Testlio Expands Social Impact Commitments

Carina Kärt Mattikas , Employer Brand Manager based in Tallinn, Estonia.

August 3rd, 2022

Software testing company commits to addressing five pillars of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and announces social impact leader

August 4, 2022 — Testlio, the originator of networked testing, has significantly expanded its social impact commitments. In 2022, Testlio will spend more than $250,000 on social impact — an increase of more than 100% year-over-year. The company shares this information in the spirit of transparency, with hope that other emerging tech companies will expand and share their own social impact initiatives.

“Social impact work aligns with Testlio’s core purpose of enabling human possibilities,” said Steve Semelsberger, CEO of Testlio. “We are honored to be able to help people around the world, and humbly hope that our work might inspire others.”

Testlio’s social impact work is inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are the core aims of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted by all U.N. Member States in 2015. Recently, Testlio has grown to nearly 200 full time people, and in line with its size, will focus its social impact work on five of the 17 SDGs. 

Testlio has also promoted long-time software quality and community advocacy expert Liza Osterdock to a dedicated position: social impact coordinator. She and the broader Testlio team will continue to enhance company commitments to the initiatives below.

(1) Decent Work & Economic Growth, and (2) Reduced Inequalities

Testlio views the U.N. aims of creating inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all as key factors in reducing inequality within and among nations. In support of these goals, Testlio has:

Created Testlio Ignite: Now in its third year, Testlio Ignite is a cornerstone social impact program that takes a class of 10-12 individuals and provides the knowledge, skills and understanding they might need to begin a career in software testing. The impact of Ignite on program graduates has been significant. Osterdock’s work has been crucial in creating and building the Ignite program. 

“After the third Ignite class graduates this year, we will have equipped more than 30 people from underrepresented communities in multiple countries with the necessary basic skills to become software testers,” said Osterdock. “That’s 30 lives forever changed.” 

Donated to organizations: Testlio supports Amnesty International and the Equal Justice Initiative, two organizations whose pursuit of a more just, equitable world and better workplaces are aligned with Testlio’s values.

(3) Good Health & Well-Being

This U.N. goal encompasses ensuring healthy lives, and promoting well-being for all at all ages. In support of these aims, Testlio has:

Provided well-being stipends. Testlio offers full-time people a quarterly well-being stipend that can be used for a variety of products and services, including physical exercise, mindfulness, biometrics, psychology, supplements, and more.

Offered counseling to our people. Beyond the physical, Testlio recognizes the serious role of mental health in well-being. The company has funded Siffi to provide optional counseling to full-time people. 

Donated to organizations: Testlio supports two primary organizations, the World Federation of Mental Health and the Child Mind Institute and in their efforts to promote mental health globally.

(4) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions requires businesses, governments and others to act on behalf of those in need. Testlio has:

Launched a Crisis Aid program. Testlio offers assistance grants to active freelancers who live in areas affected by natural disaster, military conflict, or humanitarian crisis. Testlio started this program ahead of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and continues it for people impacted anywhere. To learn more, please visit our Crisis Aid site.

Provided relocation assistance to our people. In moments of severe humanitarian need, Testlio steps in to help employees and contractors move to safer places, temporarily or permanently.

Donated to organizations: Testlio has selected Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, and the International Committee of the Red Cross as agency partners.

(5) Climate Action

The U.N. calls for urgent action to combat climate change. This includes businesses taking measures to help mitigate carbon emissions. Testlio has:

Adopted a distributed-by-design model. Testlio is a fully remote company, with a unique distributed and virtual structure. This greatly reduces the carbon footprint of our people.

Invested in carbon offsets: earlier this year, Testlio began purchasing carbon offsets for company air travel, partnering with terrapass and TravelPerk’s GreenPerk program.

Created company-wide sustainability practices: Testlio recently instituted a set of recommended approaches for workers, inclusive of energy use, recycling, and more. 

Donated to organizations: Testlio has chosen One Tree Planted as a partner and to date has aided in the planting of thousands of trees around the world.

More information on these efforts can be found at https://testlio.com/testlio-social-impact.