By Katerina Kretova Diogenous, Relocation & People Support Manager, SayGames
What is relocation, really? Paperwork. But for us, moving people is only part of the story. What truly matters is integration – through culture, shared experience and a genuine sense of belonging.
When SayGames decided to relocate its headquarters to Cyprus in 2020, the goal was never just about logistics – it was about people. I’ve lived on the island for almost 17 years and have been with SayGames for more than three. In that time, I’ve seen dozens of families arrive here – nervous, excited, sometimes overwhelmed. Every time, my role begins the same way: ensuring that no-one feels alone in this process.
The Human Side Of Relocation
When an employee decides to move to Cyprus, the process starts with a simple message from our HR team. From that moment, I become part of their journey. We create a group chat with HR, the employee and myself so that everyone stays aligned. We go through everything together: documents, permits, housing, schools, pets and other vital details. We have comprehensive relocation guides and our legal team handles almost all documentation on behalf of each employee. The only thing left for them and their family is to attend the migration office to submit biometrics. For families, relocation can be especially stressful – new schools, new languages, medical questions, even moving with pets. That’s why I always prefer a personal call rather than endless messages. People need to hear a calm voice, assuring them that everything will be fine. I often speak with spouses as well, because relocation always affects the whole family. Once they arrive, we assist with transfers, housing and apartment searches. It’s never “just work” for me – it’s helping people start a new chapter with confidence. And when they cross the threshold of our offices in Limassol or Paphos, something magical happens: support continues, not just from me but from everyone. Colleagues ask, “Where do you live? Need help with a car? Want a tip for a good store?” It’s a genuine community.
Language and Everyday Life
To be part of a community, you need to speak its language. At SayGames, we fully cover Greek lessons for employees who plan to build their lives here. Over time, we’ve tested several teachers, gathered feedback and found a group of instructors who make learning both effective and enjoyable. For me, this programme is more than a benefit – it’s a sign of respect toward the country we now call home. We take the same approach in every one of our international offices.
For employees based outside Cyprus, one of the most-appreciated benefits is our annual ‘workation’ programme. Every year, team members from other locations spend some days or weeks on the island – working from our offices in Paphos or Limassol, hiking in the mountains, sailing, exploring local cuisine and enjoying the Mediterranean pace of life. For many, these ‘workations’ become a ‘test-drive’ before they make the decision to relocate permanently. If that decision comes, our relocation programme ensures that the process is smooth and family-friendly.
Building Belonging
Integration also means becoming part of the place where you live and work. SayGames is an active member of TechIsland, Cyprus’ largest tech association. Being part of this network gives us direct access to the conversations that shape the island’s digital economy. I still remember attending our first open dialogue with the President of the Republic and several government ministers – an inspiring experience that showed how open the Cypriot government is to listening to the business community. Those discussions often lead to practical solutions and to friendships with people from completely different industries.
We celebrate the island spirit every day. Our offices are designed not as cubicles but as spaces for connection – with outdoor lounges where colleagues cook, talk and unwind after work. This relaxed environment keeps communication open and stress levels low. We host company events inspired by local culture: from wine tastings and cookery workshops to sea sports and cultural trips. Each year, during our internal SayFest conference, we welcome colleagues and partner studios from across the world to experience Cyprus first-hand. Our company also supports the relocation of partner studios. Within the SayGames ecosystem, we’ve become true ambassadors of Cyprus, helping other teams establish their businesses here. Thanks to this shared effort, around ten partner companies have already followed our lead, bringing talent and innovation to the island.
Giving Back
True integration means not just joining a new culture but contributing to it. At SayGames, CSR isn’t a checklist – it’s a living, human part of what we do. In Cyprus, we support two local charities close to our hearts. At the Rainbow Children’s Home, which helps children with special health needs from abroad to come here and recuperate, our team renovated the veranda, built a safe pool fence and replaced pumps and filters. With the Animal Rescue Cyprus Foundation, we fund food, medicine and shelter upkeep. We also recently supported another local shelter that treats and rehomes stray cats and dogs. When wildfires struck the island, we joined the TechIsland initiative aimed at preventing such disasters in the future – and took direct action ourselves: purchasing air purifiers for affected families in Souni, sponsoring an irrigation system for the Monastery of St. John Monagritikos and planting trees on its grounds. In January, our team will return to plant more trees – a small but meaningful way to give back to the land that now feels like home. What makes these projects special is that they involve our people directly. It’s not just the company giving – it’s colleagues and their families volunteering, planting trees, cleaning up and lending a hand. We share this experience with our children, teaching them that helping others is a normal part of life.
For me, these projects go far beyond numbers or PR. I’ve always believed that kindness must be visible – you have to see and feel its results. When people thank us – not with words but with hearts, tears and smiles – that’s when you know it matters. At SayGames, we believe that a company doesn’t just move; it takes root. Relocation is only the first step. Integration is what turns a new place into a real home. Home, after all, is where you belong.
Note: As Relocation & People Support Manager, Katerina Kretova Diogenous oversees relocation, administration, and community initiatives that help employees and partner studios integrate smoothly into Cypriot life. SayGames is a leading publisher of hybrid-casual mobile games, specialising in developing, operating, and promoting engaging titles for a global audience. In 2020, SayGames established its HQ in Cyprus – its first office in Limassol, followed by the opening of an additional office in Paphos in 2021. Today, along with operations in Warsaw, the company employs over 200 people, has launched more than 180 games, and surpassed 7 billion downloads worldwide.
This Special Feature first appeared in the November edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
