Liberty IT firmly believe in putting the needs of its workforce first
April 22, 2008
For more than a decade, Belfast-based software development company Liberty IT, a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Liberty Mutual Group, has been a part of the successful business culture that has propelled Northern Ireland to an internationally competitive economy.
From its 44,000 sqft headquarters in Adelaide Exchange, 237 Liberty IT staff deliver world-class software application development and information technology-related services to its parent company. In the past year Liberty IT has grown its workforce 15 per cent, which is not surprising given the company's commitment to creating a highly positive working environment and overall team culture through a broad variety of programmes.
One such strategy was to tailor its new state-of-the-art Adelaide Street premises to meet the specific needs and working requirements of the workforce. "We firmly believe in putting the needs of our workforce first. That is why we invested the time to consult with staff prior to our move to identify their needs and requirements for the new building. We moved into Adelaide Exchange last September and are pleased with the flexible and favourable environment," Liberty IT managing director William Hamilton said. Every floor has many meeting rooms where teams can brainstorm and collaborate. The surrounding pods provide private, quiet areas that are easy to access and plasma screens scattered throughout the building help keep staff informed of operational progress and kitchen facilities are available on each floor.
Liberty IT puts tremendous effort toward providing staff, from graduate recruit to senior managers, with a positive career experience. Personal development is at the heart of Liberty IT's ethos and every employee is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential. "Liberty IT offers numerous programmes, benefits and perks to support its staff. Strong training and communication, managers who are excellent role models, flexibility, working from home, a thriving social committee and a real sense that work is to be enjoyed, all add up to making Liberty IT a great place to work," he said. As well as giving staff ownership of their workplace, Liberty IT supports fundraising for various local charities both practically and financially.
In 2007 Liberty IT's voluntary charity committee raised £20,000 by hosting a range of events. "We take our corporate responsibility to the local community very seriously and we encourage our staff to have fun while being creative in their efforts to raise much needed funds for worthwhile causes," Mr Hamilton said.
Last December, the company announced the first recipients of the Liberty IT Undergraduate Scholarship for Computer Science in Northern Ireland, which aims to increase enrolment and retention of students in computer science. "This scholarship is a commitment by Liberty to the students of today who will be our workforce of tomorrow. We believe this new Scholarship for Computer Science is a great way to give something back to the students, the Universities and the community. "This is a very exciting time for Liberty IT.
Our employee surveys indicate that staff are very satisfied and there appears to be a great buzz about the company and the future," he said. It may take a lot to knock Liberty IT off its pedestal where it rightfully belongs as one of the key supporting business partners in the Irish News 2008 Workplace and Employment Awards