Grown too fast and lost the family business character
Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich
They did handle the Covid situation excellent.
Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich
No focus on meritocracy, too much German influence for anyone used to a Swiss job-climate.
Verbesserungsvorschläge
Focus on staying technically relevant and less on being an HR-focused company. A German management-style is not necessarily a competitive factor when trying to attract native Swiss people. In many departments there is less than 10% Swiss employees. In management even less.
Arbeitsatmosphäre
As long as you don't question daily work-routines everything is relatively smooth. Older colleagues expect to not be challenged or introduced to new concepts. More than 60% are from Germany or France. Management is to a larger extent German. This has brought in a German work-culture including a focus on political correctness including compulsory online training in diversity and inclusion and much more hierarchical management style than most other Swiss companies.
Kommunikation
Expect consequences if you challenge (the mostly German) middle management.
Kollegenzusammenhalt
Is generally good and relaxed. Again avoid challenging old technology and suggesting new concepts.
Work-Life-Balance
The company is not really guided by meritocracy but more with loyalty to the company. If you stay a loyal happy camper and looking for a comfortable 9-5 job this is where you want to be.
Vorgesetztenverhalten
German management-style. Hierarchical Top-down communication. Management generally not technically experienced lacking an engineering perspective. The family-owned style company has left a long time ago. Now everything is focused on compliance and growth.
Interessante Aufgaben
Somewhat department dependant. Sensor Development is generally interesting and offering challenges. The calibration rig development is basically copy-paste and try make it work like last time. New concepts are actively opposed and treated as foreign and unsafe ("we have done this for 30 years and it works").
Gleichberechtigung
It is a male-dominated industry rooted in interest. But HR are trying their best to introduce a female perspective leading to the usual DIE-problems with promoting non-qualified women in management focusing on emotional safety issues rather than promoting people with technical interest and skill. This is the largest problem. The older base is retiring and HR are focused on gender equality. You need to be able to replace the older guys, if you are to keep the business, with technically interested and motivated people not trying to fill some gender-gap.
I read this HR-reply to another reviewer below: "Natürlich berücksichtigen wir in der Schweiz den Inländervorrang. Vor allem wählen wir unsere Mitarbeitenden aber danach aus, ob sie die Werte unseres Familienunternehmens teilen und unsere Kultur leben – und nicht nach ihrem Nummernschild".
Typical political correctness HR-lingo. Doesn't mean anything and just an excuse for not prioritizing hiring people located in Switzerland (more expensive). If you went the the Swiss authorities and told them that 80% of the Swiss candidates were rejected I think they would oppose this.
Umgang mit älteren Kollegen
Old and male is out. Trying to replace with young and diverse.
Arbeitsbedingungen
Good cantine with subsidised meals and free parking and bi-weekly after-work. On location Coffe-bar with real baristas.
Umwelt-/Sozialbewusstsein
Social awareness and somewhat supportive of people with families.
Gehalt/Benefits
Sub-median salaries topped up with around 1 months salary in bonus. Varying.
Image
Still considered a family business although in reality not any more.
Karriere/Weiterbildung
Deparment dependant. In many places you expect to be a contributor-Education takes time from meeting deadlines.
Arbeitgeber-Kommentar
Dear former colleague,
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
We appreciate your openness and are pleased that you had positive experiences with us. At the same time, we regret that our growth has led you to perceive less of the character that distinguishes a family-owned business. Your feedback is valuable and helps us continue to improve.
Kind regards,
HR Team Endress+Hauser Flow