Zendesk – Thriving Together: How We Build a Culture That Actually Works

Written by: Annmarie Neal, Psy.D., Chief People Officer, Zendesk.

Let’s be honest: the rules of work have changed—and they’re not going back. Compensation? Table stakes. Perks? Expected. What today’s talent really wants is something deeper: to be seen, to grow, and to know that what they do matters. At Zendesk, we don’t just acknowledge this shift—we build for it.

We’re designing a culture where people aren’t just employees—they’re contributors, leaders, and change agents. From employee-led communities to purpose-built development programs, we’re all in on creating a workplace that’s as inclusive as it is ambitious. And it’s paying off—Zendesk is proud to be named one of the World’s Happiest Workplaces by WorkL. But we’re not doing it for the recognition. We’re doing it because it’s the only way to build a company that lasts.

Inclusion That Drives Innovation

Here’s the truth: great tech alone won’t win the future. If we want to lead in AI for service, we need teams that bring a diversity of thought, background, and lived experience. That doesn’t happen by accident—it takes work.

Building an inclusive culture requires guts. It means calling out what isn’t working, holding leaders accountable, and investing in the kind of programs—like ZAP and MAP—that don’t just check boxes but change trajectories. We’re equipping our people to lead with clarity, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose—because leadership isn’t a title, it’s a mindset.

Giving Back Isn’t Optional

At Zendesk, we show up—for each other, our customers, and our communities. Because if we’re not using our platform to create impact, what are we really doing?

From global volunteerism to Social Impact Week to employee-led giving, our people aren’t waiting for permission to make a difference—they’re doing it. Every Zendesk employee gets a donation credit during the holidays to support a cause they believe in. It’s not about optics; it’s about ownership. Impact is everyone’s job here.

Belonging Starts With Us

Belonging doesn’t come from a handbook—it comes from real connection. Our Employee Communities are more than support groups—they’re catalysts. They challenge norms, build bridges, and amplify voices that matter.

Whether it’s the Pride community, Women at Zendesk, The Village, Mosaic, or the Global Veterans Network, these spaces drive the kind of connection that makes people stay—and makes culture stick.

Rest Isn’t Weak. It’s Strategy.

We don’t believe in burnout-as-a-badge. If you want high performance, you have to build in recovery. Recharge Fridays are our way of protecting what matters: energy, creativity, and balance. One Friday a quarter, we step back so we can step up—because a drained team is a distracted team.

Culture That Powers Performance

Let’s stop pretending culture is soft. The right culture drives business outcomes. It unlocks innovation. It retains top talent. It builds resilience.

At Zendesk, belonging isn’t a side project—it’s the strategy. When people feel safe, seen, and stretched, they do work that matters. That’s how we win—together.