Tobi's Take Episode 9: Putting People First in ESG
Hello everyone!
In the last episode, we focused on environmental sustainability in IT. As an avid soccer player, I’d compare it to this: the endurance training is done, and now it’s all about teamwork and spirit. In today’s episode, we turn to the “S” in ESG—Social responsibility. Just a quick reminder: ESG stands for Environment, Social, and Governance, the three pillars of our sustainability strategy. Today, I want to share what the “Social” aspect means at NCP and why it’s more than just a buzzword for us.
Table of Contents:
- Sustainability Means Taking Care of People
- Our Approach to Social Sustainability in IT
- Putting People and Team Spirit at the Center
- Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Make Us Stronger
- Investing in Training and Talent Development
- Corporate Responsibility Beyond the Office - Looking Ahead: The “G” in ESG
Sustainability Means Taking Care of People
Before joining NCP, I mainly associated sustainability with environmental actions like reducing CO₂ emissions or saving energy.
However, true sustainability goes beyond environmental impact – it starts with people. Social sustainability in IT focuses on fair working conditions, equal opportunities, employee wellbeing, and long-term personal development. It also reflects how companies treat their employees, partners, and communities.
At NCP, we have established clear values that guide how we collaborate internally and with our customers and partners.
Our Approach to Social Sustainability in IT: Putting People and Team Spirit at the Center
I’d like to start with a quote from our Managing Director, Beate Dietrich, which highlights the importance of a supportive workplace:
“The well-being and health of our employees are very close to my heart. They are the company’s greatest asset. That’s why we try everything to create a solid foundation for this.”
We aim to foster a healthy company culture where everyone feels comfortable, can grow, and confidently face new challenges.
Team spirit is a key part of NCP’s culture. This might sound like a standard statement, but in our case, it truly defines how we work together. Collaboration runs deep – both within and across departments – and extends to supporting our customers and partners.
We regularly survey employees to gauge morale and find ways to improve. We also offer health programs like preventive checkups, massages, and motivational talks to support both physical and mental wellness. After all, people perform best when they feel their best – and strong teams are the foundation of strong IT security.
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Make Us Stronger
Alongside teamwork, values like equality, respect, and inclusion are fundamental at NCP. These apply equally to gender, age, background, or lifestyle. We see diversity not as a trend, but as a reality that strengthens us. To support this, we offer flexible working hours and remote work options, helping employees balance their professional and personal lives. We also continuously improve accessibility to remove barriers and promote equal opportunities. As a result, more women hold leadership roles, and people with disabilities are joining our teams in growing numbers.
Investing in Training and Talent Development
Social responsibility also means creating opportunities and nurturing long-term growth. That’s why we invest in training programs, continuous education, and dual study opportunities with the goal of bringing young talent on board full-time. I really enjoy meeting new talent joining our company and seeing how they grow within NCP. Each department has its own budget for professional and personal development. Personally, I’ve benefited from seminars such as SEO training. Continuous learning is especially important in cybersecurity and secure communication, where technologies and threats evolve constantly. For us, sustainability means investing in knowledge, skills, and people.
Corporate Responsibility Beyond the Office
Our commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) extends beyond NCP’s offices. We actively support social and charitable initiatives in our community, from organizations helping women and families to youth development programs. Together with our sustainability partner Planted, we plant a tree for every employee. With our growing team, we’ve already created what you might call a small company forest.
Looking Ahead: The “G” in ESG
Next time on Tobi’s Take, I’ll speak with our Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marcus Wailersbacher, about the third pillar of our strategy: Governance. We’ll cover topics like transparency, compliance, and responsible corporate management.
See you next time!
Tobi