AbeBooks is committed to being a diverse and socially responsible company that provides a positive and empowering work environment for its employees. This is not just corporate jargon. We welcome everyone. We try to make a difference and break down barriers. We consider the environment, we believe that learning is lifelong, and we want to have fun. The magic ingredient is our staff, and they are empowered and encouraged to help customers, sellers, colleagues, and people in need. Trust is at the heart of our ecommerce business, and we trust our employees to get the job done, speak up on matters that are important to them, and enjoy themselves. Since we started in 1996, our culture has been the driving force behind this company.
Diversity and inclusion
Every day we strive to become more diverse and inclusive across all areas of our business - customers, sellers, ourselves, and everyone who engages with us. We do the right thing and not just the easiest thing. We accept that we have a long way to go. From the recruitment process to our office facilities and the challenges of daily work, we identify barriers and remove them. Our flexible working culture means employees can fit work around family commitments and the important things in life.
In my 10 years at AbeBooks I’ve transitioned from an intern position to a full-time developer role, and now to being the manager of a team. I work with an amazing group of smart, talented colleagues that are able to dive deep to solve difficult problems, while finding the humour, empathy, and fun in their everyday work.
Accessibility
For years, we have helped customers with mobility issues or lacking access to bookstores to find and buy books. AbeBooks has also provided large print books to readers who are visually impaired. Our ultimate goal is to make our business easily accessible to all employees and customers regardless of ability. Beginning with staff education, we wish to take everyone into account and give people with disabilities a rich and complete experience. Friction-free shopping should be available to all.
Environmental sustainability
AbeBooks is dedicated to helping books, art and collectibles find new homes. We also try to make a difference in our two offices in order to protect the environment. We provide facilities for cyclists, and offer extensive services for recycling, and composting. Most of our day-to-day business activities are paperless.
We truly respect each other and turn individual barriers into superpowers. My greatest superpower is my Dyslexia. I see things from a different perspective and it helps me to innovate on behalf of our customers.
