People are decidedly the most valuable asset of companies, and this argument became clearer with the COVID-19 scenario. Mind Source has been looking at all the movements towards the future of work and proposing some solutions. On this topic and the path of consulting, ComputerWorld spoke with the CEO of Mind Source, Rui Reis.

Mind Source presented growth of almost 7.5% in 2020. What accounts for the results in such a complicated year? What are the areas of greatest growth?

The year 2020 proved particularly demanding for companies given the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic scenario. Even so, thanks to the dedication of our teams and their resilience, Mind Source reinforced its growth trend and high competitive standards.

The 7.4% growth compared to the 2019 fiscal year (approximately R$ 10.3 million) is the result of the business expansion and diversification policy adopted by the company last year. The Banking and Insurance sectors contributed decisively to this result, with notable growth compared to the previous year's 12 months.

What are the expectations until the end of 2021?

Given the scenario outlined by the implications of the pandemic, still surrounded by much uncertainty and impacting the national economy, Mind Source has set as its main objectives for 2021 a growth rate comparable to 2020. To this end, we are investing in the development of products and solutions that will add future value to the organization and better serve the market and its clients. In addition, Mind Source plans to reinforce its training and certification strategy for its teams, thus ensuring the necessary skills and abilities to better meet the requests of its clients and partners.

The company recently launched the “Mind Source Beside You” program. What are the main objectives and how many people does the program encompass?

The Mind Source Beside You program emerges as the natural evolution of the Health Program, launched at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, designed to address the demands imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and aimed at supporting company employees working from home since March of last year. This program, in partnership with Pulso Europe Portugal, was born as a response to the current pandemic situation, which further exposed the dangers of isolation and the difficulties in reconciling personal and professional life. The promotion of healthy behaviors and help in solving problems through support and accredited professionals aims to alleviate some of the difficulties felt in this new reality.

Available free of charge, the program provides for five areas of intervention: psychological, financial, legal, psychosocial and nutritional. Mind Source guarantees support in situations of depressive or anxious states, grief, stress, divorces, debt management, healthy eating advice, among others. All employees, as well as family members, have access to 30 consultations per year.

Will Mind Source be hiring until the end of the year? In which areas? Mind Source continues to focus on expansion, with a special emphasis on Development and Business Analytics profiles. Currently with 215 employees, it aims to increase its workforce by 10% by the end of 2021. Since the beginning of the first lockdown in 2020, it has registered an increase in applications and hired dozens of consultants, proving that it is possible to maintain activity and grow in the atypical conditions we are experiencing.

What are the difficulties in attracting and retaining talent in the ICT sector in Portugal? Are national ICT companies on an equal footing with multinational companies operating in Portugal?

In such a competitive and rapidly expanding environment as Information Technology consulting, the greatest difficulty is related to talent retention. National companies are not on an equal footing with multinationals, and therefore the ability to adapt to change and new contexts, as well as attracting talent that identifies with Mind Source's organizational culture, is fundamental to promoting stronger and more consistent teams. In this context, our priority is implementing initiatives that promote the health and well-being of our employees. The most recent distinction from Great Place to Work® Portugal, the Health and Well-being award, recognizes that even remotely, our talent feels supported and appreciates our efforts to improve their daily lives and continue contributing to making their work experience the best it can be.

Published in ComputerWorld