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January 21, 2026
Workplace culture is one of the key factors in determining whether an organization is a truly great place to work. Companies that prioritize employees well-being and actively invest in their growth and development are widely recognized.
For several years in a row, Hypoport has been among the most preferred employers in Germany, and we know the culture played a significant role in this recognition. In this context, we spoke with Elena Stoyanova, HR at Hypoport Sofia, about what makes Hypoport Sofia’s culture unique, what it means to work in a friendly and supportive environment, and how shared traditions help bring people together.
My role is to take care of our home and family. Joking aside, this means that I take care of our wonderful five-story building and all its residents. The job involves many different tasks, sometimes repairing things with wrenches and pliers, and other times baking muffins with a mixer.
The work is incredibly diverse and mainly involves constant communication with colleagues, which is my favorite part. I try to get to knowpeople and make their work easier and more enjoyable.
In addition, I organize events related to special occasions, team building, and any other occasions- spontaneous or not- that bring us together.
I also have administrative tasks, but they only bring joywhen they’re completed, so I won't bore you with them.
Coziness doesn’t come from interior design- it comes from the people. You feel it when a space is truly lived-in and reflects the character of those who use it. Even the most beautifully designed office can’t feel like “home” if people don’t feel free, safe, and accepted there.
Each of us leaves a personal mark on the shared space. Our goal is for the office to feel like a place that belongs to us- without losing а sense of balance.
For me, the most important thing is mutual respect among people. We’ve tried to provide areas for fun, games, and casual conversations that are separate from workspaces- even on different floors. But that alone isn’t enough if people don’t have an internal sense of tact.
Of course, there’s always a bit of overlap between the two. It can’t be any other way- we’re human, and we work with friends.
The impact really depends on the type of event. Some are important from a purely practical point of view- sharing knowledge and discussing technical topics in a wider circle can only be beneficial. No one knows how the challenges faced by one team could save months of work for another, or be solved with a simple “Have you tried…?”
Besides, not everyone has many people at home with whom they can discuss deep technical topics- which, I’m happy to say, are clearly very interesting to a large number of colleagues.
As for events outside of work topics, I could talk endlessly. In my view, shared laughter, good food, drinks, and games are among the most fundamental human experiences. There’s nothing better than seeing people connect, share, and discover common interests. The memories from these moments last far longer than emails and issues. And, as I mentioned before, when you work with friends, it’s hardly surprising that you might want to have a rooftop barbecue together.
I have many, but the first that comes to mind is our Easter Egg Hunt. We do it every year, and by now we hide over 100 small chocolate eggs around the office. I love watching grown-ups turn into kids, searching every corner all day long.
Another favorite experience usually happens during team-building events- the moment when there’s no set program, but people are together and find their own ways to spend time. Some play cards, others play volleyball until they drop, a few watch a game on someone’s phone, and someone naps in a hammock next to the chess players. That feeling of calm and relaxation in our shared company is absolutely priceless to me.
I don’t think anyone really “fits in” to the culture. I believe everyone is part of it and shapes it simply by being there. Just likethe coziness in the office, the culture carries the marks of all of us.
Over the years, we’ve gained experience in being open to new colleagues- and I’d even say curious about them. From my perspective, what makes us different is that we don’t just have norms of behavior; we share a common desire to protect the delicate oasis we’ve built together.
I’d say they’re right! 😊
Culture isn’t something created by corporations, but bypeople. Every team, like a small community, develops its own unwritten rules for behavior, quality, and relationships. A corporation can destroy that culture, but it can’t create it.
At Hypoport, people come first- and it shows clearly in the way our culture grows and comes alive every day.