This year, we’ve been actively developing MIND-at-Basware – an employee-led group focused on neurodiversity. MIND stands for Maximizing Inclusion for Neurodivergent Development, and it’s being built to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and spark open, honest conversations about how we all think, work, and thrive differently.

Through resource hubs, toolkits, forums and shared learning moments, MIND-at-Basware is helping us build a culture where empathy and inclusion aren’t just ideas – they’re everyday actions.

And at the heart of that is one powerful idea: allyship.

Being an ally to neurodivergent colleagues

Being a good ally isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about noticing, asking, learning, and speaking up – not for others, but with them. It’s about making everyday moments feel safer, more respectful, and more human.

I asked a few of colleagues to reflect on one simple question:

“What does being a good ally mean to you, especially when it comes to neurodiversity?”

Here’s what they shared: honest, thoughtful, and hopeful perspectives from both neurodivergent and neurotypical minds.

“I feel very passionate about being an ally within Basware promoting inclusiveness, fairness, and equality in general but even more so for marginalized groups. I feel privileged that I am in a position where I can use my voice to amplify underrepresented voices, support positive change and ensure action is taken to build a better aligned inclusive culture for all Baswareans.” – Jane

At the moment I’m still learning. My son has been diagnosed with Autism, we suspect my father had it but as he’s passed away, we’ll never know for sure, and I myself am going through a ridiculously long wait after a referral for my own assessment. To be an ally for my son I am finding that being patient with his understanding is paramount, he is very one dimensional in his viewpoint and nuance and subtlety are lost on him. His mind is very literal and if the instruction is not clear he will deliver short of the expectation, not because he is unintelligent but because the instruction was not precise. – Dave

Being a true ally means standing with those who can’t speak for themselves—and never giving up on them. My eldest son was diagnosed with autism, dyslexia and dyscalculia as a child. Since then, my wife and I have worked with neurodiversity charities helping them to raise awareness of the unlevel playing field neurodiverse children face in our educational system. The goal was to level the playing field. To raise awareness so it’s recognized and addressed. That not all people learn the same way or have the same opportunities during exams. I strive to bring these personal experiences into my work, helping to create an environment that is understanding, supportive, and informed about the needs of all our people. – John

Being an ally means promoting inclusion in the workplace and even more broadly in the societies we are part of. Inclusion starts with awareness and an inclusive mindset, but it also requires tangible actions. Our MIND-ERG plays a critical role in identifying actions that will make Basware a better workplace for anybody who identifies as neurodivergent, and in the end for all Baswareans. As an ally, especially in my role as an HR leader, I commit to support change where it’s needed, remove roadblocks and make things happen – big or small.

I also think that being an ally of the ERG is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the beautifully diverse ways our human mind operates – a personal learning opportunity broadening my perspective and enriching my understanding of the world.
– Elisabeth

Whether you’re just starting your neurodiversity knowledge journey or it’s something you’ve lived with or supported for years, one thing is true: We all play a role in creating a more inclusive, more human workplace.

And sometimes, being a good ally isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about being willing to stand alongside others as we find them together.

We hope these reflections inspire you to do just that.

The strategic and cultural value of ‘boomerang talent’

At Basware, we say people make the difference, and we mean it. It’s not just a tagline for us. It’s a truth that shapes our culture, guides our decisions, and fuels our growth.

That’s why, when talented people choose to return to Basware after time away, we take notice. We welcome them back and reflect on what their return really says about us as a company. Because when someone leaves, explores new opportunities, and decides to return, it tells a powerful story about who we are, how we lead, and what it feels like to be a Baswarean.

Over the past year, around 5% of our total hires have been returners, or what we affectionately call our ‘boomerangs’. Without a formal alumni program in place, that’s a strong, organic signal of the strength of our culture and the lasting connections people build here.

The pull of culture

Each return journey is unique, but we’ve noticed a few common threads.

Boomerangs often talk about the people – the collaborative spirit, the culture of support, and the genuine sense of community. Many say they missed the way we work together: bold but humble, fast-moving yet thoughtful, and always rooted in mutual respect. It’s a people-first culture that brings out the best in everyone.

Others return because of the business we’re building. Basware today is not the same as it was yesterday. As we’ve scaled, matured, and continued to push the frontiers of invoice lifecycle management, intelligent automation, and finance transformation, we’ve become a magnet for people who want to make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s our continued focus on innovation, our sharper strategic clarity, or our strong market positioning – recognized by the world’s leading analysts such as Gartner, Forrester, and IDC – returnees see a business worth rejoining.

When familiarity meets fresh perspective

Returners bring with them a rare advantage. They understand our systems, our values, and our way of working, of course, but they’ve also seen the outside world. That combination of internal knowledge and external perspective makes them incredibly impactful, particularly in roles where deep organizational context is key.

While Baswarean boomerangs are fairly evenly spread across regions and functions, we’ve seen especially meaningful contributions in technology and product roles, where history and innovation must go hand in hand.

Real voices, real validation

From a talent strategy perspective, return hires are one of the most authentic validations of our Employee Value Proposition. It’s not just about recruitment campaigns or bold statements; it’s about real-life experiences. When former employees choose to come back, they’re telling us (and the world): this is a place where I can thrive, contribute, and belong.

They return because they:

• Trust our vision and leadership
• Believe in the purpose-driven work we offer
• Feel valued both as professionals and as people

Their return reinforces what many of us already know: Basware is a place where you can do your best work, alongside people who bring out the best in you. Here, your voice matters. You’re free to take risks in the name of innovation, knowing a whole tribe has your back. You’re empowered to be strong and autonomous, yet never alone.

Welcoming returnees, the right way

When boomerangs come back, they complete our standard onboarding process to stay current in a fast-evolving company. But their return is about more than just catching up – it’s a cause for celebration. Teams often mark these moments with informal shout-outs, welcome messages, or local events – and yes, there’s usually cake involved! The excitement feels genuine because the story of a returning colleague is well known and deeply appreciated.

Returners are more than just new hires; they’re ambassadors of our culture and credibility. We actively recognize and share their stories because they’re an important part of who we are. Looking ahead, we’re committed to doing even more to celebrate and showcase the unique strengths and perspectives they bring when they rejoin Basware.

A strategic talent channel

As part of our Talent Acquisition strategy, we’re now more intentionally tracking and considering return hires as a high-potential talent pool. And we see room to grow. With even light-touch alumni engagement, we could unlock even more value from this community and strengthen our ability to attract, re-attract, and retain the best talent in our industry.

Boomerang employees remind us of the enduring power of culture, the importance of meaningful work, and the value of strong leadership. They show us that our values and vision truly connect with people, both inside Basware and beyond.

So if you’re reading this as a future Baswarean, or as someone who once was, know this: You’re always welcome here. And your journey, wherever it leads, will always matter to us.

Tianyin and Meenu are two brilliant colleagues and champions, in their own right, within the world of STEM sector (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). They share their journeys, challenges, and advice for the next generation of women considering a career in this exciting industry. Their stories show what’s possible when women lead with purpose – and why bold thinking, ownership, and people-first values – that we share at Basware – matter more than ever.

Tell us about your role at Basware.

Tianyin: I feel incredibly lucky to be the first AI Designer at Basware, working within the AI & Data Enablement team, which is pivotal to our strategic approach. My role sits at the intersection of AI, design, and business where I lead the discovery and design of AI solutions to tackle real business challenges. I collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify pain points and explore opportunities for leveraging generative AI solutions.

Meenu: As Director of Product Development, I lead programs that connect our product vision to execution, ensuring delivery is closely aligned with strategic business goals and customer needs. My role involves driving cross-functional collaboration, breaking down silos, and promoting transparency to enable smooth and effective teamwork. I am passionate about creating an environment where teams feel empowered to innovate, take ownership, and grow. By combining strategic direction with a strong commitment to team culture, I strive to build resilient, high-performing teams that consistently deliver meaningful value.

What’s a career highlight, from your time so far at Basware, that you’re proud of? 

Tianyin: Although my time at Basware has been relatively short so far, just over six months in fact, I am proud that I successfully led the Microsoft Copilot Adoption pilot back in late 2024, which started shortly after I joined. My team and I organized and tailored the entire training program, making it function-specific and use-case-specific. This resulted in doubling the value of time saved, achieving high engagement, and receiving excellent feedback from our internal ‘customers’.

Meenu: I joined Basware in 2012 as a Lead Software Engineer and have had the privilege of taking on various roles throughout my tenure. One of my most significant accomplishments is the successful delivery of Basware Insights in early 2025. This achievement is particularly notable due to the value it delivered to both our customers and Basware. We saw strong interest and got it into the hands of our customers even  before the product reached General Availability, and within two months of its GA, nearly 40% of customers had already switched from the old Analytics and legacy Insights to Basware Insights. It’s an amazing feeling, and I’m truly grateful to be part of such a talented team that made this happen.

What does a good company culture look like to you?

Tianyin: Openness and a mission to deliver real value. At Basware, I see this in action in our core values – Driving Customer Value, Taking Ownership, and Being Bold. We prioritize delivering exceptional value to our customers by understanding their needs and providing innovative solutions. The culture of taking ownership and being bold is evident in the way I can pitch to anyone, even our CEO, at any time. Every one of us is encouraged to take responsibility, challenge the status quo, and contribute to the company’s success. That kind of empowerment is rare.

Meenu: A good company culture is where people feel safe, valued, and empowered – where there is trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to both individual growth and collective success. It’s about creating an environment where diverse voices are heard, collaboration is encouraged, and people are respected and supported.  I see this culture in action at Basware every day.  We are encouraged to speak up, challenge ideas, and explore new ways of working. There’s a strong emphasis on alignment with strategy and on people-first leadership, where the wellbeing and development of team members truly matter.

Basware’s culture has had a significant impact on me both professionally and personally.

During the delivery of Basware Insights, cross-functional teams came together in a deeply collaborative way, trusted to make decisions, iterate quickly, and take ownership – which not only drove customer value but also boosted team morale and resilience.
And from a personal perspective, when I became a mother, the trust and flexibility I received from both my manager and Basware were crucial in helping me balance my professional and personal responsibilities.
This support enabled me to continue thriving in my role while managing my home life. Without this support, I likely would have had to step away from my career years ago.

What’s it like working in a male-dominated field? Have your experiences changed over time?

Tianyin: In the field of technology, I see it as ‘engineering skills dominated’ rather than male-dominated. I believe it’s not about gender; it’s all about skills. Fortunately, I’ve seen a positive shift towards greater diversity and inclusion. I am seeing more women coders and women excelling in roles that require strong soft skills, such as communication, project management, product management and design etc. I hope to see even more diversity in the future.

Meenu:  The journey hasn’t been without challenges,  especially early in my career. I sometimes felt like I had to work a bit harder to prove myself than my male counterparts. As I progressed, the environment evolved – there’s been a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion. Conversations around gender equity in tech has become more open, and I’ve been fortunate to work in organizations, like Basware, where there’s genuine trust, flexibility, and support.
I’ve also taken it upon myself to support other women in tech, helping to create an environment where women feel empowered and supported in pursuing their aspirations.
We still have work to do when it comes to gender balance, but I’m proud to see the progress and to be part of a culture where everyone – no matter their gender, can thrive and make an impact.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in tech?

Tianyin: Be bold. Learn to pitch yourself and seize opportunities to showcase your unique selling points. Sometimes, you might need to create the opportunity yourself. Give it a try; you’re young, and there’s nothing to lose. Be persistent; failure is just a test to discover that one way might not work, so try another way. Seek out mentors and allies who can support your growth, and don’t be afraid to take on challenging projects. 

Meenu: Believe in yourself and don’t give up. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or the challenges (professional and personal); take them as opportunities for growth. Find mentors who can guide and inspire you. And embrace learning at every stage of your career. Tech is always changing. Staying curious and adaptable will help you stay ahead.

Johanna Sjöström – Head of Sustainability

As the leader of Basware’s ESG program, Earth Day is more than just a date on the calendar – it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. ESG is about accountability, transparency, and most importantly, action. It’s about ensuring that the way we operate today reflects the future we want to create for our children. 

Sustainability is close to my heart because I want to ensure the next generation – including my own child – to have the same wonderful opportunities I did: to enjoy skiing in winter, walking in nature, and breathing clean air. However, sustainability is not just about the environment; it’s also about the wellbeing of communities we work in and the people who make up our organization. 

In my role, I get to raise awareness, inspire bold ideas, and help people to turn those into meaningful actions. Together, by aligning our environmental initiatives, social responsibility, and governance practices into one unified strategy, we can make an impact. 

My advice? Start by connecting the “why” to the “how.” Sustainability isn’t just about words or metrics—it’s about mindset. Don’t wait. Start today. Every action matters. 

Jonna Haavisto Murole – Global Facilities Manager

Sustainability has always been more than a buzzword for me—it’s personal. Spending much of my free time in nature has given me a deep-rooted desire to protect and preserve it for future generations. In my role as Facilities Manager at Basware, I get to turn that passion into action every day. 

From optimizing energy use in our offices to championing smarter waste management and reducing our carbon footprint through local vendor partnerships, I’m proud to support initiatives that make our workplaces greener. Working on office projects, I am most pleased whenever there is a way to combine sustainability with economical solutions – such as finding new users for our surplus furniture and other equipment through furniture resellers or charity organizations.  

Why does this matter? Because, as Johanna says sustainability isn’t just about metrics or a checklist, it’s very much a mindset. And the way we show up for the planet in our day-to-day work really adds up.  

My advice? Start small. Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics at work or cycling into the office instead of driving, the ripple effect is real.

Lena Björkman – Sustainable Travel & Office Manager in Finland

My journey with sustainability began back in 1989, during a transformative class on waste management in cooking school. That session opened my eyes to the environmental and financial cost of waste, especially in food preparation. Since then, I’ve embraced what we now call a zero-waste lifestyle, buying only when there’s a genuine need, prioritizing quality and natural materials, and ensuring items can be repaired, recycled, or passed on. This mindset has shaped how I live my life every day. 

I’m grateful that my role as Office Manager for our Finland locations—Espoo, Tampere, and Pori—allows me to bring these same values to work. Whether it’s choosing sustainable suppliers, reducing office waste, or making mindful choices in day-to-day operations, I see every decision as an opportunity to act responsibly and lead by example. 

Travel accounts for a large part of our CO2 emissions and we’re always looking for opportunities to reduce and make our operations more sustainable. As part of my role, I’ve been involved in developing a Sustainable Travel Policy, ensuring the right guidance is in place for Baswareans across the globe.  

A big part of this is also about educating our employees to make more sustainable travel choices, such as taking the train, or ensuring they have visibility into the impact of their travel choices, by adding guiding hints and tips to our travel booking tool. 

1. Can you tell us a bit about your role at Basware?
I have been at Basware for three and a half years working as a Solution Consultant. There’s a description of the role that sums it up perfectly: “We are the bridge between Basware’s technology and its clients”.

2. Many of us try to find a good balance between work and life. What does a healthy work-life balance look like for you?
For me, the meaning of a good balance changes throughout the year, usually depending on the season. I try not to stick to one strict schedule all year round because – while having a routine is helpful – adaptability is key to finding a good rhythm that works for you. For example, during the hotter months, I usually workout in the morning, whereas in the colder months, I exercise in the afternoon or later in the day.

3. Have you taken part in any of Basware’s health and wellbeing initiatives? What has motivated you to get involved?
This is actually my first time participating – if you don’t count the office ping pong tournament last year (I almost managed to not be the last one in my group!).

4. Has working with colleagues around the world inspired you to try any new activities?
Yes! Last year, when I visited Copenhagen (Scangl client site) I biked a lot, and set out to ride to the Scangl office which was about 35min away from the hotel. Unfortunately, because of some technical issues with the bike, I had to turn back 10mins into the ride and get a Viggo.

5. What do you think companies could do better to support employee wellbeing and a healthy, balanced lifestyle?
This is a hard question because people react to different things – we all have different needs. Some people will use a gym membership – or another type of benefit – if it is provided, but it doesn’t work for everyone. I guess the best approach is to keep the idea of wellbeing at the top of employees’ minds, through different channels – for example, fitness perks, fruit at the office, fun challenges like ping pong tournaments – so there is always something for everyone.

6. What advice would you give someone who’s struggling to balance work, life, and health?
Small changes can go a long way. Even just 5-10 minutes of exercise is better than none. And avoid eating sugar on an empty stomach – only have it at the end of your meal. Top tip: if you do eat sugar on an empty stomach, make sure you go for a 10-15 minute walk after or do some sort of activity other than sitting at your desk. Simple, small habits like this can make a big difference over time.

7. World Health Day (April 7) this year focuses on healthy beginnings and long-term wellbeing. What daily habits help you maintain your health and balance?
I’ve noticed that a lot of people think starting new habits is actually harder than it really is. Like everything in life, starting a new routine – whether that’s eating healthier or working out – is more difficult in the beginning. But, after a few weeks/months it really does get easier. And don’t forget, nothing is set in stone! You can change things as you move along the path. In the long run, the key is being able to find your specific ‘rhythm’ then adjusting as you go.

8. How has taking time for self-care and focusing on wellbeing impacted your productivity and performance at work?
I find I get less overwhelmed by work (even when things don’t go according to plan) when I am in a good place and feeling OK in my personal life. A good workout in the morning and a good meal helps me stay focused, and so if something goes wrong at work, it does not ruin my day. It works the other way too. Even when I’m not feeling it, in the moment, doing some sort of physical activity can help my mindset. But I do understand how hard it is to trust that. It’s happened so many times to me, and yet I still procrastinate before starting something. It’s all about getting past that initial resistance.

9. If you could share one message about wellbeing and balance in the workplace, what would it be?
Start small. Don’t set fixed wellbeing goals, because they will 100% depend on things that are outside of your control. Life will always throw us surprises. So, adapt to the changes but keep the wellbeing general goal in mind.

10. At Basware, we value collaboration, taking ownership and being bold. How do these values influence your approach to work and wellbeing?
Understanding that your personal wellbeing is your responsibility, and you have to own it and make it a priority.

11. This year marks our 40th birthday! What does being a part of this milestone mean to you?
Basware is older than I am! This gives me perspective on how things grow and evolve over time.