Welcome back: now I’m “back home” in Sweden and working in Södertälje. I love having a casual chat with my colleagues during a fika (the typical Swedish coffee break) and telling them that chatting over a cup of coffee is very much part of work culture in Germany too… And that’s not the only Swedish-German similarity I’ve come to recognize at my new workplace.
The topics related to my area of responsibility, Talent Management, are the same as in Munich: fostering workplace culture at TRATON, promoting international cross-brand collaboration, programs for managers, and the project lead for implementing a new TRATON Group Employee Survey. In addition, the field of diversity and inclusion is part of my work. In the fall of 2024, a cross-brand HR working group organized a Diversity & Inclusion Day for TRATON GROUP for all brands and entities worldwide. During the hybrid event, we discussed how culture shapes us and the enormous potential of diversity to power innovation. That was very exciting! We can learn so much from each other if we leverage our different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
Across my HR work, I realize when it comes to working together across cultural borders, communication is key. The goal is to give employees at various locations and working cross-brand a guide for their day-to-day work. That’s why, among other things, we created “Culture Kits” for expats and colleagues who visit other TRATON sites on business trips and for anyone shaping cultural awareness in the TRATON community. The kits explain what is unique in the different work cultures and the most important Dos and Don’ts in the TRATON brand’s home countries. Using the leaflets and videos, employees can start to have a better understanding of the differences and to be better prepared for their collaboration or for trips and to avoid blunders.
I for example was surprised by the very direct way of communicating in Germany. Luckily, I quickly understood it wasn’t meant to offend but is rather an expression of purposefulness. During my twelve months in Germany, I really learned to appreciate that. This clarity in communication helps avoid misunderstandings and reach goals without diversions.
Without a doubt, knowing about other cultures prevents unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings. Cultural sensitivity towards people at other sites is critical for cooperation and business success. That’s why the Talent Management team views itself as part of something bigger. And I am proud to do my part in ensuring that many colleagues can see and use the chances being with such a large group offers for their own growth.
Our purpose, “Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.”, can only be realized if everybody gets involved. With an open work culture and a cordial, supportive work atmosphere, we at the Talent Management team are doing our part. Our goal is to enable all colleagues to reflect on their own conduct and not just learn about the various aspects of corporate culture at TRATON but also to make them part of their own work.
Of course, I’m happy to be back with my family and friends in Sweden – but sometimes I miss being in Munich. The people who welcomed me so openly have found their way into my heart. As have the city, its great surroundings, and the breathtaking nature there. I’m very glad I used the chances I got from the job rotation – for my personal development and for the benefit of TRATON.
Best regards from back in Sweden
Lisa Kleflund
