Craftsmanship, Engagement and Global Cooperation

Anik, looking back at 2023, what were the key focus areas in terms of employee development?  

We thrive because of our people. Their craftsmanship and cultural ‘fit’ are what make them our greatest asset. This is why we invest so heavily in ‘employability’ – a two-way street where we and our employees work together. We empower our people with the skills they need to succeed in their current roles and stay ahead of the curve.

“We don’t micromanage, but rather provide the resources and support to help employees develop the skills they need to succeed.”

To accurately target these skills, our HR teams work tirelessly with the business lines. For them and with them we’ve developed a skills framework, pinpointing those competencies that will be crucial in the future. This framework also empowers our people to take initiative in their own development. We don’t micromanage, but rather provide the resources and support to help employees develop the skills they need to succeed. 

Can you give some examples? 

Our Global Academies program. The Academies are all about in-depth learning tracks that equip employees with advanced expertise in key areas such as cybersecurity, AI, cloud, just to name a few. In 2023, we formalized the program, focused its content, and today we are rolling it out globally. Everyone at Cegeka, no matter where they work, has access to specific learning paths based on their skills, expertise, and ambitions.

 “Everyone at Cegeka, no matter where they work, has access to specific learning paths based on their skills, expertise, and ambitions.” 

And that leads to impressive results. Just four years ago, Data and AI was a small team nestled within a bigger unit. Today, it’s a standalone global business line with 400+ data and AI specialists and a Microsoft Advanced Specialization. Similarly, our Cyber Resilience team, once a group of scattered people, has evolved into a strong global practice, a highly skilled and certified team and an impressive number of awards.

What about the impact of Cegeka’s rapid growth on HR?  

In 2023 we finetuned our HR operating model to become a well-oiled machine on a global scale. We’ve ramped up international collaboration, fostering a more unified approach, and improved governance, involving more people in overseeing international roles. Strong collaboration across our matrix organization is key, with HR Business Partners acting as bridges between global VPs and local leadership for both global process implementation and local needs. 

Are you working on any innovative projects?  

We’re embracing the power of AI in HR. As a first step, we’re developing an internal chatbot to support our massive fleet operations. The key is striking a balance: the bot ensures that employees receive answers to frequent questions via self-service, while still having access to personalized support from real people for complex issues. It’s a win-win for everyone: employees can solve issues much faster, while our HR teams can free up time to dedicate themselves to new value-adding initiatives and improvements. And this is just the start: there will be more projects in the future.

What about employee engagement?  

I’m really thrilled to see a growing sense of advocacy among our workforce, reflected in both our internal engagement surveys and the overwhelmingly positive feedback on platforms like Glassdoor. Employee satisfaction is exceptionally strong. We really are laser-focused on creating a space where our people feel seen, heard, and are empowered to excel. This commitment is also reflected in awards such as Top Employer and similar distinctions. 

Finally, you’re also responsible for ESG. What are the key areas of focus?

At Cegeka, ESG isn’t an afterthought – it’s ingrained in our DNA. Our core values and ‘In Close Cooperation’ way of working: they have always driven us towards responsible business conduct and sustainable practices. We haven’t just talked the talk – we’ve walked the walk for years. Now, we’re taking a formal step forward by integrating ESG even more deeply into our daily operations and the solutions we offer.

“We haven’t just talked the talk – we’ve walked the walk for years.” 

Our focus areas are clear: developing sustainable technology solutions, achieving net zero emissions, and fostering an inclusive workplace. Fueled by past breakthroughs, an ambitious vision, and deep expertise, we join forces with our customers to drive rapid progress and engineer a better society. 

Read more about Cegeka's ESG strategy