A Culture of Innovation: Working on the Onshape Team

As a marketer at PTC on the Onshape team, I get to be a part of exciting experiences – from our own R&D launch events to connecting with emerging startups developing new and interesting products.

There are stories lurking everywhere you turn at PTC, and I’m lucky to be able to uncover them on the Onshape Product Innovation Blog for you, the Onshape community.

PTC Named a Top Place to Work: A Testament to Excellence

In the latest chapter of 2023, PTC, Onshape's parent company, was named by the venerable Boston Globe as one of the best places to work in the state (the third-best, to be exact). 

This doesn’t come as a surprise as PTC isn’t a stranger to this annual list, having appeared seven years in a row. This consistent recognition speaks volumes about the company's commitment to creating an environment where employees thrive both personally and professionally.

But I didn’t want to leave it at that – there’s more to the story, an underlying current that continually drives positive results at PTC and for the Onshape community.

User Happiness Through Company Culture

You might wonder: How does a company's internal culture impact its customers? The answer lies in the interconnectedness of a positive work environment and the quality of the products and services offered. 

Working on the Onshape team means the commitment to excellence doesn't stop at the company doors; it extends to the experiences of our users.

1. Collaboration Breeds Innovation

A hallmark of the Onshape culture is collaboration. Teams across departments work seamlessly, sharing ideas and perspectives. This collaborative spirit doesn't just make the workplace more enjoyable; it directly influences the products we create. Our users benefit from solutions resulting from diverse minds coming together to solve complex problems.

As a global team, the Onshape group works with designers and engineers from all over the world to make sure we’re doing the most for those developing innovative products. One way we gather feedback and connect is through in-person events. Our team has met some amazing innovators in Boston, San Francisco, Toronto, Amsterdam, London, Hannover, Frankfurt, Oslo, and Paris this year alone. 

2. Employee Satisfaction Translates to User Satisfaction

Happy employees are more likely to go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. When a team feels supported, valued, and engaged, they naturally channel that positive energy into their work. This translates into products that not only meet but exceed user expectations. 

Working at PTC on the Onshape team, the commitment to employee well-being is a strategic investment in the company's overall success. 

3. Agile Responses to User Needs

The dynamic nature of our workplace culture extends to our responsiveness to user needs. In a fast-paced technological landscape, being agile is crucial. The Onshape team's culture of adaptability and continuous improvement enables us to respond to user feedback swiftly, implement updates, and stay ahead of industry trends.

The pace of Onshape updates and improvements speaks to this point. This year alone, Onshape has had 17 releases, each packed with new and improved features, like Modal Analysis and Surfacing tools.

Check out the Onshape Changelog to get a feel for the full scope of improvements in 2023.

4. Nurturing a Customer-Centric Mindset

Within the Onshape community, there's a deep-seated understanding that our users are at the heart of everything we do. This customer-centric mindset permeates every aspect of our culture, from considering user feedback to customer support. We actively seek and value user input, ensuring that our solutions meet current needs and anticipate future challenges.

Working on the Onshape team at PTC means learning from and engaging with CAD designers busy achieving their dream projects and professionals learning better ways to develop products. 

5. Giving Back to the Community

Onshape team members after a day of volunteering. 

Our commitment to community extends beyond our immediate workplace. PTC, as a whole, encourages and supports employees in giving back to their communities. This sense of social responsibility contributes to a positive company culture and reflects positively, resonating with users who appreciate a company with a heart.

In early December, Onshape team members took the day to participate in PTC’s Week of Caring by volunteering at the Boston Museum of Science. This event was just one example of the team at Onshape reaching out to the community to give back.

The Ripple Effect: Happy Team, Happy Users

Happy Holidays from a Happy Team.

In essence, the culture at PTC and within the Onshape team is a ripple effect that begins with a happy and engaged team and extends outward to our user community. The values we uphold, the collaborations we foster, and the commitment to excellence all coalesce to create an environment where innovation thrives. Users receive not just products but experiences that enhance their professional lives.

The recognition of PTC as one of the best places to work is not just a badge of honor; it's a testament to a culture that prioritizes people – both within the organization and beyond. 

Working at PTC on the Onshape team, I’m lucky to be not just an observer but an active participant in a culture that shapes the way we work, the products we create, and the satisfaction of our users. The journey of innovation continues, fueled by a commitment to excellence and a culture that sets us apart in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and workplace dynamics.