A strong corporate culture and employee experience are not only a strong competitive advantage, but also an important factor in increasing employee engagement and satisfaction.
In this edition of Ask the Expert, we hear from Tatjana Zbinden from isolutions on how she deals with these issues. Isolutions is a leading Swiss IT consultancy that accompanies companies into the digital future.
This interview was originally published by Christine Bachmann on November 23, 2022 on HR Today, the leading Swiss trade magazine for HR managers.
You can also download the interview here: Download interview.
Which HR topics are currently keeping you on your toes the most?
Our company is growing rapidly due to the ongoing digitalization. This makes recruiting and employer branding very important. We are also focusing on the development of our employees and managers. At the beginning of the year, we launched our Leadership Academy with five training modules and accompanying personal development interviews, and in January we launched our new talent management program. Using a self-nomination process, we are trying to identify our most motivated talents as early as possible and prepare them with tailored programs for important roles that will arise in the future as a result of our growth. There is a widespread shortage of skilled workers in the technology sector.
What do you do differently from your competitors?
We differentiate ourselves by offering an excellent employee experience.
What are the elements of such an employee experience and how do you design it?
The physical, technological and cultural working environment are elements that contribute to a good employee experience. We are in a prime location with our premises. Our technological working environment meets all the criteria of a modern, hybrid way of working - we don't just sell digitalization, we live it. And last but not least: Shaping our culture is very important to us; our core values of credibility, curiosity and enthusiasm are strongly anchored.
Speaking of culture: you are responsible for over 200 employees at four locations. How do you shape the corporate culture and cohesion?
We maintain open and honest communication. Every Monday morning, we have a hybrid 15-minute "zäme rede" to start the week - we connect all locations for this. In addition, information is passed on quickly and transparently via our "ahead" intranet solution and employees are encouraged to comment on it. Everyone can also post stories and draw attention to topics from their own business and private environment. In addition to these measures, we make every effort to create extraordinary event experiences that facilitate personal interaction. Last June, for example, we took the whole crew to a multi-day beach boot camp in Barcelona. We also invited potential employees to attend by awarding wild cards.
In 2021, you were presented with the "Great Place To Work" award. What does that mean to you?
Very much. We have always been aware that we invest a lot in our culture and good cooperation. To have this effort confirmed externally with a label is an appreciation of the work we have done. We were particularly pleased that we landed in a top position the first time it was carried out.
What distinguishes your HR team?
We work closely with our crew and involve them and their needs in the design of many HR topics. We also have a modern way of thinking and working, work with progressive HR practices and are dedicated to New Work topics.
Where do you see yourself and your team in the future?
We continue to pursue the vision of offering the best customer and employee experience and being a pioneer within the entire HR industry with exemplary, modern working methods and forms.
