West Arete

West Arete is a certified B Corporation specializing in custom software development for higher education institutions. Founded in 2005, the company focuses on creating highly specialized solutions that address the unique needs of universities and colleges. They are dedicated to empowering their team to craft meaningful software that makes a positive impact, aligning with their core values of empathy, craftsmanship, and a team-first approach.

West Arete distinguishes itself from traditional software vendors by offering "enterprise software designed for an audience of one." This approach focuses on understanding a client's specific needs and building solutions that perfectly model their workflows and processes. They emphasize a collaborative partnership with their clients and prioritize providing a positive work environment for their employees.

West Arete provides flexible work schedules, allowing employees to manage their work, family, and personal time within the requirements of a full-time position. They also offer generous paid time off, including four weeks of vacation, a mandatory three-week sabbatical each year after one year of employment, and additional time off for illness, family emergencies, appointments, bereavement, and religious holidays.

West Arete offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes employee well-being and personal growth. Employees receive full coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with contributions to a health savings account. A generous vacation policy provides four weeks of paid time off annually, while a unique mandatory three-week sabbatical each year allows for complete disconnection and personal development. Additionally, employees receive two weeks of absent time, six days of federal holidays, and 20 hours of paid time off for volunteering. West Arete also provides a contribution to an IRA retirement plan and covers the cost of term life and AD&D insurance. To further encourage mental and cultural wellness, the company provides an annual CHIMP bonus for memberships to museums, parks, and other venues.

West Arete is a software development company that is committed to creating custom software solutions for higher education institutions and other organizations that are making a positive impact on the world. They believe that universities deserve better software, and employees deserve better work environments. Their mission is to work alongside visionary clients and colleagues, crafting software that makes a positive impact, to lift up the communities that they live in, the environment that surrounds them, and the individuals within them, to provide opportunities for the curious to discover the joy of creating elegant, useful software, to lead the way on sustainable, responsible business and share with others how it can be done, and to provide a place to do the best possible work while leading the best possible life with those you love both inside and outside of work.

West Arete fosters a culture centered around making a positive impact on the world. They prioritize ethical business practices, evident in their commitment to being a certified B Corporation and a 1% for the Planet member. This commitment extends to their employees, who are encouraged to pursue personal growth and are offered generous benefits, including paid time off and a mandatory three-week sabbatical annually. The company emphasizes collaboration, professional development, and mentorship, creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported. Their team-first approach encourages open communication and a shared sense of purpose.

West Arete is committed to creating a diverse and equitable workplace, not as lip service, but as a core value. They believe in fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and stable environment for all employees, regardless of their background, and are dedicated to ensuring that everyone feels safe and respected. This commitment extends beyond their internal practices to their work with clients and the broader community, reflecting their belief in using the power of business for good.