Making All the Difference

As part of Gebr. Heinemann's value propositions, the Impressive Employee Program aims to transfer the company values on a local basis to the shop floors of the group. The initiative is designed to recognize, nurture, and engage the talents of Gebr. Heinemann's staff. One example of the program's impact is the dedication of the colleagues from Travel FREE Shops Romania operated by Heinrig.

“We believe our employees are our most valuable resource, and this initiative enhances their understanding of team and organizational dynamics, empowering them to excel and deliver memorable consumer experiences. To achieve this, we need not only impressive employees, but also leaders who actively support such programs,” explains Marian Solomon, General Manager of Heinrig Romania.

The program includes various workshops, training sessions, and mentorship opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees are encouraged to take on new challenges, share their ideas, and collaborate with colleagues across various departments. This not only supports personal development, but also strengthens the overall team dynamics and innovation within the company, be it locally or globally. The success of the program is evidenced by many employees having reported an increase in overall job satisfaction and a greater sense of belonging.

Sustainable Minds is a global, overarching, and internal ambassador network with over 50 members. The initiative covers the majority of Gebr. Heinemann's locations and was launched in May 2024. The primary goal of the Sustainable Minds network is to create a platform for exchange on the various aspects of sustainability. By leveraging the wide range of ideas and measures, all locations should benefit and, in turn, learn from the specific regional circumstances, such as cultural diversity, region, or size. The sustainability ambassadors play a crucial role in sharing and spreading ideas and knowledge within their teams on-site, encouraging a broader exchange on social and environmental topics. Every ambassador is encouraged to contribute ideas, opinions, and possible solutions, ensuring a collaborative, engaging, and inclusive environment. The network will continue to develop in 2025, combining theory and best practices, with short feedback sessions at the end of each meeting.

“It is important to foster understanding and awareness of sustainability by integrating it into the daily lives of the ambassadors at their locations. This network helps them to become more sensitive to the issue and to realize that sustainability should be thought of as an overarching topic, where every small decision counts and contributes to something bigger,” says Saskia Möller, Director Legal, Compliance & Sustainability.

The Train the Trainer program is designed to enhance the skills and competencies of employees from Gebr. Heinemann's inflight customers and partners. Last year, for instance, the Inflight team conducted several training sessions with crew members and representatives from Heinemann's airline partners. A series of additional training sessions with various partners and customers is planned for 2025.

The training covers a range of important topics, including professional demeanor, effective customer engagement, product knowledge, and strategies to motivate passengers to make purchases on board. The primary goal of this program is to delight passengers with an outstanding product range and an exceptionally trained airline crew. Therefore, Gebr. Heinemann collaborates closely with its partners to transfer skills and knowledge to their employees.

“We have been conducting these training sessions for several years. This year, we placed a special emphasis on engaging with the crew, further demonstrating Gebr. Heinemann's dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction,” explains Kira Cloers, Area Sales Manager Inflight.

Another global example of Gebr. Heinemann's commitment to making a difference is the partnership with MINDS, Singapore's largest social service agency for people with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs). Employees, with the help of the Learning & Development team, created a customer-centric learning module aimed at strengthening the employability of MINDS clients and enhancing their potential for financial independence.

This collaboration not only benefits Singapore's PWID community, but also showcases the dedication of the employees to perform acts of social good. By investing their time and expertise, Gebr. Heinemann's employees are making a tangible impact on the lives of others, reinforcing the core values of the company. This initiative is just one pillar of Gebr. Heinemann's support for MINDS, demonstrating how its employees truly make a difference by contributing to meaningful social causes around the globe.

From being the first point of contact with travelers at airports, cruises, border shops, and ferries, to being the face of the company to partners and engaging in impactful social initiatives, the dedicated and passionate employees within the Heinemann Group embody the company's values and mission. Their commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and social responsibility drives Gebr. Heinemann's success and is at the core of creating unforgettable experiences for travelers.

“Whether through local programs, training sessions, or global collaborations, our employees are at the heart of everything we do. By empowering our employees and providing them with opportunities to grow and make a difference, we ensure that they continue to be the driving force behind our corporate success. Because our employees make all the difference,” concludes Ché Lewer-Alpman.