In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, companies often find themselves in a relentless race to stay ahead of the curve. However, one company stands out not only for its technical prowess but also for its unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and kindness. Globant, a global technology services firm, has been a beacon of innovation for over two decades. Today, we’ll delve into the core of Globant’s unique company culture and its transformative “Be Kind” philosophy. We will also explore the company’s approach to building strong customer relationships and nurturing its technologically savvy workforce, all from the perspective of leader Nicolás Kaplun, Chief Business Officer for North America at Globant.
Innovation at the Heart of Globant’s Culture
At Globant, innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. The company’s culture is defined by its three Motivational Pillars: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose. “Every Glober is treated with an extremely high amount of trust and respect, and allowed the autonomy to perform their work in the way that makes the most sense for them and that will generate the best results,” states Kaplun. Mastery encourages continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence, while Purpose unites the entire organization around a common goal of creating a better future.
This culture is further reinforced by six Company Values: “Be Kind,” “Think Big,” “Constantly Innovate,” “Excellence in Your Work,” “Team Player,” and “Have Fun.” These values serve as a compass for measuring core competencies and performance, with Globers recognizing each other’s alignment with these values through the internal recognition platform, StarMeUp.
“Be Kind” Philosophy: Impacting Humanity and the Planet
Globant’s “Be Kind” philosophy extends beyond the workplace, guiding the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. This framework is centered on four pillars: “Be Kind to Yourself,” “Be Kind to Your Peers,” “Be Kind to Humanity,” and “Be Kind to the Planet.” Kaplun explains, “Each pillar contains a myriad of large and small initiatives and programs which are designed to help our company and each of our Globers maximize their impact on the world around them, from how they treat themselves to how they benefit the planet.”
For example, “Be Kind to Yourself” promotes well-being through initiatives like wellness webinars, “Stop Smoking” programs, and comprehensive employee assistance programs. “The company even offers employees ‘Be Kind to Yourself’ days, which are paid time off dedicated to rest and rejuvenation,” Kaplun states with pride. “Be Kind to Your Peers” fosters diversity and inclusion through awards programs and mentorship initiatives, like Globant’s “She Leads” program, which contains webinars and mentorship designed to help women and non-binary people develop their careers. Kaplun explains that the “Be Kind to Humanity” philosophy focuses on using technology to address global challenges, which includes Globant’s “Be Kind Tech Fund,” a $10M USD program to invest in the development of solutions and start-ups that mitigate the misuse of technology; “Code Your Future,” a program which provides technology scholarships with a focus on underrepresented communities; as well as partnerships with similarly-minded nonprofit organizations like NPower, which provides technology training to U.S. veterans and their families. Lastly, “Be Kind to the Planet” reflects Globant’s commitment to sustainability. “‘There is no Planet B’ is not a slogan for us; it’s a call to action. We are determined to transform the present toward a better future,” says Kaplun. This includes climate strategies, green partnerships, and carbon footprint measurement initiatives.
Maintaining a Unified Global Culture
As a global company with offices in more than 25 countries, maintaining a unified culture is a significant challenge. However, Globant has successfully achieved this by instilling a common set of values and leveraging technology that encourages collaboration. The company ensures that every Glober is familiar with its values through the StarMeUp platform and other training practices.
Internal Communications play a pivotal role in keeping all Globers informed and engaged. Frequent updates and transparent communication channels help foster a sense of belonging and unity across the organization.
Customer-Centric Approach: Going Beyond Contracts
Globant’s philosophy of working with customers transcends traditional contracts. Instead, the company focuses on building strong, long-lasting relationships. This approach has led to enduring partnerships, some spanning more than a decade.
Globant values its customers’ needs and industry by going the extra mile to help them reinvent themselves. According to Kaplun, “This means pushing our customers to rethink aspects of their business or make changes that they had never considered before.” Cross-functional collaboration across departments and Globant’s specialized “Studios” – deep pockets of expertise in technologies, industries, and platforms – ensures that the best skills and ideas are brought to every project. The emphasis on partnership and innovation sets Globant apart in the tech services industry.
Empowering a Tech-Savvy Workforce
In a world where technology evolves at a breakneck pace, Globant recognizes the importance of keeping its technologists motivated to learn and grow. The company invests heavily in continuous learning through initiatives like Globant University, which offers thousands of resources and learning methodologies.
One standout program, “Open Career,” empowers Globers to innovate and explore new opportunities within the company. With more than 10,000 Globers having utilized this program, it not only drives creativity but also reduces attrition by allowing individuals to align their careers with their evolving interests.
Globant leads by example, embracing change and gaining relevant experience across industries. Kaplun expresses this by saying, “Change is the only constant in technology, and we don’t shy away from that – rather, we embrace it, and give Globers the tools they need to embrace it confidently as well.” The company’s commitment to continuous learning ensures its employees remain at the forefront of technology.
Recruiting the Best and Supporting Them
Globant places a premium on diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment efforts, recognizing that innovation thrives in diverse environments. Kaplun expands on this stating, “At Globant, we believe that there is no innovation without diversity, and that teams and their output only get stronger when diversity is increased.” The company attracts talent by providing a welcoming, collaborative culture and an array of benefits that support work-life balance and personal growth.
From health insurance and paid time off to unique programs like “work from anywhere,” allowing Globers to work from anywhere in the world for 90 days, Globant invests in its people’s well-being through both traditional and innovative initiatives. It ensures that every Glober can thrive both personally and professionally, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.
As the tech industry forges ahead into uncharted territory, Globant’s unyielding commitment to innovation, compassion, and unwavering customer focus emerges as its distinguishing hallmark. Under their visionary leadership including Nicolás Kaplun, the Chief Business Officer for North America, Globant isn’t merely adapting to change – it’s sculpting the future’s very contours. Infused with a culture deeply entrenched in innovation and fueled by the tenets of kindness, Globant stands on the precipice of tech leadership, poised to chart an inspiring trajectory for years ahead.
