Icares

2024 – Icares is a company based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Icares focuses on the development and delivery of digital tests in the field of study and career guidance. Icares, which stands for “International Career and Education Services,” offers a wide range of solutions that help both educational institutions and companies optimize career development. The company currently employs 7 people and uses the services of freelancers for tasks such as programming and marketing.

Social innovation

According to employees, Icares is organized horizontally and there is no hierarchy within the company. The lines of communication to colleagues are short and there is an informal and confidential atmosphere. The open space, where all employees are located, and the glass door to the director’s office emphasize, and contribute to, this open culture.

Structure and working method

Icares has a horizontal organizational structure in which, although the director is formally above the other employees, in practice there is hardly any hierarchy according to the employees. The company has seven permanent employees and uses freelancers for specific tasks, such as marketing, programming and translations. Each employee has their own responsibilities, such as human resources, data management, or ICT, and much independence is expected. Flexible working, including working from home, and strong mutual cooperation characterize the working method. In addition, Icares deploys AI for efficiency, with applications such as translation and visual content generation, saving time and costs.

Culture

According to employees, the culture within Icares is characterized by openness, informal collaboration and attention to employees’ personal well-being. Employees’ ideas are encouraged and discussed in a safe, collegial atmosphere. Formal meetings are rare, as daily interaction in the open office makes them redundant. The flexibility within the organization provides a supportive work environment.

Reference

Pieter Wanten: ‘Icares – find your suitable path in study or profession’. (2024) TNO: Leiden

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