What do the Titan Swim and Ithaki have in common? Both are built on the foundation of teamwork, fun, and going beyond the ordinary. At Ithaki, the goal isn’t just to create fertile work environments but to craft experiences that people feel proud to be part of every day.
Ithaki’s purpose is clear: to enable employees to be proud. In a world where many face psycho-social stress and disengagement at work, this mission feels more relevant than ever. Work, after all, has the potential to be a source of pride and fulfillment, not a cause of stress and frustration.
Imagine the Impact
Consider the ripple effect of happy, thriving employees. When people are truly engaged at work, that positive energy flows into their personal lives, enriching relationships with family, children, and friends. At the same time, organisations that nurture happiness, sustainability, and balance help build a stronger, more connected society. Imagine the broader impact of transforming thousands, or even millions, of work environments—employees eager to contribute, burnout risks reduced, and a culture that promotes authenticity. The potential benefits to society are enormous.
Enter the Movement: Great Work. With a Smile.
Ithaki is only one piece of a larger puzzle. The next step was turning this idea into a movement—something to inspire people beyond the work Ithaki does directly. The question was: how do you communicate a purpose that resonates with everyone?
This led to the birth of a movement with a simple motto: Great Work. With a Smile. It’s more than a phrase; it’s a mindset. The movement stands against outdated work cultures that drain energy and limit potential. Instead, it champions workplaces where authenticity, balance, and fun thrive.
This movement recognises the need for workplaces that meet human needs, reducing the risk of burnout, and eliminating the stigma attached to loving your job. After all, work doesn’t have to be a grind—it can be something people are genuinely excited about.
To make this concept tangible, the team came up with a creative way to spread the message: T-shirts. Each one is customisable, as long as it includes the words Great Work, because every contribution is unique, and everyone has their own way of adding value to a positive work culture. These shirts showcase that great work is as diverse as the people behind it.
We’ve also crafted versions for students. After all, everything said above applies to schoolwork too. This is where the foundation for future generations of great employees is laid. Let’s make schoolwork fun, tailored to individual strengths, and inclusive of different learning styles. By fostering engagement and excitement in education, we set the stage for a future where great work and big smiles are the norm—not the exception.
Launching the Movement: The Titan Swim
When it came time to launch the movement, the Titan Swim was the perfect fit. The event wasn’t just about fun; it embodied the principles Ithaki believes in—teamwork, achieving goals together, and enjoying the journey along the way.
The Titan Swim is an unconventional obstacle run swim event. With 2,000 to 2,500 participants, small groups start in waves throughout the day. Our team, made up of 3 adults and 8 eager teenagers, plunged into the first wave. Each wave begins with a 15-minute warm-up. Participants then tackle a 1km swim dotted with 15 inflatable obstacles, starting with an exhilarating five-metre-high slide into the water—no chance to tiptoe.
Fortunately, the water was refreshingly pleasant. We faced obstacles ranging from monkey bars suspended over water to walls that needed scaling and slippery slopes that demanded teamwork. About halfway through the course, we enjoyed a brief running section with refreshments to re-energise for the final stretch. The last challenge was a thrilling three-metre jump, a test of courage.
Crossing the finish line, we were greeted with a cool drink to celebrate our collective achievement and the journey we had completed together. And yes, we had a fantastic time!
So, How Do You Contribute to Great(er) Work and Big(ger) Smiles?
Take a look at your own workplace.
What are you already doing to balance great results with happy team members?
What changes could you make to create an environment where people feel valued, engaged, and happy? How could you help foster a culture where authenticity and balance are prioritised, and where people find joy in their work?
It’s about rethinking how work should feel, and it starts by embracing a new approach—one that places people at the centre and finds joy in the process. Whether through small actions or larger initiatives, every step contributes to making
Great Work. With a Smile. a reality.
