At Kaufland e-commerce, flat hierarchies are a matter of course – and more than just a trendy slogan. Despite the growth our company has experienced in recent years, we are committed to maintaining the authentic start-up mentality that defined us early on – where everyone has a voice and good ideas are valued no matter where they come from. We work together as equals and respect every colleague, their abilities and their ideas.
Flat hierarchies are more than just a buzzword at our company. No matter whether you are a Head of, Team Lead or Junior – here, everyone can contribute their ideas, try out new things, and take the initiative. This ethos of equality is the reason my job is so much fun. – Elena, Senior Online Editor
Trust and room for development
What does this mean in practice? Here, each and every idea is taken seriously, and the best are put into practice – as part of our company principle: “Shoot for the moon”. Regardless of your position in the company, you get the trust and support you need to grow and implement your ideas. Our colleagues can always actively contribute their ideas and get involved whenever possible – in brainstorming, carrying out projects, or feedback processes. That’s the same for everyone, right from the start.
At KEC, it’s not about how long you’ve been here, it’s about what you bring to the table.
Flat hierarchies give me the trust and space to express ideas, help shape projects and continue developing – with honest feedback and real support. – Larissa, Junior Information Security Manager.
Flat hierarchies: part of our corporate culture
How are we able to maintain this authentic start-up atmosphere, despite our size? The answer lies in our corporate culture, which is shaped by our company principles:
- Open communication: Anyone can speak directly with anyone else – without detours over multiple levels of hierarchy. This is anchored in our principle “Create transparency, earn trust”. A trustworthy relationship can only be built on transparency and honesty – whether it’s with a Team Lead, Management, or a student worker.
- Fast decision-making pathways: Ideas aren’t discussed in endless rounds of coordination. Instead, decisions are made and implemented fast. This helps us to live up to our principle of “Move fast, get (sh)it done”.
- Experimentation and no-blame culture: As part of our company principles “Fail Forward” and “Disagree & Commit”, we encourage employees to engage in dialogue, try out new approaches and learn from mistakes.
- Real feedback: We give feedback to one another continuously in every direction, as part of our principle “Role model at all times”. Constructive feedback promotes continuous development.
Your voice counts – from day one
Whether you are a student worker at Kaufland e-commerce while getting your degree or starting your career as a trainee: Your perspective is valuable. We know that fresh ideas and new perspectives move our company forward. That is why we purposefully make space for everyone to participate: in meetings, projects, informal discussions, or any time via Slack. For seniors and managers, this means they get lots of creative new ideas. Then, they can use their experience to transform these into successful projects. Our flat hierarchies promote mutual trust and create teams who work together, which reduces the workload for the management level. In addition, regular feedback from team members to their Lead helps ensure ongoing development on this level as well.
When I started at KEC as a trainee over seven years ago, I immediately noticed the open, team-focussed culture. Although I was fresh out of university and had little job experience, I was considered a valuable team member right from the start. My ideas, thoughts and experiences weren’t just listened to, they were actively sought out. This positive experience made an impression on me, and it’s a key part of my work. Now, as a Team Lead, I greatly value and foster this open culture of mutual respect. For me, flat hierarchies aren’t just a concept – they’re an everyday reality that fosters both collaboration and innovation at our company. – Nora, Team Lead Social Media
Why flat hierarchies are important for you
In an environment characterised by flat hierarchies, you benefit from:
- A faster learning curve: Direct contact with experienced colleagues and participating in projects accelerates your development. Without rigid hierarchies, you can take on responsibility earlier and develop your skills. Your performance is what counts, not your position in the corporate hierarchy.
- Great responsibility: You take on your own projects and tasks early on, so you can test out your skills.
- More creative freedom: Your ideas have a real chance of being implemented. You are not just carrying out orders; you are helping to actively shape your work area.
- Efficiency and a job with an impact: Less bureaucracy means more efficient work. You don’t waste time with unnecessary coordination; instead, you can concentrate on what’s really important.
- Authentic relationships: At our company, we value collaboration, personal exchange, and team events that foster togetherness – instead of rigid hierarchies.
Mobile working as part of our philosophy
Working with flat hierarchies is possible only when we trust our teams, and when every employee is granted a great deal of personal responsibility. Our employees can work in the office as well as remotely. We can offer this flexibility because we maintain a climate of trust no matter the work site, while flat hierarchies ensure a high level of personal responsibility for individual employees.
At Kaufland e-commerce, flat hierarchies aren’t just a promise – they are a reality. If you are looking for a work environment where your ideas will be valued and where you can shape the future right from the start, then Kaufland e-commerce is the right choice for you.