From News Desk
In an ecosystem where employee engagement is often reduced to short-term perks, ToneTag, a deep-tech fintech company engaged in sound-based payment solutions, took a more global approach. The Bangalore based company recently hosted a family-inclusive retreat in the Andaman Islands, positioning the experience as a cultural milestone that recognised collective effort while strengthening cohesion across its fast-scaling teams.
The initiative was designed to recognise the collective effort of employees who have played a key role in ToneTag’s growth journey, while also strengthening bonding across teams at a time when the company has scaled rapidly. The trip brought together long-tenured team members and recent joiners from across functions, making it a truly organisation-wide experience.
Andaman was chosen to offer a rare combination of air, sea and road travel in a calm, scenic setting that allowed employees and their families to disconnect from work and spend quality time together. The destination symbolised renewal, togetherness and balance. As an Indian startup, the company also viewed the choice as an opportunity to support domestic tourism and contribute to the local economy.
The four-day itinerary focused on relaxation, sightseeing and water-based activities, complemented by informal interactions and team-bonding moments. The emphasis was on creating shared experiences in a natural, pressure-free environment rather than structured corporate sessions.
Speaking of the initiative, Vigil Thomas, Head of HR, ToneTag said, “For ToneTag, employee happiness goes beyond perks or events. It means creating an environment where people feel valued, respected, trusted and supported, both professionally and personally. It includes well-being, growth opportunities, recognition and the ability to balance work with family and life.”
Employee feedback following the trip has been overwhelmingly positive. Many employees, including senior professionals with decades of experience in large organisations, described the experience as unique and deeply memorable, particularly the opportunity to travel with their families. Several family members also shared feedback, noting that ToneTag made them feel included in the company’s journey.
The impact has already been visible at the workplace, with improved morale, stronger interpersonal connections and more open collaboration across teams. The shared experience has fostered a renewed sense of belonging, trust and ownership among employees.
This marks the fourth large-scale offsite organised by ToneTag for employees and their families, with each edition growing in scale as the company expands. As ToneTag continues to grow, it says it remains committed to investing in meaningful, experiential employee engagement initiatives that strengthen culture while recognising collective success.
Perspective
Taking employees and families on vacation builds a synergy within the organisation. However, the atmosphere of bonding and inclusiveness should be continued in the workspace. There should be a genuine inclusiveness of the employees and issues related to them and their work should be discussed freely with them in a cordial manner. Only then such vacations can give the best results for the quality of work.
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