Spectraforce

Building the Culture

Fostering an environment of strategic thinkers

“We don’t believe in laying people off,” says Amit Singh, co-founder and CEO of Spectraforce. Supporting employees even through tough times is a fundamental principle of the Raleigh, North Carolina-based staffing provider, a sentiment that is echoed throughout its multinational offices and contributes to its vibrant culture. Even amid the tumultuous times of the pandemic, “we didn’t do that to our employees,” he says.

Founded in 2004, the Spectraforce team provides tech talent solutions across various industries. Spectraforce is not only recognized as one of the ‘2024 Best Staffing Firms to Work For’ by SIA but has consistently appeared in SIA’s annual Fastest-Growing Staffing Firms list six times since 2015.

In addition to SIA’s accolades, the firm was also honored with the ‘2024 Women’s Choice Award’ across three categories: women, diversity and inclusion. It’s not surprising that employees are sticking around and spreading good energy across its global footprint.

Working in staffing happened accidentally for Singh after he was recruited by a colleague 18 years ago, and he hasn’t looked back since. “I’m passionate about my role because it helps me build something new every day and helps people grow,” he explains. “If a green person is joining us out of college, it’s our responsibility to make sure we help them learn new skills and build their career.”

Choosing the Right Talent

That passion feeds into the company’s newjobphoria philosophy, which recognizes that finding the right talent isn’t solely based on technical skills. Instead, Spectraforce prioritizes selecting individuals whose personalities align with the company culture and developing needed skills. This focus on cultural fit is exemplified in key team members, such as Martha Derbyshire, executive vice president of client services. Before joining the firm, she worked in advertising, but one cold call selling ads to Singh himself nearly 15 years ago led her to where she is now.

“He didn’t buy an ad,” she reflects, but Singh recognized her persuasiveness and marketing skills and believed she would fit well in sales as a business development manager. Since then, Derbyshire has held various leadership roles, including opening Spectraforce offices in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. Despite its growth, Derbyshire emphasizes the company maintains its small startup mindset and family-oriented approach to employees. “I tell employees, ‘You can create your career path,’” she says. “I came in for sales, and now I’m doing something completely different. I’m a big relationship person. Seeing the culture continue through action leads others to action. Passing the energy on… your memory bank is the most powerful thing you have.”

One of the traits Spectraforce looks for in its employees is a strong passion for knowledge. “There is constant learning — and constant challenges,” says Drew Rhodes, a learning and development specialist. “If I’m not being challenged at work, then I am not growing.”

Rhodes manages client services and delivers new global hire training and orientation. Even though this is his first staffing position, he says he was drawn in through networking, much like everyone else.

A Joyful Environment

Although the company offers both remote and hybrid working arrangements, joy is shared throughout by supporting each other, a testament to its culture. “The best thing about our organization is that people have [each other’s] backs. And you can ask for help from anyone,” Singh says. No matter where they are located, employees feel included. “Bonding doesn’t come from arranging fun Fridays, book clubs, festivals or contests. It comes from the daily interactions. … If you are helping people and respecting each other, that is where the culture comes from.”

Still, employees do bond over organized activities. Take National Pet Day, when employees show off their furry friends in fun outfits with themes like “New York Attire” or “Office Beat.” It is a significant event for the firm, as employees eagerly submit pictures of their pets and voters pick their favorite one.

Investment in Future Women Leaders

Developing great talent extends to investing in women internally to support long-term career success. In particular, the company has set up a targeted mentorship and outreach program to help women advance to managerial roles that lead to executive positions. As a result of these efforts, as of 2022, women represent 72% of leadership roles in North America and 100% in Puerto Rico. Additionally, in the last three years, the diversity-owned company also invested in a full-fledged DE&I program with full-time staff and a DE&I committee to ensure the feeling of inclusion and belonging remains in the core of the Spectraforce experience.