Software development talent is scarce in a world where technology evolves at the speediest pace in history. This is one of the reasons why companies think it is critical to retain their employees in the best possible work environment. Here at Mahisoft, we implemented a workplace philosophy based on Radical Truth/ Radical Transparency principles and came out with something else: an environment so nurturing our people qualified it as a Great Place to Work©.
How did we end up here? With the right mix of recruiting, professionalism and consistency. According to the Great Place to Work©survey, 99% of the employees thought they were treated as full team members regardless of their position. “We have developed a work environment based on trust and cooperation. And trust is not only on the professional skills but the team as a whole,” says Rosannys Ruiz, a Senior Software Engineer based in Caracas.
That trust is the foundation for Responsible Freedom, a work philosophy that lets employees take control of their work schedules and balance their interests with their professional obligations. Furthermore, it helps to unlock the full potential of some people. “Here is the first place I feel like myself, that I can say what I think and don’t feel judged by it,” says Federico Ogrizovic, QA Automation Lead.
Spreading the Word
“For Jhovanny (Villegas, Mahisoft CEO) is important that the team can express their ideas,” explains Ogrizovic about the influence of the company’s founder in its work philosophy. Villegas also thinks it is important “all about Human Resources, making sure we hire the right people to fit in the organization, that can adapt to our philosophy and eventually grow within and with the company,” explains Graciela Vivenzio, recently named Mahisoft’s new Human Resources Manager.
This focus on recruiting gives Mahisoft an advantage. Talent usually grows within the company, and when people take leadership roles, they typically make sure to pass out company values to the team. Ogrizovic and Ruiz -who recently became team leaders- both agree that it was vital for them to take time to talk about what transparency means for the company and how Responsible Freedom is a tool for personal and professional evolution. “No doubt. The way the company has treated me over the years, I make sure the people on my team feel heard and respected the same way I did when I entered the company. That makes Mahisoft a great place to work,” says Ruiz.
For seasoned team managers like Mariela Isaacura is about teaching the methodology. “Being free to speak and present innovative solutions within the reins of a methodology is important to me. And here in Mahisoft, we have that. And that is the difference with other companies,” she explained.
“It sounds counterintuitive because we work remote, but here we have the best work environment that I have ever experienced,” says Ruiz. “It is the importance of consistency, letting people be, and having a horizontal organization,” adds Ogrizovic. That makes Mahisoft a great place to work.
