Act globally and locally

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In organizations values adopted at the global level, may not always play their part in everyday life at the local level naturally. SoftServe, over the past 30 years, has managed to build a global, multinational organization where people matter, pursuing a mission to enable talented individuals to change the world. However, implementing an individual approach to employees, in a global company, is no small challenge.

Values in business allow making decisions in line with the spirit of the company, and provide an anchor that gives a chance to stop and look back to see if the organization, in the course of its development, is moving away from its original goals.

 – Thriving organizations should pay special attention not to stray from their declared values. These declarations must not be allowed to turn into empty platitudes. The vast majority of employees are sensitive to falsehoods and very quickly become alienated from companies that build their image on false assumptions, says Sebastian Drzewiecki, Country Manager of SoftServe Poland.

To avoid such a fate, SoftServe has set its sights on glocal approach, which allows it to adapt global values to local needs. To remain a people-centered company, SoftServe focuses on two areas: well-being and diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), among others.

Well-being is a priority

Well-being plays a key role in creating an organizational culture centered around the needs of the employees. It is also of strategic importance. People who benefit from and enjoy company’s well-being programs are more engaged and productive.

To take care of the mental well-being of professionals, SoftServe has launched the HearMe program. Individuals working in the company, can arrange anonymous sessions with experienced psychologists and psychotherapists. This kind of support proves especially useful when someone is going through challenges in their personal or professional life.

Every October, SoftServe organizes a Dare to Care Month. This activity is designed to emphasize the importance of physical and mental health, encouraging everyone to take the time to take care of themselves and their development beyond their careers. This year, a series of webinars has been scheduled: on healthy eating, healthy sleep and cancer prevention.

Equality and diversity

To create a DEI policy, SoftServe decided to start with an objective external assessment in the form of a survey. A three-year strategy was then developed, and a DEI role and an advisory board were created. Questions about integration and sense of belonging became part of the quarterly employee satisfaction survey. A tool was also created to analyze the data, providing insight into equal career opportunities for all male and female professionals and identifying any potential gaps.

Acting in accordance with the principle of glocality, programs have been created to promote equality and inclusion globally, but with room for each location to tailor them according to its needs.

One of them is Women Do Tech 365, which aims to empower women. Globally, 1,071 female participants took part. In Poland, it included a self-defense workshop and an inspiring panel discussion with female leaders working at SoftServe.

Another program is EmpowerU, aimed at groups facing a risk of social exclusion. In Poland, it is designed to give people with disabilities the opportunity to develop careers in IT. The program included several weeks of QC testing training, and participants were given certificates they can use to apply for entry-level jobs and increase their chances of employment.

– It is difficult for people who want to start a career in IT to find good substantive, yet free courses. Taking part in the training organized by SoftServe was a valuable step towards changing my career path, says Anna, an EmpowerU participant.

– DEI activities are obviously a good business decision – they support recruitment and reduce employee turnover. However, it is worthwhile, being a responsible employer, to take a slightly broader perspective. By taking care of equality in your company, you have a positive impact on the labor market as a whole and support the development of the talent pool, which, after all, can be found in any social group, concludes Paula Rejmer, Country People Lead at SoftServe Poland.