Teams: Quests, Puzzles and Achievements 
• Harnessing your People Power: An Antidote to the Uncertainty of AI 
• A Matter of Life and Death: How Translating Safety and Training Materials Saves Lives  
• The Importance of Translation in Safety 
• Freelancers and Language Service Providers: Different Views, Same Goals? 
• Kids’ Global Content Localization, Compliance, and AI, Oh my! 
• Unlock the Full Potential of Your Workforce 
• New Horizons in Training: Emerging Roles and Skills in AI-driven Media Localization
• Quick Guide to Localization and Market Selection for Indies 
• Leveling Up: Market Insights to Prepare Your Game for Global Audiences 

Innovating Together 

As often as we were forging external connections this past year, we were also busy on the home front developing Talent Services, a completely new service to deliver tailor-made human resources solutions to our clients. In addition, we celebrated being named a Great Place to Work—again!—along with our newly conferred ISO 27001 certification in cybersecurity. 

Beyond these achievements, 2024 also gave us meaningful opportunities to deepen our bonds as a team. From small-group in-person gatherings to celebrating virtually as a global workforce, these moments reminded us of the power of unity and the joy that comes of sharing our successes together.

Giving Back Through Terra Cares 

We value our relationships—with each other, with our clients, with other industry members, and with our community. That’s why we continued our strong support for several non-profits in 2024. Through our Terra Cares initiative, we provided pro bono translation services to communicate and amplify these organizations’ missions. In the last 12 months, we translated more than 137,000 words for Chicas en Tecnología, Doctors Without Borders, and Sustentabilidad Sin Fronteras, proving that language can be a powerful tool for good. 

At Terra, giving back is essential to our values. Cintia Iorgi, Operations Lead notes that “the organizations we collaborate with tackle urgent, impactful missions, and being able to support them, even in small ways, is very fulfilling. Hearing firsthand about their challenges and achievements reminds us why this work is so important.” 

Our team members know this feeling of fulfillment well. Reflecting on her experience working with Chicas en Tecnología this year, Ivana Sabelli, QA Manager, said, “collaborating with them allowed us to reduce the gender gap in technology. It’s rewarding to be part of this initiative that inspires young women beyond language barriers.” 

Manuela Lamas, Director of Operations, agreed. “Attending their events and witnessing their dedication to support young women who are starting to take an interest in STEM careers was incredibly inspiring. Contributing to their efforts, even in a small way, feels like a true privilege.”  

Closing the Year with Gratitude and Purpose 

As December wraps up, we reflect not only on the achievements of 2024, but on the collective strength that made them possible, as well. This year was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and commitment of our team. Whether it was achieving the prestigious ISO 27001 certification, managing our clients’ day-to-day and projects, or fostering global connections through panels and events, every milestone was rooted in collaboration and a shared vision.

We’re heading into 2025 feeling excited, confident, and ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities—all thanks to the incredible, supportive community we’ve built together.

Thank you all for being part of this journey. Let’s keep embracing innovation and making a difference, side by side.

The post 2024 Reflections: A Year of Resilience and Gratitude appeared first on Terra Translations.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) improves the lives of LGBTQ+ people by working to increase understanding and encouraging the adoption of inclusive policies and practices. As a part of these efforts, the group publishes an annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a tool that rates American businesses on their treatment of LGBTQ+ employees, and in 2016 it released its first report on Mexican businesses. It has since extended this initiative to Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, aiming to support employers in fostering greater inclusivity. 

Adriel Maroni, a member of Terra’s commercial team, spoke with Carlhey Bolz, Deputy Director of Global Business Engagement on the Workplace Equality Program team at the HRCF, to learn more about the HRC’s mission, challenges, and triumphs for the LGBTQ+ community, and to discuss its focus on accessible and culturally sensitive communications. 

Personal Perspective: An Advocate’s Story

Carlhey’s experiences as a Mexican American woman and member of the LGBTQ+ community have shaped her passion for accessible communication and advocacy for marginalized groups.  

She stepped into her role at HRCF in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade being overturned, a moment that underscored the potential risk to marriage equality and other hard-won rights. Understanding how these threats to anti-discrimination laws could personally impact her life, she felt compelled to champion LGBTQ+ rights from a new perspective. 

Through her work at HRCF, she has the opportunity to ensure that millions of people have protections in place and access to helpful resources so they don’t have to face discrimination in the workplace. “I’ve worked in unfriendly environments and ensuring that others don’t have to, is definitely fulfilling for me.”  

This endeavor requires an understanding of the cultural nuances of each Latin American country in which the HRCF conducts its annual workplace surveys. And having grown up in a Mexican American family, lived and worked in Peru and Costa Rica, and traveled extensively throughout Latin America, Carlhey is aware of how much can vary from country to country. In addition to bringing her unique perspective, she collaborates closely with implementing partners in each country to ensure HRCF’s work remains culturally sensitive and reflects the unique needs of LGBTQ+ communities across diverse program countries.

HRC: History and Commitment to LGBTQ+ Rights 

The Human Rights Campaign Fund, originally founded in 1980 by activist Steve Endean, began with a primary focus on supporting congressional candidates who advocated for LGBTQ+ rights. By restructuring in 1995, into the Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, it was able to expand its mission and incorporate initiatives like the Workplace Equality Program and the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). 

“Our organization has become a stronghold of defense of the LGBTQ+ community and, at our core, we’re really trying to meet the people where they are and help them continue to evolve.” 

A major milestone for HRC was the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision that made marriage equality the law of the land. Thanks in part to the collaborative movement led by HRC, same-sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states.  

The organization also supports congressional hearings on the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion and mobilizes 72 million equality voters each election cycle, which is a critical focus, especially during presidential campaigns. Recently, HRC has also been tackling an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, even declaring a state of emergency for members of this community. 

HRC’s Initiatives in Latin America: Workplace Equality 

In Latin America, HRC has tailored its approach, focusing on culturally relevant policies and inclusive language. Through programs like the Corporate Equality Index and Equidad/e (Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil), this organization collaborates with Latin American employers, encouraging them to “implement inclusive policies and create welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ individuals.” These programs evaluate and certify businesses that foster supportive and positive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals, setting a standard for corporate responsibility and workplace equity across Latin America.  

“We recognize that each country has its unique nuances and specific goals. However, we’ve established a set of foundational pillars that define our commitment across regions—such as non-discrimination policies, the creation of ongoing employee resource groups (ERGs) or diversity councils, internal education and training programs, and active public engagement.” 

This work underscores HRC’s commitment to expanding their reach and creating spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals feel respected and represented. By working closely with local advocates and adapting programs to meet regional needs, the organization strives to make language access and inclusivity a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ rights advocacy in Latin America. 

Language Accessibility in LGBTQ+ Advocacy 

In their Latin American programs, HRCF emphasizes language accessibility, and understanding that effective communication is crucial for fostering inclusivity. Language access allows them to deliver resources and information that resonate with and reach diverse linguistic communities across Latin America. This is vital in workplaces, public spaces, and healthcare settings, where language barriers can significantly affect an individual’s access to resources and sense of belonging.

Conclusion  

Human Rights Campaign’s work highlights the importance of creating inclusive, accessible environments for the LGBTQ+ community—both in the U.S. and internationally. By prioritizing language and cultural nuances, they advocate for meaningful change and set a standard for building fairer, more connected communities.  

As companies and communities continue to embrace these principles, HRC’s commitment to breaking language barriers serves as a powerful example of how we can all strive toward a more equitable future. 

The post The Role of Language Accessibility in LGBTQ+ Advocacy: Insights from HRC appeared first on Terra Translations.

In the localization industry, “Humans at the Core” is vital as it leverages human expertise to capture cultural nuances and ensure accuracy, fostering authentic and resonant content that technology alone cannot achieve, thus meeting diverse audience expectations and enhancing global engagement. 

To better understand how we apply this approach to our work at Terra, read on. 

Why “Humans at the Core” is Central to Terra’s Mission 

The concept of “Humans at the Core” resonates deeply with CEO Marina Ilari because it reflects the very foundation of our organization and guides everything we do. Terra is a people-centric company, rooted in the belief that human expertise is invaluable. This value is central to our mission because it stems from our origin as a family-owned business.  

“Terra began as a mother-daughter endeavor, and our earliest hires were friends and family, creating a unique and close-knit atmosphere that we have intentionally preserved throughout the years, even as we have grown,” Marina shared.  

“Humans at the Core” drives quality not just in the work Terra produces but also in the relationships built with their teams, clients, and partners. At Terra, we believe in hiring experts who bring not only professional skills but also diverse perspectives and life experiences. “We work diligently to ensure individuals feel heard, valued, and supported, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive,” Marina said.  

Real-Life Example: Employee Well-Being & Flexibility 

Embracing the flexibility that remote work has to offer positively impacts our team members’ well-being at Terra. “As a company with a strong family culture, we faced challenges in maintaining that close-knit environment while growing and working primarily in a virtual, remote setting,” Marina explained, “However, we recognized that allowing flexibility in remote work was essential to supporting our people’s well-being.” For example, one of our team members faced a challenging family situation that required her to relocate to another country. Thanks to our flexible remote work policy, she could continue her work seamlessly from her new location without sacrificing her professional responsibilities or feeling pressured to choose between work and family. This experience reaffirmed our commitment to our “family first” values and demonstrated that we prioritize our team members’ well-being over rigid policies. “The commitment to flexible remote work and supporting our employees’ needs, even when it may challenge traditional business models or affect short-term profitability, has ultimately made us stronger and more profitable in the long run,” Marina noted.  

Fostering a Positive and Inclusive Company Culture 

Terra’s “Humans at the Core” philosophy helps shape policy decisions that enhance our company culture. One example Marina reflected on is the recently published Diversity and Inclusion policy. This policy outlines the guiding principles for all our DE&I initiatives and reflects our commitment to the “Humans at the Core” philosophy, recognizing that diverse perspectives enhance the quality and authenticity of our work.  

“This culture not only benefits our team but our clients, too,” Marina said, “We put people first because without them there is no Terra.  We value authenticity and diversity of people, perspectives, and ideas. This naturally lends itself to promoting an inclusive and innovative environment.” 

Why ‘Humans at the Core’ is a Must for Organizations 

Other translation companies can benefit from adopting a human-centricity approach. It goes beyond just a strategic advantage; nowadays, it’s more important than ever due to the rapid advancements in AI technology.  

“I strongly believe that organizations should adopt the ‘Humans at the Core’ approach because in our industry human expertise in culture, language, and specific subject matters is crucial for delivering content that is accurate, culturally relevant, and resonates with diverse audiences,” Marina shared, “But beyond practical benefits, this approach is also aligned with the principles of ethical AI, which emphasize the responsible use of technology in a way that respects human rights and shared moral values.” 

By integrating ethical standards into our operations, Terra builds trust with clients and partners, enhances content quality, and fosters innovation while upholding the highest principles. Adopting “Humans at the Core” is not only a strategic advantage but also the most fitting approach in a world increasingly shaped by AI and technology.” 

The Takeaway 

“Humans at the Core” is more than just a slogan at Terra—it is a commitment to delivering culturally resonant, high-quality content through an individual-first approach. To make your company more people-centric, spend some time reflecting on how prioritizing human expertise in your own organization can drive success, trust, and long-term profitability.

The post Humans at the Core: How Terra’s Culture Drives Innovation and Quality appeared first on Terra Translations.

Prioritizing People in Decision-Making 

Every decision made at Terra is driven by the impact it will have on our most important assets, aka our team. “Our people are our most valuable asset,” Natalia said. While data is an essential tool, it’s not the be-all and end-all. Instead, it’s used to enrich the employee experience. “We leverage people analytics not just for data’s sake, but to genuinely understand and support our team,” she explained. By focusing on the human experience, Terra fosters an environment where employees feel engaged, motivated, and valued. Decisions are made with empathy and purpose, ensuring that the needs of the workforce come first. 

Human-Centered Leadership 

Leadership at Terra goes beyond merely making decisions—it’s about making decisions that enhance the well-being of our teams. “True leadership is about putting people first, understanding their needs, and empowering them to succeed,” Natalia noted. The leadership at Terra ensures that every team member is equipped with the tools they need to flourish and that their personal growth is prioritized. By nurturing a leadership model centered around people, we create an environment where collective well-being is emphasized, driving both individual and company success. 

Empathy and Connection 

In today’s digital-first world, maintaining strong human connections has become more challenging but is as vital as ever. Natalia underscored the importance of empathy: “We stay connected, we stay human. In every initiative, empathy drives our approach.” At Terra, empathy ensures that respect and trust remain the foundation of our relationships, allowing team members to collaborate openly and support one another. It’s through these genuine connections that we overcome challenges and build a stronger, more united company. 

Cultural and Emotional Awareness 

In a diverse, global workplace, understanding cultural and emotional nuances is key to building a cohesive team. Natalia highlights the importance of these soft skills, stating, “Emotional intelligence and cultural awareness are just as important as technical skills.” By valuing these skills, Terra creates a workplace where every employee feels respected and included. This respect fuels innovation and fosters a sense of belonging, ultimately strengthening teamwork and collaboration. 

Holistic Employee Support 

At Terra, supporting employees means taking a holistic approach that goes beyond their professional lives. “It’s not just about professional development; it’s about caring for the whole person—mentally, emotionally, and physically,” Natalia said. This approach helps build loyalty and resilience among employees, ensuring that they feel fully supported in all aspects of their lives, which in turn benefits the company as a whole. 

Building an Inclusive and Sustainable Environment 

Inclusivity and sustainability are pillars of Terra’s human-centered HR approach. “Our goal is to create a sustainable work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and belonging,” Natalia explained. When employees feel valued, they become more committed to the company’s success, contributing to a positive and productive workplace culture. This inclusive and sustainable approach is key to retaining top talent and maintaining a healthy work environment. 

Teamwork and Collaboration 

Teamwork is at the heart of Terra’s success. “Success is never a solo journey; it’s built on the strength of the team working together towards a common goal,” Natalia shared. Terra promotes teamwork and celebrates achievements, recognizing that it’s the collective hard work of the team that drives the company forward. “Celebrating our achievements honors our collective hard work and dedication,” she added. This acknowledgment of team efforts strengthens bonds and motivates everyone to strive for continuous success. 

Continuous Improvement 

Terra’s commitment to keeping humans at the core doesn’t stop at the current processes. “Staying human means continuously improving how we engage with and support our people,” Natalia noted. By focusing on ongoing improvement, Terra ensures that its HR practices evolve with the changing needs of the workforce, always keeping the human element central to every decision. 

The Takeaway 

At Terra, our “humans at the core” philosophy ensures that people are the most important aspect of every decision we make. Leadership, empathy, and continuous improvement are the cornerstones of this approach. As the world continues to evolve, Terra remains committed to supporting the growth and well-being of every team member, fostering a culture where all can thrive both professionally and personally. 

The post Humans at the Core: A Human-Centered Approach to HR appeared first on Terra Translations.

In recent years, “sustainability” evolved from being a trendy buzzword to a fundamental necessity for businesses in every sector. This shift is driven by growing environmental challenges and changing consumer expectations, as people increasingly prioritize eco-conscious practices. The translation industry, like many others, is beginning to recognize that adopting sustainable practices is not just an option but a responsibility.  

As organizations look for ways to reduce their environmental impact, sustainable strategies are becoming integral to long-term success. 

Understanding Sustainability in Translation 

Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. It’s a concept often associated with environmental preservation, but it also encompasses economic and social responsibility. In practice, sustainability is about making conscious decisions that benefit not only businesses but the planet as well. 

For companies in the translation industry (as well as other major industries like pharmaceuticals), adopting sustainability involves making operational changes to reduce carbon footprints and conserve resources.  

• Embrace remote work. By allowing employees to work from home, translation companies can significantly reduce the environmental impact caused by daily commuting. In fact, a remote workforce also minimizes the need for large office spaces, which can contribute to lower energy consumption. 

• Reduce paper usage. Translation companies can transition to fully digital operations by using email, online portals, and cloud-based platforms for all communications and document sharing. Not only does this streamline the translation process, but it also cuts down on paper waste and the energy involved in physical mail handling. 

• Use cloud-based tools. With these tools, teams can collaborate across borders without the need for travel. The ability to store, access, and work on documents simultaneously through the cloud reduces the need for physical meetings, saving both time and energy while limiting carbon emissions.  

• Find the right partners. Translation companies should also seek out technology providers actively pursuing environmentally friendly practices. This helps ensure that the entire workflow remains as eco-conscious as possible. By partnering with eco-friendly suppliers, translation companies can reinforce their commitment to sustainability. Whether it’s choosing green-certified office supplies or engaging with vendors who prioritize eco-conscious production, each step contributes to an overall sustainable business model. 

Despite these efforts, the translation industry faces specific challenges in sustainability. For instance, document analysis, linguistic adaptation, and machine translation all require considerable energy. Each step in this process can leave an environmental footprint. To address these challenges, companies can look for ways to optimize their processes to minimize energy consumption while still maintaining high-quality services. 

Terra’s Commitment to Sustainability 

At Terra, we have been committed to sustainability since our inception. From the beginning, we’ve operated 100% remotely, which has contributed to significant reductions in carbon emissions. By eliminating the need for a physical office, we’ve minimized energy consumption and created a more flexible, eco-friendly workspace. 

Our paperless operations further support our sustainability goals. All translations are delivered digitally via email or secure portals, reducing waste and helping us maintain a sustainable workflow. While a small number of our team members may travel occasionally for conferences or business meetings, we are mindful of the environmental impact of these activities. To offset the carbon footprint from travel, we’ve engaged in initiatives like forestation, which helps balance the emissions generated by these necessary activities. 

Through our Terra Cares program, we are also supporting initiatives like Sustentabilidad sin Fronteras by providing pro bono translation services. This allows important environmental materials to reach multilingual audiences, reinforcing our dedication to both sustainability and social responsibility. 

Looking Forward 

At Terra, sustainability has always been a guiding principle. As the need for environmental responsibility becomes more pressing across all sectors, we believe that the translation industry should lead by example. By embracing sustainable practices and encouraging others to do the same, we can create a better world and leave a lasting, positive impact on both our industry and the environment. 

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This year, the International Federation of Translators (FIT) has selected “Translation, an art worth protecting” as the theme for its celebration of International Translation Day. This theme recognizes that, while translation is sometimes viewed as a straightforward process of conversion, at its heart, it is far more than a mere act of swapping words from one language into another; it’s an intricate art worth protecting. As the development of AI and the expansion of the digital sphere continue to reshape the world as we know it, the FIT calls on all of us to protect this unique art. 

The Craftsmanship of Translation 

Just as a crafty wizard combines ingredients to create a powerful potion, a skillful translator weaves words together to form a new text that captures the essence of the original and is infused with what made it so special. 

Consider the challenge of translating poetry or literature, for example. The translator will want to preserve the rhythm, tone and emotion of the original work, all while making it accessible and meaningful in another language. This requires the ability to not only do linguistic gymnastics but also walk the tightrope between two cultures and know how to invite the reader into this other world. Clearly, with so many elements to juggle, the translator is doing much more than an apples-to-apples equation.   

The Importance of Protecting Translation 

In much the way that spending time in nature helps us develop an understanding and appreciation for it, spending a moment reflecting on translation can bring the vital role it plays in our world into sharper view. 

 Here are some of the many reasons translation is an art worth protecting: 

• Cultural Preservation: Translation safeguards the richness of unique cultures around the world. It keeps the magic of storytelling alive and facilitates cultural exchange and mutual understanding. 

• Global Communication: In today’s interconnected world, translation allows for the global exchange of ideas, and it plays a key role in uniting nations and fostering peace, understanding and development. 

• Access to Information: Translation ensures that information is accessible to people of all linguistic backgrounds, thereby leveling the playing field and promoting inclusion. 

• Historical Record: Many ancient texts have survived only through translation. Protecting this vital craft ensures that future generations can access these records and the wisdom and experiences of the past. 

• Creativity and Expression: Translators are artists who create works that stand alone while honoring the original. By protecting translation, we can ensure that new interpretations of existing texts can reach and delight readers and expand their horizons. 

Let the Celebration Begin 

On this special day, we encourage you to take note of all the ways translation contributes to your understanding and enjoyment of our world. Have you read a translated novel? Discovered a new favorite show thanks to subtitles? Heard first-hand accounts in international news segments? Whatever it is, know that a dedicated translator is behind it, practicing their craft to connect us as members of a global community.     

The post The Craft of Translation: A Legacy to Protect    appeared first on Terra Translations.

At Terra, our commitment to fostering a culture of compliance goes beyond mere adherence to standards. We emphasize cultivating a sense of belonging and shared purpose among team members. Our dedication to continuous improvement stems from the firm belief that there is always room for enhancement, presenting opportunities for growth and innovation. 

This commitment to compliance is evident in our ISO-certified services maintained since 2019 and our strict adherence to HIPAA regulations. Read on to learn more about how we nurture compliance culture at Terra.  

ISO Certifications 

We strive to select certifications that truly enhance our operations and client services. The ISO 9001 and 17100 standards drive our quality-oriented translation services. 

To maintain these certifications through the years, we develop structured training programs and strategic initiatives to provide each team member with the latest tools and encourage them to embrace new technologies. Throughout this process, we constantly review our procedures. Thanks to these efforts, our team members understand their pivotal role in our quality management system and diligently apply best practices in their daily tasks. 

HIPAA Compliance 

As a language service provider, we have a strong commitment to language access. However, we understand that in the healthcare space specifically, a lot of sensitive and confidential information is shared in the translation projects our client entrusts us. As such, we need to handle these files with the utmost care. The compliance culture we first cultivated among our team with ISO allowed us to pursue HIPAA compliance with confidence. Every individual handling ePHI projects understands the importance of safeguarding this information, shares these values, and does everything in their power to uphold them. 

Compliance is a Team Effort 

If a compliance issue arises, the focus becomes identifying the root cause of the problem—not the person responsible for it. During non-conformity analyses, individuals from diverse company teams work together to examine deviations, gain a deeper comprehension of the origin of the problem, and collectively devise solutions. 

While compliance is mainly an internal process, external validation is essential to maintain our clients’ trust. Terra hires experienced external auditors to conduct comprehensive reviews. These internal audits are invaluable learning experiences, where team members see firsthand the impact their compliance efforts have on the team results. This independent evaluation leaves no room for improvisation. At the same time, it enables us to identify areas for improvement in our processes. 

The Takeaway 

Fostering a culture of compliance isn’t easy, but organizations that prioritize it set themselves up for long-term success. At Terra, we navigate the path to continuous improvement with a compass of transparency, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The post Nurturing a Culture of Compliance: Terra’s Journey and Approach  appeared first on Terra Translations.

What is “organizational culture” and why is it important? 

The term “organizational culture” is often discussed in business, but a clear definition is hard to pin down. It comes from social anthropology and includes the knowledge and beliefs people acquire in society. In the 1970s, this term became crucial for meeting the needs and values of workers. Today, companies value it more than physical assets, using it to shape new strategies.  

Since we spend over half our day working and interacting with colleagues, a positive organizational culture significantly impacts our well-being and satisfaction in both professional and personal aspects of life. At Terra, we focus on building a strong company culture, recognizing its importance in our success. 

Company Culture at Terra 

Being a 100% virtual company since its inception in 2000, Terra has always prioritized creating opportunities for connection and support amongst our team despite the lack of face-to-face interactions. We understand the importance of fostering a sense of companionship and collaboration, especially in a remote setting where traditional avenues for communication are often limited.  

To address these challenges, we implement various strategies such as prioritizing phone over email communication, hosting monthly company-wide meetings led by our leaders to discuss business updates and vision, team-specific monthly meetings with our CEO, and weekly check-ins within each team for progress updates. Additionally, we provide recreational spaces and flexibility to ensure a well-rounded and fulfilling work experience for our team members. 

Impact on retention 

Within each team, microcultures inevitably form, even within the broader organizational culture defined by the company’s mission and values. These microcultures develop unique values and work styles. While these microcultures need to maintain respectful and functional dynamics that align with the company’s overall objectives, it’s equally crucial to respect their individuality.  

Numerous studies demonstrate that factors beyond compensation influence an individual’s decision to remain with a company. Therefore, acknowledging and respecting the unique microcultures within teams contributes significantly to employee retention and overall organizational success.  

Thanks to these efforts, Terra currently boasts a remarkable 95% retention rate. Positive feedback from climate surveys underscores the effectiveness of our approach, demonstrating that employees continue to choose Terra not only for the supportive team environment but also for the career challenges it offers and the growth opportunities it provides for every collaborator. 

The takeaway 

Finding and training the right talent takes a lot of work and money. To retain top talent, you need to prioritize building a strong company culture that reflects shared values amongst your workforce. Doing so will help both the organization as a whole and individual team members thrive.

The post Thriving Together: The Impact of Company Culture at Terra  appeared first on Terra Translations.

What is Staffing and What Does it Entail?

Staffing encompasses the activities of a third-party organization that recruits, selects, and hires employees, subsequently assigning them to work for another organization. This approach enables the client organization to address its workforce requirements without directly handling the hiring process. Staffing services come in various forms, including temporary staffing for short-term assignments and permanent staffing for long-term positions.  

Key components of staffing services typically include: 

• Recruitment: This process involves identifying, attracting, and selecting individuals with the necessary skills and qualifications to meet the organization’s specific needs. 
• Onboarding: Ensuring a seamless integration of new hires into the company culture, this step equips them with the essential resources and information needed to thrive in their roles. 
• Training and development: These elements are pivotal in maintaining a successful workforce strategy and fostering employee retention. Training and development contribute to individuals staying with the company for extended periods and developing a clear career path. 

Why and When You Should Consider Staffing

Companies looking to rapidly expand their workforce should assess their HR department’s capacity and resources to handle a time-consuming recruitment process. Staffing services provide a comprehensive solution for effective workforce management without overburdening HR departments, allowing them to focus on day-to-day responsibilities. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with highly technical or specific job requirements, global recruitment needs, and time constraints. 

The Team Up Boost!

Our own experience in building and growing teams has taught us there are additional aspects to consider during the hiring process: 

• Multicultural recruiting: With the increasing trend of tapping into global talent, staffing partners can address challenges related to market traits, regulations, payroll, and logistics, ensuring diverse cultural backgrounds enrich the workforce. 
• Company culture alignment: Ensuring new hires align with the company’s values and mission promotes talent satisfaction and retention. 
• Follow-ups: Regular check-ins are vital to ensure smooth operations for both the organization and employees. 
• Custom-made solutions: Flexibility is key. Effective staffing solutions should not only meet current needs but also allow for future adaptability. 

The Takeaway

Companies experiencing growth should carefully consider the benefits of staffing solutions. An experienced partner, such as Terra, can navigate challenges and act as an extension of the HR team. Choosing staffing solutions wisely can unlock the potential for seamless expansion and sustainable success—all while helping you build your dream team.

The post Preparing for Company Expansion? Scale Your Team Through Staffing Solutions appeared first on Terra Translations.

Terra Localizations Brand Refresh  

Did you notice things looked a bit different around our video game division? That’s because we gave that brand a major visual overhaul. Terra Localizations embarked on a brand refresh to align its identity with the core values and passion of its team while reflecting the overarching ethos of Terra. CEO Marina Ilari’s vision was to infuse the company’s essence into the branding, ensuring it resonated authentically with the gaming community.  This revitalization signifies a pivotal moment in the division’s growth, emphasizing its commitment to quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of gaming culture. 

An Enhanced Commitment to Diversity and Wellness  

As the comfort and safety of each member of the company are of utmost importance to us, we worked on creating programs where their well-being is our top priority—always ensuring that they feel supported and taken care of.  

To start, we launched our diversity policy. This diversity program evolved from ingrained values into a formalized policy with the guidance of the Institute of LGBT+ Public Policies. Although diversity and inclusion have been inherent at Terra since its foundation, articulating these values required structure. An internal committee played a pivotal role in the creation of this policy. Their expertise and direct engagement with Terra’s collaborators shaped the program, ensuring it authentically reflected our core principles. Marina explained why this program is so important to us. “I believe this policy will give our efforts a clear framework so that not only can our team members refer to it, but also potential collaborators and clients can learn more about our positioning and actioning on this important topic.”  

To help boost our team’s wellness, we strengthened our existing Wellness Program with a Skillbridge initiative. This initiative offers a confidential listening and support space for collaborators who need help tackling a complex situation in the workplace or want to improve their interpersonal and communication skills. This enterprise is carried out by the members of our Human Resources team, who are mental health professionals. Their goal is to help Terra’s collaborators become more effective leaders and team players.  

Industry Conference Attendance  

Our team attended several virtual and in-person industry conferences this year, giving them a chance to learn and connect with their peers. Some of them included CLINT, ATA64, and GALA.     

On the video game front, our team also had the chance to be present at Game Developers Conference (GDC), Pocket Gamer Connects, LocWorld 49, LocWorld 50, Game Quality Forum, Gamescom, and Tokyo Game Show, among others.    

Our participation in these events also included presentations on topics such as:    

• Empowering the Vendor Manager: The Value of Soft Skills   
• Accessibility in Video Games: Perspectives from a Localizer   
• From Theory to Action: A Practical Guide on the Correct Internationalization of Digital Products   
• Moving the Needle: A Workshop to Drive New Ideas for Global Impact    
• The Death of the Cold Email: Rethinking Sales Strategies to Create Genuine and Sustainable Partnerships   
• Leveling Up Your Video Game Marketing Localization   
• Virtual Linguistic Barriers: A Case for Language Accessibility in the Metaverse   
• Panel: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Pressing Play On Ambition Into Action   

Great Place to Work Certification  

We went through the Great Place to Work recertification process for the third time and passed, seeing improvements in the overall results. Wait—it gets better. This year, we went for a triple certification: USA, Spain, and Argentina. This certification, awarded through a rigorous process by Great Place to Work (GPTW), acknowledges companies with outstanding workplace cultures. It involves employee surveys and a company questionnaire, combining feedback with independent analysis. The uniqueness lies in its reliance on both sources, making it a credible indicator for job seekers looking for companies with genuinely positive and exceptional corporate cultures.  

Terra Cares  

In 2023, through Terra Cares, we proudly extended our support to organizations like Chicas en Tecnología, Doctors Without Borders, and Sustentabilidad Sin Fronteras, contributing to projects totaling 98,136 translated words.   

Despite our fully remote operations at Terra, our team members continue to travel worldwide for conferences, meetings, and networking. As part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, we are actively engaging in climate compensation efforts by contributing to initiatives that capture greenhouse gases. To this end, we’ve joined the Eco Park “Vida Libre” project, facilitating the planting of 518 trees. This initiative not only enhances the sustainability of our business activities but also fosters new opportunities for nature development and conservation.  

We are so proud of everything our team accomplished this year and are looking forward to reaching more goals together in 2024.  

The post Terra’s 2023 Highlights: A Year of Innovation, Empowerment, and Social Commitment appeared first on Terra Translations.