What’s it like to work at Brightly?
If you’re spending a good chunk of your week at work, you want to know that it’s a place where you’ll genuinely feel motivated to contribute your best work, be a part of a supportive team, and know that you’re doing something that isn’t just about a pay cheque, but feels good too.
As the first IT services company in Aotearoa to certify as a B Corp, we’re clear about our values around sustainability and social justice. But we know it’s easy to wax lyrical about company culture and office perks, so for us, it’s important that our values at Brightly aren’t just words we post on our website, but are demonstrated in the work we do, the way we work, the people we hire and the way our team collaborates.
Maintaining a generative culture takes work, but it’s important that, even as Brightly grows, we remain a place where growth and learning is encouraged, where the hierarchy is flat, where there’s respect for all and where we are collectively working towards a shared mission.
Here are some of the ways that we make it happen:
We’re accountable for the impact of our business
We’re proud to be the first IT services company in Aotearoa to certify as a B Corporation, joining a growing number of Kiwi businesses with purposes beyond profit.
So, what does that mean exactly? It means that an independent global body has given us a certification that represents the very real work we put into upholding our values. Businesses in the B Corporation network are forces for good, not just for profit. (You may have heard of some of these companies that have all earned B Corp certification: Allbirds, Patagonia, Sharesies, and Ethique.) This means factoring in worker wellbeing, environmental impact, transparency, inclusivity and sustainability.
We’ve found that by being really clear on what we stand for and the actions we take, we’ve attracted like-minded team members who share in our vision - people like Sophie, who worked in a business impact and customer support at Brightly.
“The B Corp certification and the other social and environmental impact projects we are working on are definitely part of the driving force that motivate me in my role. Knowing that we not only talk the talk, but walk the walk, too,” she says. “I really value the work that we do and the values that our founders Mike and Andy stand for, that transpire into the way they run our company.”
A challenging environment for growth
We’re committed to creating opportunities and expanding diversity in Aotearoa’s tech sector. We’re creating pathways into technology through a partnership with AUT’s Co-operative Education programme and support initiatives such as DigiWahine. We make sure that Brightly is an environment that gives everyone the tools and support to fulfil their potential, while being challenged to learn, and help others do the same.
As Business System Analyst Nives puts it: “I'm relatively ‘new’ in this space and Brightly has offered me the opportunity to work in various areas within this industry to really understand where I want to go.
“There is constantly something new to learn. You are always being challenged. Sometimes that can add a lot of pressure BUT what alleviates this pressure is that you have a team that will help at any time with anything. The entire team is collaborative, high energy and incredibly supportive. So, even if a task seems daunting at first, you know you have a whole support system that you can lean on if needed. It's a great culture with a lot of trust.”
Business Analyst Pete agrees. “At Brightly, I’m supported in doing my best work by being given the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone; to take responsibility for projects, knowing I always have the team for support.”
A more conscious way of working
Our aim is to do the right thing by our people, our communities and the environment. In response to growing poverty and inequality for Kiwi workers, we partnered with Living Wage Movement Aotearoa as a commitment to paying Brightly employees a living wage. To reduce travel emissions, we encourage remote working, and when commuting to and from work, our team travels on e-bikes or via public transport. All Brightly employees are offered company funded AT HOP cards as part of our commitment to encourage sustainable commuting options. Brightly HQ is located in GridAKL, a shared office space and a Green Star–rated building, with energy efficient air-conditioning and environmentally sustainable LED lighting. Through charitable and sponsorship partnerships, we’re putting our support behind important initiatives that align with our vision for a more sustainable and equitable future.
A fulfilling and fair place to belong
We take a generative approach to company culture, one that is focused on achieving a shared mission through a de-emphasised organisational hierarchy, good collaboration and high levels of trust.
“Help and support is only a chat or phone call away. Mike and Andy are always there for us, no matter how busy they are. They also support a flexible work environment and understand that you are a human and have outside responsibilities as well”, says Nives.
Sophie agrees: “There is so much opportunity when you work for a small company like Brightly, under the guidance of people like Mike and Andy that are willing to show you various aspects of the business. No two days are ever the same and I'm really fortunate to be given the opportunity to learn about other areas of the business that may be more aligned with my passions.”
We think Nives wrapped it up pretty well when she said: “Brightly is a technology company with a soul.” So, if that sounds like a place where you think you’d like to contribute your skills, we’d love to hear from you. We’re currently on the lookout for new team members to join us - take a look at our current roles on our careers page, or get in touch with us to find out more.