Corporate Culture Lead, Nexters Global Ltd: Cyprus has a positive effect on people

Originally from Republic of Belarus and having also worked in Russia and Armenia, Yana Andreyeva-Lavrinovich says Cyprus’ higher levels of sunshine and fresh air lead to increased productivity and reduced stress levels.

Describe your current job in Cyprus.

The main task of our department is to surround every employee with care and support. We organise events and implement projects that benefit Nexters’ people and make their daily lives brighter and more interesting.

What led to your move from Belarus to Cyprus?

My job. I have been working for Nexters for over two years now, and I am in love with my job! I absolutely adore my team and appreciate the opportunities that the company provides for growth and development. So, I was ready to move to any location proposed by the company.

How does the professional environment in Cyprus differ from that in Russia?

I think the absence of competition on the island in the field of events and services has led to a slight lag compared to Russia but that is changing now, and the expats are clearly contributing to this change. One the pleasant differences in Cyprus are the friendly relations between the contractors. One company can easily pass on a project or share the contacts of their competitors if they realise can’t handle the project – it’s a little surprising!

How do you view the business environment in your particular industry?

In my work, I focus specifically on people within the company and, from what I’m seeing, Cyprus definitely has a positive effect on them. More sun and fresh air lead to increased productivity and reduced stress levels. As a result, it has a positive effect on business too.

How do you find working and living in Cyprus? How easily did you adapt to life here?

It was very difficult at first. Before my relocation, I had never been to Cyprus and didn’t have the slightest idea of what to expect. I completed several remote projects in Cyprus before moving here, so I understood that everything would be very different from what I was used to. Also, when you work in the events field, moving to a new country means losing all your contacts, the usual contractors, venues, etc., and starting all that from scratch was hard. As for my personal life, it was much easier. Cypriots are very friendly and responsive, and everyone speaks excellent English; I never had any communication problems and having a large Russian-speaking community was a plus. And, of course, Nexters’ own adaptation programmes were a great help. As a result, I went through all the stages of adaptation: from ecstasy to apathy to acceptance. I now feel comfortable and can finally fully appreciate the benefits and the many pleasures of living here.

• Country of origin: Republic of Belarus
• Job Title: Corporate Culture Lead
• Company: Nexters Global Ltd
• Office Location: Limassol
• Time in Cyprus: 7 months
• Other countries she has lived/worked in: Russia, Armenia
• Favourite restaurant in Cyprus: Dionysus Mansion, Limassol
• Favourite bar in Cyprus: Lost+Found, Nicosia
• Activities she enjoys in Cyprus: Yoga, hiking, water sports

This interview first appeared in the March issue of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.