If you’re under 30 and are seeking happiness, Lithuania is the place to be according to the World Happiness Report. The report ranked Lithuania as the top destination for young people earlier this year.
Defining happiness can be challenging, but it’s evident in Lithuania. The CEO of Nord Security, a well-known tech company in Vilnius, shared his insights on the happiness of his workforce.
Nord Security, famous for its VPN tool, has a workforce of over 1,600 employees, with a majority being Millennials and Gen Z staff.
The enthusiasm of Nord’s workforce is contagious, as noted by Tomas Okmanas, Nord’s CEO and co-founder.
“Everyone is young, happy, hungry, and super talented,” he told Fortune in an interview. “People want to be part of the culture.”
COURTESY OF NORD SECURITY
Although Lithuania faced challenges post-Soviet Union, it has successfully turned its fortunes around to become a happy destination. The country focused on work-life balance, with only 1% of employees working excessive hours according to the OECD.
Lithuania has invested in attracting foreign talent, with new initiatives and the development of a tech campus worth $110 million. Several successful companies like Vinted, PVcase, and Surfshark have emerged from Lithuania, creating a thriving startup ecosystem.
What sets Lithuania apart? According to Okmanas, the energetic startup culture and happy workforce contribute to Lithuania’s appeal.
The Nord CEO emphasizes the importance of hiring employees who align with the company’s values and culture. Nord employees, described as “geeks,” bond over shared interests outside of work, enhancing their friendships.
One of the perks of having a team of geeks is the vast expertise on diverse topics within the company. Employees readily share knowledge and support each other, creating a collaborative atmosphere.
Nord’s culture mirrors Lithuania’s reputation for happiness. The combination of a positive work environment and a fast-growing startup scene positions Lithuania as an ideal destination for talent attraction and business growth.
