Welcome
Are you a current or potential new colleague at Starware? Then this is for you: welcome to Starware's company handbook!
Starware started as a company run by family & friends. We believe that has brought a casual atmosphere to the company. It is our goal to keep that vibe for as long as we will exist. We know this will be one of our biggest challenges as we grow, but this is our true north. We encourage everyone to play an active role in this and call us out when we drift off course.
Our company is open to all, and we enjoy the diversity of our team, regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship, or who they love. Any form of aggression, discrimination, violence, or sexual intimidation will never be tolerated here.
We hope you enjoy the ride!
Welcome
Are you a current or potential new colleague at Starware? Then this is for you: welcome to Starware's company handbook!
Starware started as a company run by family & friends. We believe that has brought a casual atmosphere to the company. It is our goal to keep that vibe for as long as we will exist. We know this will be one of our biggest challenges as we grow, but this is our true north. We encourage everyone to play an active role in this and call us out when we drift off course.
Our company is open to all, and we enjoy the diversity of our team, regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship, or who they love. Any form of aggression, discrimination, violence, or sexual intimidation will never be tolerated here.
We hope you enjoy the ride!
ethics
If anything, this company handbook should resonate that we want you to use common sense. Think things through and try to put yourself in the position of a random Jedi, our customers, Starware, or your co-workers, and generally, things should work out fine.
So enjoy, but do behave, and make yourself at home!
ethics
If anything, this company handbook should resonate that we want you to use common sense. Think things through and try to put yourself in the position of a random Jedi, our customers, Starware, or your co-workers, and generally, things should work out fine.
So enjoy, but do behave, and make yourself at home!
starware abides
starware abides
ORGANISATION
Our company organisation is as flat as possible, much like our home country. Marc & Roland are always accountable and will support the organisation wherever they can.
We have a small but outstanding back office team that is invaluable in our day-to-day business.
The Starware academy helps all new recruits to get up to speed as soon as possible. Our actual work is organised in teams that will be centred around our key customers and projects.
ORGANISA
TION
Our company organisation is as flat as possible, much like our home country. Marc & Roland are always accountable and will support the organisation wherever they can.
We have a small but outstanding back office team that is invaluable in our day-to-day business.
The Starware academy helps all new recruits to get up to speed as soon as possible. Our actual work is organised in teams that will be centred around our key customers and projects.
Teamwork
As we want our teams to be smaller versions of the whole Starware company, we want to get the best results in the long run by:
- Respecting your teammates and their limits.
- Making the Starware flexibility work both ways for your team.
- Goals should be achieved by teams, not by individuals.
- Keep learning from each other and improve.
Team work
As we want our teams to be smaller versions of the whole Starware company, we want to get the best results in the long run by:
- Respecting your teammates and their limits.
- Making the Starware flexibility work both ways for your team.
- Goals should be achieved by teams, not by individuals.
- Keep learning from each other and improve.
"SO DON’T ASK WHAT YOUR TEAM CAN DO FOR YOU, ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR TEAM!"
Where do I work?
We didn't care long before covid struck, and we sure are caring even less these days! We hope you choose the place that works best for you, like:
• In one of our offices
• At home
• At the customer
• At the local coffee bar
Of course, when working on projects, it's sometimes necessary to meet up with the customer or your team. We actively promote limiting unnecessary travel and are big believers in remote work.
If we have multiple persons living near each other we can also look for a small office in that area, talk to us if you feel you travel too much or too little!
As we have standardised our salaries worldwide you can even emigrate or work in one of the countries we have an office in now!
Where do I work?
We didn't care long before covid struck, and we sure are caring even less these days! We hope you choose the place that works best for you, like:
• In one of our offices
• At home
• At the customer
• At the local coffee bar
Of course, when working on projects, it's sometimes necessary to meet up with the customer or your team. We actively promote limiting unnecessary travel and are big believers in remote work.
If we have multiple persons living near each other we can also look for a small office in that area, talk to us if you feel you travel too much or too little!
As we have standardised our salaries worldwide you can even emigrate or work in one of the countries we have an office in now!
When do I work?
We also encourage you to work on the times that suit you best.
If you want to travel before or after traffic or need to be at home halfway through the day to pick up the kids, that is ok for us as long as you generally meet your contract hours.
Again, it is important to align your times with your team and the customer.
If we all give and take a little, we have maximum flexibility for everyone.
For example, due to these flexible work hours, we ask you to do small doctor and dentist visits in your own time. Naturally, book it as sick leave if things are more serious than the odd hour here and there.
When do I work?
We also encourage you to work on the times that suit you best.
If you want to travel before or after traffic or need to be at home halfway through the day to pick up the kids, that is ok for us as long as you generally meet your contract hours.
Again, it is important to align your times with your team and the customer.
If we all give and take a little, we have maximum flexibility for everyone.
For example, due to these flexible work hours, we ask you to do small doctor and dentist visits in your own time. Naturally, book it as sick leave if things are more serious than the odd hour here and there.
COMPANY EVENTS
We do insist that you attend our company gatherings! As we don't see each other that often, these company meetings give us a chance to update everyone. Also, it’s a great opportunity to catch up with all your colleagues and share ideas. Besides that, they are just a lot of fun! And make sure you always pay attention to the dress code. Would you like to have a look at some of our past events? Check our timeline page!
COMPANY EVENTS
We do insist that you attend our company gatherings! As we don't see each other that often, these company meetings give us a chance to update everyone. Also, it’s a great opportunity to catch up with all your colleagues and share ideas. Besides that, they are just a lot of fun! And make sure you always pay attention to the dress code. Would you like to have a look at some of our past events? Check our timeline page!
Relax
Please take your holidays, they are important!
Besides the official bank holidays per country, you'll get 31 days of holiday (based on a 40 hr/week contract).
We came from a situation where we had 24 days a year, and your number of holidays grew once you became older. This was well known as the dinosaur day program in the Netherlands.
However, we felt that you should also be able to enjoy your free time while you are still young, so we bumped everybody to the maximum number of days!
With this generous number of days, we also removed the rule of "special arrangements" to add 1 day off extra per year for calamities such as your marriage or the marriage of your brothers, sisters, parents, marriage anniversaries, moving days, etc.
Relax
Please take your holidays, they are important!
Besides the official bank holidays per country, you'll get 31 days of holiday (based on a 40 hr/week contract).
We came from a situation where we had 24 days a year, and your number of holidays grew once you became older. This was well known as the dinosaur day program in the Netherlands.
However, we felt that you should also be able to enjoy your free time while you are still young, so we bumped everybody to the maximum number of days!
With this generous number of days, we also removed the rule of "special arrangements" to add 1 day off extra per year for calamities such as your marriage or the marriage of your brothers, sisters, parents, marriage anniversaries, moving days, etc.
Profit sharing
The rule at Starware is that we share 5% of our yearly profit before tax with everyone. Your role and level do not come into play. We feel your salary should cover your needs. The only division key is the number of contract hours you have worked that year. (of course, overtime is not included).
For reasons unknown, this sharing percentage is usually doubled to 10% by Marc & Roland.
We also wanted to find a way to reward loyalty a bit extra. So next to this profit-sharing scheme we've added another 5% on top of it, distributed based on your years of service!
Profit sharing
The rule at Starware is that we share 5% of our yearly profit before tax with everyone. Your role and level do not come into play. We feel your salary should cover your needs. The only division key is the number of contract hours you have worked that year. (of course, overtime is not included).
For reasons unknown, this sharing percentage is usually doubled to 10% by Marc & Roland.
We also wanted to find a way to reward loyalty a bit extra. So next to this profit-sharing scheme we've added another 5% on top of it, distributed based on your years of service!
Pension Plan
As much as we would like you to retire a little already right now and enjoy life to the fullest, we also aim to take good care of you once you reach your retirement age (we have no longer a clue when this is precisely thanks to the various governments).
Pension plans are a pain. In Holland, we've chosen an option to compensate your pension plan for 100%, so it requires no contributions from you. We've also maxed out our contributions within the limits of the fiscal law.
The company that handles our pension plan in The Netherlands is Brand New Day, known for its transparency and lack of exorbitant handling fees. In other countries, there will be different arrangements.
Pension Plan
As much as we would like you to retire a little already right now and enjoy life to the fullest, we also aim to take good care of you once you reach your retirement age (we have no longer a clue when this is precisely thanks to the various governments).
Pension plans are a pain. In Holland, we've chosen an option to compensate your pension plan for 100%, so it requires no contributions from you. We've also maxed out our contributions within the limits of the fiscal law.
The company that handles our pension plan in The Netherlands is Brand New Day, known for its transparency and lack of exorbitant handling fees. In other countries, there will be different arrangements.
Overtime
We strive to keep overtime as limited as possible to ensure a healthy work/life balance. Nonetheless, if we ask you to work extra, we want to compensate it right.
Each month you can choose upfront for a "time-for-time" compensation or a "payout plan".
Payout Plan
When you have worked more than your contract hours in a week, overtime is paid 150% for working days, and 200% for the weekend and public holidays.
Time for Time Plan
Because of the flexible nature of the work hours we offer, all the extra worked hours are added to your remaining days/hours of holiday for 100% regardless of when they are performed.
Overtime
We strive to keep overtime as limited as possible to ensure a healthy work/life balance. Nonetheless, if we ask you to work extra, we want to compensate it right.
Each month you can choose upfront for a "time-for-time" compensation or a "payout plan".
Payout Plan
When you have worked more than your contract hours in a week, overtime is paid 150% for working days, and 200% for the weekend and public holidays.
Time for Time Plan
Because of the flexible nature of the work hours we offer, all the extra worked hours are added to your remaining days/hours of holiday for 100% regardless of when they are performed.
Senior Citizens Award
At Starware, we really value your loyalty, and therefore, have set up a special award to show our appreciation!
12,5 YEARS
You are really a loyal friend, 12,5 years on the same job. Who would have thought?!
You will get a half monthly salary as a bonus!
25 YEARS
25 years at Starware? Are you kidding me? You're like our number one fan!
You will get a monthly salary as a bonus!
40 YEARS
Ok, this is getting awkward. You are still with us?? This calls for a big party, a Zimmer frame, and a two-monthly salary bonus! But only if you promise to retire soon 😉
Senior Citizens Award
At Starware, we really value your loyalty, and therefore, have set up a special award to show our appreciation!
12,5 YEARS
You are really a loyal friend, 12,5 years on the same job. Who would have thought?!
You will get a half monthly salary as a bonus!
25 YEARS
25 years at Starware? Are you kidding me? You're like our number one fan!
You will get a monthly salary as a bonus!
40 YEARS
Ok, this is getting awkward. You are still with us?? This calls for a big party, a Zimmer frame, and a two-monthly salary bonus! But only if you promise to retire soon 😉
Food & Drinks
Starware provides for drinks at their offices. Plus, in Gouda, we offer free lunch prepared by Frank, who was trained by the best of the best to become our daily Chef.
Food & Drinks
Starware provides for drinks at their offices. Plus, in Gouda, we offer free lunch prepared by Frank, who was trained by the best of the best to become our daily Chef.
Dresscode
There is none! Wear what you like and feel comfortable with. Do try not offend your colleagues and customers.
So if you want to be like Borat and wear your mankini, that’s fine, but please, not during an important meeting! 😉
Dress code
There is none! Wear what you like and feel comfortable with. Do try not offend your colleagues and customers.
So if you want to wear your Mario outfit all year long, that's up to you, but please, not during an important meeting! 😉
Jobs on the side
We hope that you came to work at Starware because you love working here. We have no problem helping you get on another career path or other temporary projects outside of Starware.
We do value the principle of a healthy work/life balance, however. So talk to us first when you want to start another job on the side. Let's see if we can find something that works for both of us.
Jobs on the side
We hope that you came to work at Starware because you love working here. We have no problem helping you get on another career path or other temporary projects outside of Starware.
We do value the principle of a healthy work/life balance, however. So talk to us first when you want to start another job on the side. Let's see if we can find something that works for both of us.