Wienerberger is composed of 17,000 employees gathered around a common vision oriented towards the company’s results, growth and development. They adjust their working conditions not only to Serbian standards, but also to those of EU countries
Thanks to the strength of its team, this Kanjiža-based company has become a stable and sustainable system that serves as an example for others to learn from, a partner that is trusted and a pillar of support that can be relied upon. Here the company’s HR manager, Tinde Lakanović, reveals how.
You often point out with pride that your employees are among the crucial factors of your success. But how is Wienerberger as an employer?
At Wienerberger, we consider the opinions of our colleagues as being crucially importance, which is why we conduct employee surveys. And based on the feedback provided by those surveys, we devise plans for improvement project.
The results of last year’s survey show that satisfaction is at a high level. We have a very challenging geographical position, as our factory is close to Hungary, so our colleagues have the option of securing work in that country, where wages are significantly higher than they are in our country.
When seeking new colleagues, you look for self-motivated and dedicated people, those who are capable of thinking and acting like entrepreneurs; people who are focused on solutions and personal responsibility. Why do you value those qualities?
Our team is unified by the synergy of its experience, knowledge, youth and energy. We are proud of our large number of development programmes for future experts, through which we endeavour to provide each team member with the knowhow principle of our operations. It is thanks precisely to the strength of the team that Wienerberger is today a stable and sustainable system that serves as an example for others to learn from, a partner that is trusted and a pillar of support that can be relied upon.
At Wienerberger, we together celebrate all holidays, try traditional cuisines of different cultures and socialise while listening to different types of music
Regardless of current labour market trends, Wienerberger has spent years growing beyond its limits, together with its employees, through constant advances, innovations and intelligent decisions, and has proven that the loyalty and dedication of employees are built over the course of many years. Alongside the priceless experience of working in a multinational and multicultural environment that provides opportunities for personal advancement, learning and contribution, both in Serbia and abroad, I would single out in particular the numerous benefits for employees, such as private health insurance, sporting activities and anti-stress team building exercises.
How challenging is it to work in a multicultural environment; what is your company like as a workplace and what are its advantages?
The Wienerberger team in Serbia is diverse, just like the area where our factory is located in northern Vojvodina and Kanjiža. Our products reach markets throughout the region, so our sales team adds to the diversity of the organisation of Wienerberger Central Balkan. This is something that makes us extremely proud, because it proves that we are a company where everyone is considered equal and has the same rights. The advantages of such an environment are learning and developing on a daily basis, because in our workplace we encounter different habits, customs and cultures, which functions wonderfully thanks to good leadership. At Wienerberger, we together celebrate all holidays, try traditional cuisines of different cultures and socialise while listening to different types of music.
What do you consider as being your greatest personal success at Wienerberger?
In a company and industry that is predominantly analogue and traditional, I’ve managed to implement positive practises and procedures, as well as digital tools that have helped improve the work of many colleagues in the organisation. The positive atmosphere within the team, which comprises people with over 30 years of experience and colleagues just embarking on their career journeys, is one of the successes that gives me a particular sense of pride. We really are an environment where everyone is welcome and everyone can advance.