In a tech industry where “culture” can often feel like a buzzword, SDI Presence seems to have turned it into a business strategy. The Chicago-based IT consultancy and managed services firm has been named to the Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for the eighth consecutive year—a streak that underscores its steady investment in people, purpose, and now, AI.
The Top Workplaces list isn’t determined by branding or perks but by data—specifically, anonymous employee feedback. The survey measures engagement, empowerment, leadership effectiveness, and alignment with company values. For SDI, that means the win comes straight from the people who live its culture daily.
“We’re not just creating a great place to work—we’re creating a space where purpose, innovation, and empowerment drive meaningful impact,” said Hardik Bhatt, CEO of SDI Presence.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
While some tech firms chase talent across global hubs, SDI is doubling down locally. Its Xchange Chicago initiative—an onshore delivery and call center in the city’s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood—aims to bridge tech opportunity gaps by training and employing local talent. The program not only strengthens Chicago’s tech pipeline but also aligns with a growing industry trend: onshoring critical IT roles to enhance resilience and community impact.
At a time when automation and AI are reshaping IT operations, SDI isn’t leaving its workforce behind. The company has rolled out AI training programs for employees across all departments, ensuring teams stay fluent in emerging tools and technologies. It’s a move that mirrors similar reskilling pushes by enterprise tech players like Accenture and IBM—where the new competitive advantage lies not in tech adoption alone, but in tech fluency.
The Long Game: Culture as Infrastructure
Eight consecutive workplace awards don’t happen by accident. SDI’s focus on professional development, leadership readiness, and collaboration has positioned it as a standout in the managed services sector, where high burnout and turnover rates are common. In an era where talent retention can make or break IT service delivery, SDI’s people-first culture looks less like a “nice-to-have” and more like critical infrastructure.
The message behind this year’s recognition is clear: for SDI, technology and human capital aren’t competing priorities—they’re the same playbook.
Join thousands of HR leaders who rely on HRTechEdge for the latest in workforce technology, AI-driven HR solutions, and strategic insights
