The Magic of Innovation Days

Walking into the office on an Innovation Day is like stepping into a world overflowing with possibility. The air feels charged, the energy undeniable, and the buzz of excitement infectious. These days aren’t about business goals or deadlines—they’re about curiosity, knowledge sharing, and the joy of exploring the unknown.

Here, failure is not just accepted—it’s celebrated. It’s a day to experiment boldly, connect deeply, and learn freely. The magic lies in the unstructured, boundless nature of the experience, where the only expectations are to explore, create, and embrace whatever comes next.

This isn’t just a workday—it’s an invitation to step into a space where creativity and collaboration flourish, fueled by a shared passion for technology.

A Culture of Curiosity and Experimentation

At the heart of Innovation Days is a commitment to curiosity over certainty. These days are not about crafting polished, customer-ready solutions. Instead, they’re a safe space to explore ideas, play with new tools, and even stumble upon dead ends—because in those stumbles, we often find insights that lead to the next great breakthrough.

The freedom to fail creates an environment where no idea is too wild and no question too out-of-bounds. It’s not about the outcome; it’s about the journey. The lessons learned, connections made, and skills developed are the true measures of success.

A Day of Connection, Learning, and Fun

With teams from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany gathered, this Innovation Day was a vibrant mix of energy and collaboration. Everyone arrived ready to dive into their chosen topics, fueled by fresh croissants and limitless enthusiasm. The day started with 22 pitches, each reflecting the creativity and curiosity that drives our teams.

People chose their projects freely—working solo or collaborating with others—but always with a focus on stepping outside their comfort zones. From building experimental prototypes to tackling completely new domains, the diversity of ideas made the day unforgettable.

Unique Moments That Define the Day

1. Pitching and Demo Time
   After all 22 pitches were shared, five projects were chosen for end-of-day demos, where teams showcased their lessons learned in just five minutes. It wasn’t about perfection but about sharing discoveries, surprises, and ideas for the future.
2. Themed Stickers for Everyone
   Every Innovation Day comes with its own collectible sticker, and this time it was a festive Christmas sweater design—a fun and memorable way to capture the spirit of the day. These stickers have become a beloved tradition, connecting teams across borders.
3. The Oliebollen Experiment
   In the kitchen of the office, a small team took a hands-on approach to innovation by baking oliebollen, a classic Dutch treat. Using Magimix appliances, they tested recipes and techniques, filling the space with the smell of fresh batter and frying oil. It wasn’t just about making snacks—it was about experimenting together, sharing ideas, and having fun. The result? A taste of tradition!
4. A Relaxed and Open Atmosphere
   With no pressure to deliver specific results, the conversations were informal, and the connections genuine. Whether brainstorming over coffee or troubleshooting a tricky concept, the day felt like a shared adventure.
5. Celebrations and Milestones
   We took time to celebrate not just our ideas but our people. A birthday and three 10-year anniversaries were highlights of the day, along with a celebratory cake for 10 years of Xebia Microsoft Services (a.k.a. Xpirit). Ending the day with food, drinks, and a lively quiz brought everyone together in a way that felt personal and meaningful.

The Impact of Innovation Days

The true value of Innovation Days lies in their ability to spark creativity, foster connections, and recharge our collective energy. They remind us of the joy in learning for its own sake, in building together without limits, and in sharing a passion for technology with people who understand and inspire us.

By creating a space where failure is embraced, experimentation is encouraged, and collaboration is natural, these days fuel job satisfaction, happiness, and the kind of energy that carries into everything we do.

As the evening winds down, the office is filled with laughter, good food, and a sense of accomplishment—not because we met any goals but because we allowed ourselves to imagine, explore, and connect. That’s the magic of Innovation Days, and it’s why they’re more than just a day on the calendar—they’re a celebration of the best of who we are.