What Activities Make Microsoft Development Center Serbia Stand Out as a Workplace?
At Joberty, our goal is to provide tech professionals with insights into workplaces based on real employee experiences. One company that frequently earns high marks in salary and benefits on our platform is Microsoft Development Center Serbia (MDCS). To better understand what sets MDCS apart, we looked into their workplace culture, compensation strategies, work-life balance policies, and commitment to social impact.
A Culture That Encourages Growth and Collaboration
A strong workplace culture often plays a defining role in employee satisfaction. At MDCS, a key focus is on continuous learning and professional development.
This philosophy is reinforced by initiatives like The Garage, an internal space where employees can experiment with new ideas and collaborate on innovative projects.
MDCS also follows the One Microsoft approach, which emphasizes teamwork and cross-functional collaboration. Employees are encouraged to share knowledge across teams, helping to create an environment where collective expertise leads to better solutions.
Compensation and Benefits: More Than Just a Paycheck
MDCS recognizes that competitive compensation plays a role in attracting and retaining talent, but financial rewards are just one part of the bigger picture. The company offers industry-aligned salaries, performance-based bonuses, and stock options, ensuring that employees feel recognized for their contributions.
Beyond salary, the company provides a Perks+ budget, allowing employees to allocate funds toward personal and professional development, well-being, or equipment purchases. Additional benefits include:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage
- Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options
- Generous vacation and mental health days
- Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers
- The “Give” program, where employee charitable donations are matched by Microsoft
“Creating an environment where employees feel valued is just as important as offering competitive compensation,” MDCS notes.
Finding Balance: Work, Life, and Well-Being
Work-life balance is often a challenge in the tech industry, but MDCS has taken steps to support employees in managing their workloads. The company uses Microsoft Viva, a digital tool that provides insights into work patterns, helping employees optimize their schedules and prevent burnout.
Wellness programs and structured leave policies further contribute to maintaining a balanced and sustainable work culture. “Having flexibility in how we work allows employees to be productive while still having time for personal priorities,” the team shares.
Supporting the Broader Tech Community
Beyond fostering internal growth, MDCS invests in the wider tech community. The company collaborates with organizations like Petlja to support IT education initiatives, including coding workshops for neurodiverse children. They also work with the Science and Engineering Center (PFE), providing mentorship and resources for young students interested in STEM fields.
Other initiatives include Girls Know IT, which introduces young girls to career opportunities in tech, and the Women in IT program, which provides mentorship and support for women in the industry. “Encouraging diverse perspectives in tech benefits not just our company, but the industry as a whole,” MDCS explains.
Social Impact: Giving Back and Sustainability Efforts
MDCS employees actively participate in the Give Campaign, a company-wide initiative that raised $1.2 million and contributed 11,600 volunteer hours in 2024 alone. Locally, employees took part in an effort to create the Microsoft Serbia Forest, aiming to support reforestation and biodiversity.
Community Engagement Through Sport
Promoting an active lifestyle is also part of the MDCS culture. Their continued participation in the Belgrade Marathon has fostered a sense of camaraderie among employees, with multiple teams competing each year. In 2024, their corporate female relay team secured first place, adding to the company’s tradition of engagement in community events.
Looking to the Future
As MDCS marks its 20th anniversary, the company reflects on its evolution and its impact on the Serbian tech ecosystem.
MDCS’s approach to compensation, work-life balance, and community involvement offers valuable insights into what today’s tech employees prioritize in an employer.
Find out more on their profile on Joberty.
