In this article, Rency Mathew, Global People Leader APAC, Sabre, shares an inside look at the culture and initiatives that make Sabre a breeding ground for innovation and employee satisfaction.
The travel sector, characterised by its intensive demand for accuracy, speed, and personalisation, presents complex challenges that require innovative solutions. Companies like ours have not only observed the changes in the sector but have actively contributed to the industry’s progress. From pioneering the first computerised airline reservation system in 1960 to leading in today’s digital travel era, our journey reflects the industry’s ongoing march towards more advanced and user-centric solutions.
As Global People Leader APAC, I’ve observed firsthand how the complexities of travel demand solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also intuitively human. This understanding is central to our approach, where we consider our team members as the architects of innovation, addressing and anticipating the intricate needs of today’s travellers.
We understand that the key to addressing these challenges lies not just in technology, but in the human touch. Our team, equipped with deep expertise and a spirit of innovation, truly drives our technological advancements. They stand at the forefront, skillfully navigating complex travel needs and crafting solutions that are both reliable and intuitive. Our team members are not merely responding to current demands; they’re looking ahead, predicting and shaping future travel technology trends.
Therefore, our dedication to nurturing growth, purpose, and connection among our team members goes beyond creating a positive work environment; it’s a strategic priority. In an industry where customer needs are as diverse as they are dynamic, we recognise the importance of having a team that’s empowered, connected, and diverse.
Also read: At Sabre Corporation, Employee Engagement Activities Solve Critical Business Problems
A holistic approach to well-being
At Sabre, we understand that benefits aren’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we go beyond the traditional medical and financial perks to offer a comprehensive well-being package. We have partnered with Headspace, which grants our team members access to a wide array of guided meditations and exercises focused on sleep, concentration, and movement. At our Bengaluru office, our team members can enjoy exclusive health insurance coverage, annual health check-ups, free online doctor consultations, and more.
To support our commitment, we offer a range of flexible options, tools, and the necessary support for our team members. This includes the opportunity to work from any location and only come into the office one to two days a week. This approach allows our team members to choose whether they prefer working remotely or adopting a blended approach based on their location and team requirements. In addition, our year-end break has now become a permanent fixture, with Sabre offices closing between Christmas and New Year to ensure that our team members can take a well-deserved break and spend quality time with their loved ones. We also encourage our team members to make a positive impact on their communities by providing them with four days of volunteer time off. This enables them to contribute to a charity or cause of their choice and give back to society.
Hyperjump, our dynamic university recruitment programme, annually welcomes approximately 60 budding talents from premier engineering institutes. These interns embark on a six-month journey, infusing Sabre with new perspectives and innovative energy. In our commitment to engaging with the brightest minds, we continued our tradition of on-campus recruitment this year, handpicking 50 top graduates from esteemed tech schools
A culture of support and belonging
At our core, we extend a comprehensive support system to our team members and their families through all life’s stages. From the joy of new parenthood to the responsibilities of elder care, we’re there to assist with what matters most to our team. We provide parental leave policy, offering up to 12 weeks of paternity leave and 26 weeks for new mothers. Recognising the importance of early childhood care, we ensure our team has access to subsidised daycare facilities catering to children aged five months to six years. Moreover, during challenging times of loss, we stand by our team members, offering 15 days of paid time off for bereavement.
Our commitment to creating meaningful experiences for our team doesn’t stop at support—it extends to fostering deep connections. Through our various inclusion groups such as Women In Technology (W!T), Ascenders, Women’s Career Network (WCN), and Pride, we amplify diverse voices and cultivate a strong sense of belonging. These groups provide a platform for building relationships and sharing unique perspectives. They also contribute to our Inclusion and Engagement initiatives, which are integral to the larger Sabre business strategy.
Furthermore, the Well-Being Advocate Network (SWAN) represents our commitment to mental health, functioning as a peer-to-peer support system to destigmatize mental health issues and promote well-being. In addition, we host a range of clubs and Communities of Practice (CoP) that unite team members over shared interests like running, reading, cycling, or technology, fostering a vibrant community spirit. Our Give Together programme, an annual global giving campaign, exemplifies our dedication to community engagement, encouraging innovative and engaging ways for our team to support local charities and causes. This holistic approach ensures that as our team members grow and thrive, so does our collective spirit and commitment to excellence.
Investing in continuous growth
At Sabre, our commitment to the growth of our team members is unwavering. We offer numerous opportunities for skill development, certifications, and collaboration with industry experts and peers to drive innovation in the travel sector. Through partnerships with various learning platforms, our team members gain access to a wide array of technical, behavioural, and leadership training, tailored to their schedules and preferences. Furthermore, we host a variety of global and local innovation events throughout the year. These events provide team members with a platform to showcase their talents and compete, fostering innovation, integration, and inspiration while delivering practical business solutions. Our ‘New People Leader Experience Program’ equips leaders with the essential resources and skills needed to lead high-performing and engaged teams effectively.
Sabre’s culture is characterised by a collective drive to constantly adapt and innovate, always looking ahead. We have no interest in preserving the current state of affairs; instead, we are dedicated to enhancing our processes and policies, fostering the growth and development of our employees, and consistently delivering excellence to our customers. Sabre has also received global recognition from Comparably and Best Places to Work for our outstanding and inclusive culture.
Hyperjump: nurturing top tech talent
Hyperjump, our dynamic university recruitment programme, annually welcomes approximately 60 budding talents from premier engineering institutes. These interns embark on a six-month journey, infusing Sabre with new perspectives and innovative energy. In our commitment to engaging with the brightest minds, we continued our tradition of on-campus recruitment this year, handpicking 50 top graduates from esteemed tech schools. Starting as interns in January 2024, these candidates will transition to full-time roles mid-year, contributing across Development, QA, and Business Analysis domains.
Our selection process is rigorous and discerning, testing around 4,000 candidates to extend offers to the 50 most promising ones, with a focus on Computer Science and related engineering fields. Notably, half of these talented interns are women, reflecting our dedication to gender diversity and inclusivity. This cycle also saw the addition of three management interns, broadening our scope of talent cultivation. Hyperjump is more than a programme; it’s a commitment to nurturing the next generation of technology innovators and leaders.
Ultimately, our endeavours are focused on cultivating a future rich in innovation and advancement. At Sabre, we are dedicated to harnessing the potential of emerging tech talent and creating a culture that thrives on growth and pioneering spirit.
About the author: Rency Mathew brings 22 years of experience in HR leadership, specialising in operations, mergers, and system implementations, with a Postgraduate degree from XLRI, Jamshedpur. She has a history of driving HR strategies in diverse environments and previously contributed her expertise to IBM, Scientific Games, and other notable firms before her tenure at Sabre.
