Zendesk was created by three friends who saw a need for support software that could enable organisations to focus on their customers – rather than technological processes. The company started in a loft in Copenhagen in 2007 and today it has more than 4,000 employees.

The design department is made up of product design, brand and design operations teams. Within product design, there are product designers, design systems product designers, UX researchers and content designers. Within brand, there are brand designers, motion designers, audio designers, photographers, videographers, presentation designers, event experience designers, interior designers and copywriters.

Then within design operations, there are people who oversee programmes within design and business ops, UX research ops, brand production, product design production, data asset management, executive assistance and design community.

As a customer-support company, Zendesk’s founding ethos is all about being helpful – from building software to working with customers

In terms of brand, its philosophy is to be beautifully simple. It aspires to be ‘humblident’ (humble and confident), distilled, charming and real in its work.

The products it makes and the industries it serves are technical and complex, so it’s essential that its work is simple and clear. The team believes that writing, visual style, design, videos – essentially everything – must work together to deliver a straightforward, meaningful message.

Zendesk is people-focused and works hard to build a culture where everyone belongs. The company prioritises balance and wellbeing, and knows that people need room for family, friends and themselves to be at their best.

It also offers continued professional development and growth opportunities. Employees are encouraged to attend conferences and take courses to develop their skills. In addition, every employee gets access to The Lab, a personalised tool to help connect them with training and resources.

Zendesk supports its team to give back by being active in their neighbourhoods and amplifying the work that happens locally. There’s a strong culture of lending a hand, and employees are proud to participate in volunteer initiatives.

Zendesk values people at all stages of their career. For entry-level talent, the company hires interns within various teams annually.

Interns are often paired with a mentor throughout the duration of their internship to support career development. All interns also get to work on projects that have an impact on business.