Fair Cultures interviews is a consistent part of our mission as an organisation to shed light on the companies that are doing the fair work in the field of diversity and inclusion on a national, european and global scale.
Meet Softonic, one of our collaborators and partners at Fair Barcelona conference. Softonic is a leading technology company specialising in secure software distribution. The firm operates the world’s leading secure software distribution platform Softonic.com. The platform, currently available in 18 languages, categorises, evaluates, and distributes over 1 million Windows, Android, and Mac programmes and solutions worldwide. Founded in Barcelona in 1997, Softonic is also behind other initiatives including GHacks, a portal for IT users, and Digital Trends, a technology news site. The company currently employs over 90 people from 23 countries. Here is our conversation with Softonic's reps and the best takeaways.
How has Softonic’s partnership with Fair impacted the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives?
Our partnership with Fair has significantly strengthened Softonic's DE&I initiatives. It's helped us focus on what truly matters by providing valuable insights into best practices. Through Fair's network, we've connected with other professionals, sharing experiences and learning from each other. The event in Barcelona allowed us to showcase our commitment to DE&I and connect with leading experts. This collaboration has been inspiring in refining our strategies and fostering a truly inclusive workplace.
As a company acting globally, with a hybrid work model, what have been some of the most significant challenges and opportunities in maintaining company culture and team unity?
One of the biggest challenges we've faced as a global company with a hybrid work model is maintaining a strong company culture and a sense of unity amongst our teams. With 20% of our employees working remotely across Spain, we've had to be creative and intentional about keeping them engaged and connected with their colleagues and the company as a whole. Here's how we've addressed this challenge and fostered a sense of belonging among our remote workers.
One of our core values at Softonic is "One Team." This principle guides our efforts to cultivate a strong sense of unity and belonging among all employees, regardless of their location. We believe that a unified team is a strong team, and this is especially important in a hybrid work model where physical distance can sometimes create barriers.
Regular in-person gatherings: We require our remote employees to attend team and company events at our offices at least 8 times a year. This face-to-face interaction helps maintain personal connections, build camaraderie, and reinforce our company culture and values.
Open and frequent communication: We maintain regular 1:1 meetings between remote employees, their managers, and the People department. This ensures open communication channels, provides opportunities for feedback, and addresses any concerns or challenges.
Inclusivity in decision-making: We actively involve remote employees in company-wide decisions. This participation fosters a sense of ownership and belonging, making them feel valued and heard.
These initiatives have been crucial in ensuring our remote workers feel motivated, integrated into our teams, and connected to our culture and values.
Can you share more about the specific steps Softonic has taken to build an inclusive environment, especially in the tech industry, where gender diversity remains a challenge?
Recruitment and Hiring:
Inclusive language: We use neutral language in our job descriptions, avoiding gender-coded words and focusing on skills and qualifications. This ensures a wider range of candidates feel comfortable applying.
Diverse sourcing: We use various recruitment platforms and conduct international searches to reach a broader pool of candidates, increasing the chances of attracting individuals from different nationalities and backgrounds.
Targeted outreach: We actively seek out and encourage women in tech to apply for open positions, recognising the importance of gender diversity in the industry.
Data-driven analysis: We analyse our team composition to identify areas where diversity can be improved and prioritise candidates from underrepresented groups.
Candidate experience: We strive to create an exceptional candidate experience that is free from unconscious bias, micro aggressions, and promotes inclusive communication. This includes using standardised questions and evaluation criteria to ensure fairness and reduce bias.
Diverse interview panels: We include diverse individuals in our recruitment process to provide a variety of perspectives and reduce the risk of unconscious bias.
Given Softonic's diverse team and global presence, how does the company approach inclusivity in terms of different cultural perspectives?
While Softonic has a diverse team, it's important to acknowledge that the majority of our employees are currently based in Barcelona. With our recent acquisition of a company in France, we are actively working to integrate our new colleagues and ensure they feel valued and included in the Softonic family.
Active listening and support: Our People department is conducting 1:1 meetings with each new employee from France. This allows us to understand their perspectives, address any concerns, and identify any potential pain points during the integration process.
Full participation: We are ensuring that our new colleagues are included in all company events and internal communications. This helps them feel connected to the wider Softonic community and fosters a sense of belonging.
Unified HR processes: We are working to harmonise HR processes across both locations. This creates a consistent and equitable experience for all employees, regardless of their location.
Cultural integration: We are actively integrating our new colleagues into our existing company culture, while also recognising and valuing their unique cultural perspectives. This involves promoting open communication, celebrating diversity, and fostering a sense of mutual respect and understanding.
Softonic emphasizes the importance of onboarding as a critical first step in the employee experience. How does the onboarding process at Softonic foster inclusivity from the moment new hires join the team?
Onboarding is a crucial first step in creating a positive and inclusive employee experience. At Softonic, we've designed a comprehensive onboarding process to ensure new hires feel welcomed, supported, and set up for success from day one.
New hires receive a structured onboarding plan with a clear agenda outlining their first days and weeks. This includes scheduled trainings, meetings, and introductions to key individuals and teams. We prioritise dedicated time for new hires to meet their manager, the People department, and their team members on their first day. This allows for initial connections and helps them feel welcomed into the team.
Buddy system: Each new hire is assigned a "buddy" – an experienced employee who can answer questions, provide guidance, and offer support during the initial onboarding period. This helps new hires navigate the company culture and build relationships with colleagues.
Ongoing Learning and Development: Three-month training period: We implement a comprehensive three-month training program designed to provide a deep understanding of our business, products, and processes. This includes introductions to key stakeholders, cross-functional training, and opportunities to learn about different departments.
Continuous feedback and support: We encourage regular check-ins between new hires and their managers to discuss progress, address any challenges, and provide ongoing support.
Softonic is actively contributing to a fairer business ecosystem through initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. How do you see Softonic’s role in shaping a more mature and equitable technology sector, both locally and globally?
Softonic is committed to playing an active role in shaping a more mature and equitable technology sector, both locally and globally. Our vision and mission are deeply rooted in the belief that we can contribute to a fairer and more inclusive world.
Environmental responsibility: We actively support initiatives that protect the environment, enhance green spaces, and encourage sustainable practices within our community. We believe in fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards our planet.
One Team culture: We champion a "One Team" culture that embraces diverse perspectives, challenges unconscious bias, and promotes a sense of belonging for all employees.
Equitable practices: We are committed to implementing equitable HR practices, promoting diversity in recruitment, and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Holistic support: We prioritise the well-being of our employees by providing support and services that promote mental health, reduce stress, and encourage emotional resilience. We believe that a healthy and happy workforce is a productive and engaged workforce.
What are some of the goals you have for the future in terms of inclusivity and talent development?
We have ambitious goals and a strong vision for how we can continue to push boundaries and ensure diversity remains at the heart of our organisational culture.
Recruitment and Retention: We aim to further reduce discrimination and biases in our recruitment processes to promote an even more diverse and inclusive workforce. This will not only enhance employee engagement and retention but also foster a sense of belonging for everyone.
Diverse Voices in Decision-Making: We are committed to ensuring that diverse voices are included at all levels of decision-making. This will lead to more creative, innovative, and effective solutions that reflect the needs and perspectives of our diverse workforce and customer base.
Increased Accessibility: We are actively working to increase the recruitment and hiring of people with disabilities. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute their unique talents.
Employee Engagement and Morale: We will continue to invest in initiatives that boost employee engagement and morale, fostering a positive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Enhanced Brand Loyalty and Reputation: By prioritising inclusivity and diversity, we aim to enhance our brand loyalty and improve our corporate reputation, attracting top talent and strengthening our position as an employer of choice.
Stronger Teamwork and Collaboration: We will continue to foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration, recognising that diverse perspectives and experiences lead to better problem-solving and innovation.
Strengthened Company Culture: We are dedicated to fostering a positive, values-driven company culture that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and supports the well-being of all employees.
Deeper Community Relationships: We will continue to build strong relationships with local communities, creating a supportive environment for our operations and contributing to the social fabric of the areas where we operate.
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