Notarize Operation Chillax 2022: Mission Successful

Over the summer, Notarize shut its (remote) doors for our second annual Operation Chillax week, allowing employees to spend time away from their computers and encouraging them to take a week to rest and recharge.

As a company-wide initiative to take time off, the goal is to truly disconnect from work — with no expectations to be on Slack and no need to worry about mountains of work piling up upon return. Instead, time can be spent doing what matters most.

From music festivals to hiking to relaxing staycations, this is what our Stampers were up to during this year’s Chillax. But first, a quick note from Notarize’s CEO, Pat Kinsel, on the inception of Chillax and why it’s an important initiative:‍

Robin Finnegan, Senior Customer Success Manager

During Chillax, I attended the Levitate Music & Arts Festival in Marshfield, MA, and was able to dedicate more time to preparing the nursery for my baby.

Jenn Chan, Marketing Manager

I went up to our house in Maine and spent the week hanging by the lake with family, friends and our dogs. We celebrated the 4th of July with fireworks and a BBQ and enjoyed perfect weather, beautiful sunsets, lots of swimming, and other outdoor activities throughout the week.

Fiona Mustain, Associate Product Designer

I spent my Chillax week at home in New York city. It was a great staycation! I spent my time finding a new apartment (which is always a hectic experience in New York). I was also able to meet up with friends, discover new shops, go to a few farmers markets, and take long walks by the water.

Andrew MacDougall, Company Storyteller

I visited Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with my wife. We drove the Icefields Parkway that links Banff and Jasper National Parks. We also hiked the Wilcox Pass in Jasper National Park to view the Columbia Icefield — the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains.

Coriana Mullinix, Customer Support Tier 2

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I was able to take time to spend with my corgi puppy and my family. I took my dad to Funko Pop HQ in Everett. It was a great distraction for him as he would have been celebrating his and my mom's 29th wedding anniversary, but she passed away two years ago. I also got to hang out with my brother and aunt who live out of state but were in town for the holiday week.

Valerie Zhang, Strategy and Operations Lead

Chillax gave me a “no-excuses” time to decompress and disconnect. Unlimited PTO can be under-leveraged, so I appreciate that Notarize acknowledges and effectively encourages Stampers to truly take time off. I was able to go to Iceland and took advantage of outdoor activities such as glacier hiking and outdoor hot springs!

Anika Hancock, Finance Customer Support Associate

I joined my sister, brother in-law and nieces on their annual vacation to Maui in Hawaii. Actually being away from my home office and in a different environment made the rest and reset that aspects of Chillax much more impactful.

Nina Owens, Customer Support Associate

I appreciate that Notarize rewards us with Chillax for all of the hard work that we do. Time is everything, and being a wife, mom, and minister, my time is extremely precious. Having a week off of work to do what matters the most to me is so important. During Chillax, I was able to attend my first Pioneer Service School — a 6-day long school for Jehovah's Witnesses who are full-time ministers.

Lauren Piontek, Senior Software Engineer

I relaxed in Cape Cod with the Notarize book club book (pictured) and recharged after 3 months of packed weekends and starting a new job at Notarize! I was also able to reorganize my kitchen and set up my balcony, which had been on my to-do list for ages.

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We’re thrilled that this year’s “Operation Chillax” was such a success, and that Notarize employees were able to take some well-deserved time to relax and come back recharged. Until next year!