Our Sustainability Journey

Since our founding, SmartRecruiters has been dedicated to making a positive impact on society. From day one, we have worked to connect people with jobs at scale, including those who struggle to find employment, through initiatives like our Reverse Recruiting program. This is part of the 1% Pledge we took in 2019.

We also prioritize compliance for ourselves and the companies that use our platform. This includes respecting human rights and labor laws, promoting ethical work practices, and providing tools to ensure unbiased hiring. We are also continuously focused on increasing diversity within our team as a key component of sustainability.

In 2023, we began a plan to reduce our environmental impact. We are implementing initiatives to lower our carbon footprint, such as making responsible business travel decisions, becoming a remote-first organization, and finding sustainable energy solutions. We plan to disclose and monitor these efforts starting in 2024.

Ultimately, we want to positively impact society in every way possible.

(Source: SmartRecruiters Sustainable Environmental Policy)

One tangible sustainability action taken by SmartRecruiters that has had real impact is the company’s shift to a "Remote First" organization. This change means that 90% of the workforce now avoids commuting to an office regularly. By minimizing daily travel, SmartRecruiters has not only reduced the environmental footprint associated with commuting but also enabled further sustainability measures in energy consumption and office operations.

This approach has been complemented by strict policies on business travel: only essential trips are approved, event attendance has been capped (reducing it by 40%), and collaboration tools like Zoom and Miro further limit the need for physical presence. These collective actions led to a 7% year-to-date reduction in CO2 emissions from business travel in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a goal to achieve a 20% reduction overall in the next 2 years.

Beyond reducing emissions, going "Remote First" also enables energy savings in buildings and supports home-office guidelines that encourage employees to minimize their own energy use. These changes are embedded in the company’s Code of Conduct to drive awareness and accountability for all team members.

In summary, SmartRecruiters’ commitment to a Remote First work model is a clear example of a focused, practical sustainability initiative that has delivered measurable environmental benefits, making sustainability feel less overwhelming and more achievable on a daily basis.

Being part of the Reverse Recruiting program at SmartRecruiters was a truly meaningful experience for me. I had the opportunity to mentor three individuals, and I shared my knowledge in marketing and HR to help them navigate their job search. .

I met with them consistently, focusing on building their confidence and giving them practical advice for their career paths. I felt it was incredibly important to support them even after the official program was over. This whole experience showed me how much of a difference you can make just by offering your time and expertise. It taught me that sharing what you know is a powerful way to create a positive, lasting impact on someone’s life and professional journey.

Reverse Recruiting flips the traditional hiring process by empowering overlooked job seekers—such as immigrants, veterans, seniors, parents returning to work, and formerly incarcerated individuals—to take center stage. Instead of being evaluated for a job, these candidates are supported by recruiters and hiring professionals who help them translate unique life experiences into valuable resume assets, prepare for interviews, and build their networks in a friendly, inclusive setting.

At SmartRecruiters, Reverse Recruiting is a key part of our commitment to social responsibility. We organize Reverse Recruiting Days in partnership with nonprofits, where our team welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds. During these events, attendees benefit from resume workshops, mock interviews, and coaching sessions tailored to boost confidence and reveal hidden talents. Through this initiative, we aim to empower people, foster inclusion, and make a positive impact on our community and the future of work.