At Radical I/O we say that we are a people first software development lab and consultancy, and we mean it. We care about our community and relationships more than the bottom line, and I’m really proud of that fact.

Due to the ever-changing nature of our business, we are often on the lookout for great people to join our team. We gladly welcome people who are in BC temporarily on holiday visas or post-graduate work permits. I find it puzzling that many companies shy away from hiring people who aren’t settled here permanently, because I see it as a win-win. We get to employ talented people who bring fresh perspectives from around the world, and they get to join our awesome team (if I do say so myself)!

Technology and globalization have changed how we work, when we work, and how often we change companies. Gone are the days of staying in one job for 30+ years because the very nature of “work” is changing. Many of us don’t stay in a role or company for long periods so that we can continue to explore our options along our professional and personal journeys. Instead of permanence, we’re choosing growth, change, purpose, and flexibility more than ever before.

We hope that people who join our Radical team are able to look back positively on their time with us, and take something they’ve learned or experienced with them on the next leg of their journey. Truthfully, I envision that over time we will have built a global network of Radical alumni who help (and learn from) each other, and who are making the world a better place with their unique strengths. Perhaps one day we’ll even get to work together again in one way or another. At the very least, I will be cheering them on as they strive for their goals, and I can offer advice or helpful connections along the way.

The tech community in North America may predominantly be male and largely white, but here at Radical we continually strive to create a workplace that reflects the society in which we live. Therefore, through our hiring practices, we aim to have a gender-balanced workforce, include underrepresented identities, and incorporate a diversity of thought and lived experiences.

Our team is currently comprised of 43% who identify as female, and 50% who were born outside of Canada. I have seen the value of diversity within our team through increased creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Being open to people with different beliefs, cultures, orientations, and life experiences gives all of us the opportunity to learn, grow, and solve important business and societal problems in new ways.

For the last few weeks we’ve been posting on social media about the importance of feeling valued at work and having a sense of belonging. The best workplaces are ones that foster a strong sense of community – where people enjoy coming to work, have a sense of purpose, and feel like they can be themselves and be open about who they are.

We’re a young and growing company that is still working out the kinks about our own identity and strengths, our processes, and where we want to make an impact. We’re far from perfect and we have certainly made some mistakes along the way. However, the one thing we do right is hiring good-hearted, talented, unique, and accepting people. Everyone on our team feels like they can be open and truly be themselves. I wholeheartedly believe that through our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging, we can change the world.

If you want to do great work with our great team, check out our career opportunities.

Original Post: http://ideas.radical.io/why-we-put-people-first