Supporting Ukraine, Promoting Inclusion and Fostering Partnerships: Key Insights from SoftServe's 2023 Sustainability Report

“We live in a time of significant turbulence, facing new challenges every year,” said Maria Kucherenko, Director of Corporate Reputation and Sustainability. “Our sustainability programs have long-term strategic goals, but we adapt our approaches annually and introduce new solutions and initiatives to build sustainable and socially responsible practices for the benefit of our associates, communities, and the environment. It is truly impressive to see SoftServe achieve a record number of 24 sustainability and employer brand awards, which directly reflects how we live by our values.”

Supporting Ukraine and Veterans

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion to Ukraine, SoftServe's corporate charity fund “Open Eyes” has purchased and delivered over 230 ambulances to the front lines (over 200 as of the end of 2023). More than 80,000 Ukrainians have received support from the company, which includes around 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid, 25,000 units of protective equipment, 10,000 units of computer equipment, and over 50,000 medical kits. In 2023, the fund also implemented several projects to assist hospitals in five regions of Ukraine.

Of the more than 350 SoftServe associates who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, over 70 have returned to the company, illustrating SoftServe’s commitment to providing veterans with the best conditions and support for adapting after returning from the war. The veteran support program offers demobilized associates additional leave, extended medical insurance for physical rehabilitation, free psychological support, and extensive opportunities for education or reskilling. Additionally, the company has created a veteran community where colleagues share experiences, assist their comrades on the front lines, and support each other.

Creating Equal Opportunities for All

In 2023, SoftServe’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies fostered notable growth and value among its workforce. The company employs 36% women, with females holding 53% of managerial positions, significantly above the market average of 36%. The number of inclusive offices increased by 15% in 2023, with 83% now accessible to people with disabilities.

SoftServe also promotes equality and inclusion practices externally. In 2023, through the global EmpowerU program, company volunteers taught IT basics to socially vulnerable groups such as veterans and their families, young mothers, people with disabilities, and displaced persons. Over 200 participants from Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Mexico, and Colombia benefited from this opportunity in 2023.

Developing our Talent Pool

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and dynamic changes in the global IT market, talent development remains a key focus for SoftServe. SoftServe University expanded its library of learning solutions by a third, offering employees over 12,000 various courses, trainings, and programs. In 2023, company associates achieved a record number of certifications from partners like Microsoft, AWS, and Google Cloud. Nearly every company associate utilized the opportunity to enhance their personal development through University learning solutions.

Responding to new market demands, SoftServe Academy also adapted its approaches, offering courses and internships for an external audience. Last year, the academy introduced over 20 new learning solutions for IT students and beginners aiming to master IT professions. Students can now choose fundamental courses to learn new professions or innovative technologies from scratch, including AI, robotics, NVIDIA Omniverse, and No Code within 9-24 months. Overall, more than 6,700 students acquired skills at SoftServe Academy last year.

Deepening Partnerships and Enhancing Technical Expertise

Last year, the company continued to increase the number of new clients and deepen collaborations with partners. In 2023, SoftServe was recognized by two partners: it received the Partner of the Year award from NVIDIA for its outstanding impact and the Distinguished Supplier award from Cisco.

Additionally, in 2023, SoftServe enhanced its expertise in AI by launching the innovative Gen AI Lab, which helps enterprises achieve tangible business solutions using Generative AI (Gen AI) technologies. Further, SoftServe’s expertise and network grew with a strategic acquisition of the Italian-American company Hoverstate, an expert in process automation on the Pega platform and a Select Tier Service Partner of Snowflake.

Strengthening our Global Presence

SoftServe’s global footprint continues to grow from its Ukrainian roots to the addition of 12 offices in nine countries in 2023. As of today, SoftServe employs over 11,000 people across more than 60 offices in 16 countries, spanning from San Francisco to Singapore.

The company’s international reach extends as a member of the UN Global Compact, an initiative that unites socially responsible businesses worldwide. SoftServe supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals and strives to achieve eight specific goals:

• 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
• 4 (Quality Education)
• 5 (Gender Equality)
• 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
• 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
• 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
• 13 (Climate Action)
• 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

To learn more about SoftServe’s sustainability efforts, read the full 2023 Sustainability Report at this link.