In a move to show solidarity to Ukrainians, Publicis Sapient, the digital business-transformation company, has launched a holistic programme, called Bridge To Next.
The programme aims to support people with skills in SPEED — short for ‘strategy, product, experience, engineering or data and artificial intelligence or AI —living in a country directly affected by the war in Ukraine.
Publicis Sapient has developed the programme in partnership with Publicis Groupe.
The objective is to primarily offer support, including full- and part-time jobs for talent working from their home countries, as well as visa and relocation services for those who wish to move. For Ukrainians who are unable to leave Ukraine, Publicis Sapient is offering remote-working opportunities.
The programme will also offer personal and emotional support such as mental health counselling and childcare services. Publicis Sapient has partnered with the behaviour change technology company, Thrive, to provide well-being resources, including science-backed Microsteps to help people cope with stress, suggest practical ways to recover mentally and physically, and provide advice on ways to establish strong bonds and connections with others.
It has also tied up with eTutor as one of its language platforms for language instruction in Ukrainian, Polish, English, Arabic and other languages.
According to Arthur Sadoun, global CEO and chairman of Publicis Groupe, “As the war in Ukraine continues to rage, we are more committed than ever to our people-first approach and looking after our 350 Publicis people and their families in order to help displaced tech and consulting talent affected by the war rebuild their futures with more support, optimism and community.”
In fact, the Company has hired a 50-year-old Ukranian, Alina Kapshyk, as a business analyst focused on cloud technology, based in Poland. Kapshyk had to risk leaving a bomb shelter to be able to attend interviews. Publicis Sapient offered her relocation services. Greg Shuler, head of the Company in Poland even offered to let her stay at his house.
