Hundreds of engineers, software developers and technologists around the world connect virtually across distances to bring advanced technologies to life
For the seventh year running, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting held its annual Code Games, a two-day internal coding event designed to bring innovation, fun, and a spirit of friendly competition to employees across the globe. Originally started in 2014 by a group of developers at a single office to help expose employees to smart thinking and the latest advanced technologies, the Code Games have rapidly grown in size over time. This year, despite moving to a virtual format due to the pandemic, the event encompassed over 500 participants across more than a hundred teams in 12 countries.
In an atmosphere that combined intense teamwork with fun online activities, raffles, food and prizes, the Code Games saw teams collaborate on innovations by taking an initial idea and developing it into working prototypes. Participants could choose from a variety of existing projects or create their own greenfield ideas to address existing pain points for the changing tax, accounting, audit, and finance professions. After 48 hours, teams presented their idea prototypes to a panel of judges including Wolters Kluwer executives, customers and industry thought-leaders. A winning team was selected in each location and advanced to the champion-of-champion competition for an opportunity to move their idea through for further research and development.
“Each year, I look forward with excitement toward the Code Games when I get to witness firsthand the talent and creativity of our Wolters Kluwer employees as innovations come to life outside of their typical day,” said Karen Abramson, Chief Executive Officer of Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting. “The Code Games creates an environment that encourages collaboration and friendly competition while helping empower employees to quickly make vital decisions at any given moment. This allows us to drive an agile culture that helps us meet the changing needs of our customers while having a bit of fun at the same time!”
What has made the Code Games so successful over the years is its focused purpose, emphasis on cross-functional engagement, and continued program innovation.
- Participants remain highly engaged and focused on what matters most - helping customers take advantage of advanced technologies to modernize and transform their practices and become better strategic advisors to their clients
- While coding is the technical skill necessary to deliver the output of the Code Games, engagement from multiple functional teams enables problem solving and ideation needed to achieve tangible results
- Originally held inside office locations around the world, the Code Games took on a new, virtual format this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with participants collaborating and presenting to judges online
Watch this 2020 Code Games video to get a taste of the collaboration, energy, and innovative thinking that made this year’s event special.