4 Weeks, Lasting Impact: My SAP Social Sabbatical Journey Begins
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Have you ever heard that quote from Helen Keller? It resonates with me as I think about my next four weeks with the SAP Social Sabbatical. The program immerses you in a whirlwind collaboration — navigating cultural nuances and time constraints to make a real difference for local organizations and communities around the world.
Answering the Call for Social Responsibility through the SAP Social Sabbatical
These days, I’ve been observing how people are increasingly focused on purpose-driven work. They actively seek out companies that align with their values. In fact, a study by Porter Novelli found that over half the workforce expects their employers to champion social justice issues. That translates to a stronger link between employee engagement and CSR initiatives.
In my 14 years at SAP, I’ve seen firsthand how we strive to bring our best to the world in everything we do. The SAP Social Sabbatical is the perfect embodiment of that ideal. It empowers us to lead with purpose and leverage our skills for social good through pro bono consulting with nonprofits and social enterprises.
About SAP Social Sabbatical: A Meaningful Blend of Impact and Growth
What I love about this program is the chance to work on-site with a diverse, cross-functional team, tackling significant challenges for these organizations. We get to learn from the local context and ensure our solutions are culturally relevant and sustainable. It pushes us to step outside our comfort zones, adapt, innovate, and deliver meaningful results within a short period.
The skills and benefits we gain are invaluable — entrepreneurial thinking, innovative problem-solving, intercultural sensitivity, networking opportunities, and the chance to see visible social change. Since its inception in 2012, the SAP Social Sabbatical has become a cornerstone of SAP’s CSR strategy. Having celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022, it’s clear this program is about more than just doing good — it’s about empowering us to become future leaders.
Leaving a Legacy of Change: A Snapshot of the Program
· Global Engagement: One-month immersive assignments in emerging markets for high-potential employees.
· Social Influence: 477 client organizations, 52 host countries, 460+ jobs created, 6.41 million lives impacted, 1,441 total participants, 62 nationalities, 376,000+ volunteer hours.
· Business Value: 70% of participants report positive long-term career outcomes; 86% experience an increased ability to manage global teams.
· Personal Growth: 88% credit the program with a lasting personal transformation — 24% gained a new perspective, 18% increased confidence, 14% improved networking.
The program combines social impact and business value to bring sustainable benefits. I believe that it creates a ripple effect of positive change, benefiting social sector organizations, their beneficiaries, us employees, and the company itself. It embodies SAP’s commitment to driving long-term results as an enabler and exemplar — focusing on zero emissions, zero waste, and zero inequality.
A Competitive Yet Rewarding Opportunity
As I ponder over the highly selective nature of the SAP Social Sabbatical, I’m reminded of the meticulous application process. Acceptance into the program is limited to only a chosen few who meet specific criteria. You have to be part of the Catalyst Development Program with at least two years as a full-time, permanent employee. The application process evaluates our general motivation and understanding of the program, as well as our soft skills like resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. They also look at our relevant skills and experience, and match it with the project’s scope of work.
Diversity is key when forming these teams — they want a mix of country representation and functional areas to enhance the problem-solving process. This year, 96 of us were selected for 8 different assignment locations around the world, and I’m proud to be one of them!
Connecting the Dots: Why this Program Resonated with Me
To be honest, when I first learned about the SAP Social Sabbatical, I was inspired by SAP’s dedication to creating lasting change and fostering social innovation. It aligns with my own values and aspirations. Reading about my colleagues’ experiences just cemented my resolve to apply.
“I can tell you that every single one of us [SAP employees], we came back different people. And I honestly believe this is the single best thing that has happened to my life.” — Mahuya Paul
“But perhaps the highlight of the week was the camaraderie within our team. Working alongside such a dynamic and passionate group of individuals has been an absolute pleasure.”
— Amit Banavalikar
“They have opened up their business, their home and their minds to us, and were eager to absorb any bit of information that could help them chase their dream.” — Dekel Liberman
“Social Sabbatical (SoSa) experience, has genuinely been an amalgamation of making a meaningful impact, finding contentment and embracing fun while experiencing unique learnings all the way.” — Pranav
“Having lived through this transformative experience, I can sincerely reaffirm that working as a pro bono consultant was not just an opportunity to give back; it was also a chance to learn and grow as an individual.” — PilarNR
“But Social Sabbatical is not a project, it is a journey of self-reflection, a non-linear evaluation, and a series of new human connections with people you’d never ordinarily meet in your daily life.” — Lisa Lewis
You see, I’ve always had a passion for giving back to communities, and I firmly believe in the power of diversity, collaboration, and shared knowledge. Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to work in multi-disciplinary teams, both locally and globally. It’s instilled in me an appreciation for different perspectives when it comes to solving problems.
From driving demand generation and spearheading the SAP Training Chatbot project globally to supporting regional Nation Building initiatives — these engagements went far beyond achieving individual goals. They honed my strategic thinking, execution skills, and most importantly, revealed the powerful connections between seemingly separate areas.
One of my proudest achievements was connecting SAP aspirants, training providers, and resource seekers in India, helping to close the skills gap through technology. I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by young professionals who were eager to build careers in the SAP ecosystem but lacked access to quality training and job opportunities. By leveraging my understanding of the ecosystem, expertise in digital solutions, and passion for community empowerment, I developed a platform that’s now connected thousands of individuals with the resources they need to achieve their goals.
More about my professional journey:
· Experience: Over a decade at SAP, involved in diverse projects, optimizing sales operations, and owning programs for SAP Training and Adoption.
· Strengths: Modest, analytical, and self-confident. I am motivated by meaningful order, thinking things through, pursuing independent interests, and making logical connections that create “aha” moments.
· Priorities: Enabling teams for business growth, digital strategy execution and review, innovation towards newer go-to-market strategies, flawless execution of demand gen activities.
The SAP Social Sabbatical is really the culmination of my experiences. It’s a chance for me to directly apply my skills and knowledge to tackle social issues and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. It’s a chance to truly bring my best to the world.
Extending My Commitment to Social Impact
I’m not new to social programs. I volunteered for Africa Code Week, connecting with bright young minds from diverse backgrounds across the African continent — bridging the digital divide and promoting digital literacy, equipping them for future careers. I have also volunteered with the Hope Foundation in India, supporting underprivileged youth.
As the SPOC for the Code Unnati 10k Certification program in India, I have had the privilege of delivering enablement sessions to partners and information sessions to participating students –inspiring and guiding them on their path to success in the world of coding and technology.
But this is an opportunity to take my commitment to social impact to the next level. As Muhammad Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” I truly believe businesses have a crucial role to play in addressing today’s challenges. And the SAP Social Sabbatical allows me to be part of that change, working alongside fellow colleagues from around the world as changemakers and social innovators.
What I Hope to Gain through this Sabbatical
· Global Understanding and Reach: Enhance my cross-cultural competency and sensitivity by working on societal betterment projects in different regions.
· Leadership Skills: Refine my problem-solving abilities and develop innovative solutions through exposure to varying work dynamics.
· Empathy and Compassion: Cultivate a deeper sense of empathy to build authentic connections with customers, partners, and colleagues.
Impetus Behind Change: The SAP Global Team and Pyxera Global
I would like to thank the SAP Global Team of SAP Social Sabbatical– Hemang Desai, Global Program Director, SAP Social Sabbatical Portfolio, and Julia Donovan, Global CSR Specialist, SAP Social Sabbatical Portfolio, for their stewardship of this program and ensuring it continues to scale and drive impact year after year.
I also extend my gratitude to Pyxera Global, a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington D.C. with a mission to bolster communities and accelerate systemic change. For over thirty years, Pyxera Global has delivered solutions across more than 100 countries on five continents by skillfully combining resources from public, private, and volunteer sectors.
As SAP’s implementing partner, Pyxera Global oversees logistics for the SAP Social Sabbatical, ensuring seamless program execution. They forge transformative partnerships, generating shared value for clients in emerging markets. Special recognition goes to program managers Claudia Kaupert and Rajesh Varghese for their pivotal contributions and the support they provide.
Selamat #Malaysia!
I realize the journey is different for each person. As a member of the prestigious SAP Social Sabbatical, an initiative that challenges employees to lend their skills and expertise to purpose-driven causes, I am filled with excitement and anticipation.
My team comprising Daniela Norato Auer from Munich (Germany), Neha Agrawal from Heidelberg (Germany), and I from Bangalore (India), will be working with a non-profit organization in Malaysia, dedicated to supporting youth at risk. We’re fortunate to have Jessica Low, Chief Financial Officer, SAP Malaysia, as our team mentor. A proud alumnus of the SAP Social Sabbatical program, Jessica brings invaluable experience and guidance to our endeavor.
The organization aims to transform these young individuals by changing their attitudes and equipping them with market-relevant technical skills, helping them reintegrate into mainstream society.
The @SAP Social Sabbatical is more than just a program; it’s an adventure of personal and professional growth, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a commitment to making the world a better place. As I look ahead, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to SAP’s mission and excited about this chapter of my @LifeatSAP. I can’t wait to see the positive change we can create together.
As Margaret Mead, American Cultural Anthropologist, so aptly said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Stay tuned for more updates from Malaysia in my next blog!
