Healthy growth thanks to the rapid integration of employees
Fast-growing companies such as Einhell Germany AG face multiple challenges when it comes to staffing: Alongside recruitment, onboarding, career planning and development, new employees both nationally and internationally have to be integrated rapidly and sustainably into the corporate culture. At Einhell, the focus is placed firmly on esteem, a close relationship with staff, and communication of the company's values.
Shaping, not managing
Over the last five years, Einhell Germany AG has been able to increase its sales from around 600 million euros to roughly one billion euros. In addition to this significant growth in sales, the workforce has also risen from about 1,500 to over 2,500. The strategic plan for the next few years aims to deliver further expansion to two billion euros in sales and 3,200 employees
For Einhell, human resource management in a company experiencing rapid growth means striking a balance between managing growth and safeguarding the benefits of a small to mid-sized enterprise while at the same time building an organizational structure that is commensurate with the future size of the company. “This task calls for shaping, not managing,” emphasizes Hans-Peter Rostan, Director Group Human Resources at Einhell Germany AG. “Essentially, the structures of the individual departments need to be constantly adjusted to the requirements of our ambitious growth targets. And by growth we don't just mean the workforce, but in our case internal and external aspirations as well.”
Communicating strengths and values
“If we are to strike the appropriate balance, we need to constantly ask ourselves: What makes us who we are? What makes us successful?”, says Hans-Peter Rostan. “The strengths and values we identify should not be ‘sacrificed’ on the altar of organizational issues. That's why, when integrating new colleagues, we instill in them our open communication structures, rapid but balanced decision-making in very flat hierarchies, and the involvement of everyone in the further development of the company.” By taking appropriate organizational and personnel development measures, the experts in the HR department must lay a foundation that ensures the right people with the right qualifications are also equipped to handle the tasks facing a dynamic and consistently evolving business.
Integration based on esteem
One of the key challenges just recently has been the integration of Zinsano, a new subsidiary in Thailand. The issue here was how to integrate a regionally based, locally focused and centrally managed company into the Einhell Group. As there was no actual management tier below the managing director, intensive collaboration was required in order to insert a further management level with additional colleagues who already had experience in a consolidated structure. A specialist from headquarters was also appointed to the management team in order to establish even greater cultural ties with the Group. A multi-day workshop led by the HR department was then held with the new management team, enabling them not only to get to know each other but also to discuss important issues relating to the integration in detail prior to reaching decisions.
Whether it’s a matter of filling individual positions or incorporating a whole new workforce from acquired companies, one thing is always essential, Hans-Peter Rostan emphasizes: “We welcome everyone warmly right from the start, and we see and esteem each of them as an individual. It is hugely important for us to give the new colleagues a sense of this as well.”
About Einhell Germany AG
Einhell is a leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art tools and devices for the house and garden and will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. From its headquarters in Landau/Isar (Bavaria), the internationally successful company has continuously expanded its innovative rechargeable battery platform Power X-Change and is now the market leader in the area of cordless tools and garden devices. For many years Einhell has set new standards in terms of endurance, performance, and safety. Einhell customers appreciate the freedom of cordless operation for all their DIY projects, as well as the excellent value for money that Einhell products represent and the first-class customer service offered by the company.