Scaled Agile, Inc. Mission, Purpose & Impact

Describe how Scaled Agile gives back to its communities. What impact do these efforts have on both those in need and employees themselves?

At Scaled Agile, I’m proud of how we integrate giving back into our company culture. We believe strongly in supporting the communities where we live and work, recognizing that it enriches both our neighborhoods and our team members’ lives. Our volunteer time off program gives every employee 16 paid hours annually to volunteer, eight hours to connect with teammates in a volunteer setting, and eight hours to support personal causes. This makes community service accessible without sacrificing personal time.

For example, about 15 coworkers and I volunteered at mobile food markets through We Don’t Waste. In just two markets, we served quality, reclaimed food to over 700 families. Additionally, we can submit proposals to our 1% Pledge committee, which gives back quarterly to employee-selected charities. The results have been powerful. Our communities receive direct support, financial contributions and business expertise, while our team members develop new skills and build stronger connections with their communities.

How do these community outreach efforts bolster Scaled Agile’s mission and culture?

Our community outreach efforts directly strengthen Scaled Agile’s mission and culture in meaningful ways. These volunteer experiences create powerful bonds among team members that are especially valuable in our virtual work environment. When my colleagues and I distribute reclaimed food to families through We Don’t Waste or build bikes and deliver them to local schools, we connect face-to-face in ways that virtual meetings simply can’t replicate. Working alongside 15 coworkers outside of the office lets me see sides of them that just don’t come through in our virtual meetings. You get to know people differently when you’re distributing food, building bikes or collecting school supplies together instead of discussing deadlines during calls. 

The shared purpose and hands-on teamwork during these volunteer events translate to more authentic collaboration and connection when we return to our regular work. We get to know each other as people, not just faces on a screen. The employee-driven nature of our 1% Pledge program further reinforces our culture of empowerment. By allowing us to propose causes for quarterly donations, Scaled Agile recognizes we’re closest to our communities’ needs.

What advice would you offer to leaders at other organizations interested in implementing more volunteer opportunities? Which efforts have had the biggest impact at Scaled Agile?

If you’re thinking about adding more volunteering at your company, here’s what’s worked well for us at Scaled Agile:

Give people dedicated time to volunteer. Our 16 hours of paid volunteer time off, split between company events and personal volunteering, gives people flexibility while ensuring participation.

Focus on in-person activities when you can, especially with remote teams. There’s just something different about working alongside colleagues to build bikes for kids or distribute food that builds relationships in ways Zoom can’t touch.

Let employees choose the causes. When we submit ideas for our 1% Pledge donations, it creates real ownership and ensures our giving reflects what actually matters to our team.