We will work on process automation, strengthening and developing our organization, boosting the brand and positioning Gebrüder Weiss as a desirable employer.
“The long history of Gebrüder Weiss has given us confidence in challenging moments and brought us back to what is right. The pandemic has brought into question first the health of the population and then the economy, but we should always learn from such unforeseen situations, and if possible use them as a training ground,” says Marija Kosanović, the Human Resources Manager at Gebrüder Weiss, for the February issue of D&C magazine.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to the closure of many borders worldwide. How has this affected the way Gebrüder Weiss organized the work for its employees who are primarily involved in transportation?
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the whole world to its knees and brought into question first of all health and then the economy, stability and sustainability. We faced various challenges; some really seemed unsolvable, but still, from today’s perspective, that was a training ground for learning, development and adaptation. We have learned that it is possible to organize remote work and provide good and quality service in changed business conditions, that timely and clear communication is crucial, and that flexibility is extremely important, in every sense of the word. We often fall back on the company’s long history and that gives us strength, instils confidence and points us in the right direction.
What work challenges did your employees most often encounter (if they have worked from home) during the pandemic, and how did you respond to their needs? Did you have to introduce any innovations in the work organization?
Working from home was once considered a good and important benefit. Many organizations worked in this way to establish a balance between private and professional lives of their employees. In such changed circumstances, when almost all family members work or study from home, we can hardly talk about balance. In that sense, our employees mostly had doubts on how to organize a working day and fulfil work tasks within the set deadline. As a company focused on service excellence and for which customers are an important part of the business, the biggest challenge was to maintain that kind of balance, i.e. to keep customers satisfied, to meet their expectations, on the one hand, and to recognize and meet the needs of our employees, on the other.
“The company’s goal is to continue having a stable and sustainable business, innovation and digitalization which also correspond to the goals of the HR sector”
The success of every company is due to the people who work for it. The pandemic aside, how does Gebrüder Weiss motivate its employees and contribute to making work for this company a pleasure?
We share the same values with our employees and that is very important to us. Integrity, dedication, teamwork and flexibility are just some of the values that make our team strong and the working environment inspiring. We listen to the needs of our employees, recognize them, encourage employees to develop and learn and reward initiative and good results.
What are your goals when it comes to the HR sector for 2021?
The company’s goal is to continue having a stable and sustainable business, innovation and digitalization which also correspond to the goals of the HR sector. We will work on process automation, strengthening and developing the organization, boosting the brand and positioning Gebrüder Weiss as a desirable employer.