Appinio's People Team · 20.03.2026 · 7min read
What makes Appinio...Appinio?
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at Appinio? The truth is, it’s hard to sum up in a few words, or even a list of values. That’s why we created the Appinio Heartbeat, a living snapshot of who we are, how we work, and what makes our team tick.
The story of the Heartbeat actually began a few years ago. What started as a marketing idea quickly became something more meaningful. We wanted to show, in a visual and honest way, what makes Appinio unique and shine a light on the people behind the company. We even encouraged other companies to create their own versions and pass them along, like a small heartbeat train moving from team to team.
Over time, the Heartbeat became one of the most loved documents on our careers page. Candidates regularly told our People Team during interviews that they had read it beforehand and that it helped them understand what life at Appinio might really feel like.Our first version of it was created years ago. Since then, our product has evolved, our team has grown, and we have grown with it. It felt only right that our Heartbeat should evolve too. So we decided it was time for a refresh.
This is the story of how we brought it back to life.
The Making of the Heartbeat
Creating the new Heartbeat was a journey in itself. We began with a company-wide survey built on our own Appinio platform. The People Team carefully crafted a thoughtful set of questions designed to give a genuine overview of who we are. It was designed to show who our people are, what they enjoy about Appinio, the hobbies and dreams they bring with them, and the small cultural snapshots that provide real context to how we live and work together.At Appinio, our team is already used to sharing feedback openly, but we also have something a little different: our Appiniometer. This is our internal survey where employees can share completely anonymous feedback about their teams and the company as a whole. Because responses are fully anonymous, it creates a safe space for people to speak honestly and raise ideas or concerns they might not otherwise voice. Just as importantly, the management team actively reviews the results and shares the outcomes company-wide, ensuring transparency and collective accountability for the actions that follow.
Once the responses for the heartbeat were in, the creative work truly began. Together with the design team, we went through countless iterations, exploring different layouts, visual directions, and storytelling approaches. We challenged ourselves to find the right balance between insight and personality.
We wanted something that felt informative but never heavy. Approachable but never generic. A piece that reflected Appinio’s personality just as much as it reflected the data. Every chart, icon, and colour choice was intentional, turning raw survey answers into a story people could connect with and ensuring it aligned seamlessly with our brand.Below is a glimpse into that process, from early concepts to the final design.
Behind the scenes
It all started with some good old fashioned brainstorming with the team...
We spent lots of time in virtual calls like this <3 bringing the creation to life!
A little sneak peak of the heartbeat..check out the full copy here.
Culture in Action: Fun Facts from the Heartbeat
The Heartbeat isn’t just numbers, it’s personality in action. It’s the little glimpses into who we are, what we love, and how we live and work together. Here are a few snapshots from the new version:- Top Workation Trips: Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal, our team knows how to mix work with adventure.
- Favourite Films: Harry Potter came out on top, proving a little magic goes a long way.
- Favourite Foods: Anything pasta stole the spotlight, with over 20 mentions across the team.
- Core Value: Show that you care, the principle that guides how we work, support each other, and grow together.
Looking Forward
The Appinio Heartbeat is more than a document. It is a story of who we are, how we work, and the people who make this place what it is. From the first idea, a simple visual way to share our culture, to the refreshed version today, it has grown alongside our team and our company. It captures both our personality and our evolution, showing not only what we do but why we do it, and the values that guide us along the way.
If this resonates with you and you want to be part of a team that values collaboration, growth, and making an impact, take a look at our [careers page] and see the opportunities we have. We are always excited to meet new people who share our values and want to help shape the future of Appinio.
Like what you see? We’re hiring! Check out our careers page to see our latest openings.
