The Reason Why
#5 Corporate Culture
“Pioneering innovative technologies for a sustainable future” – ElringKlinger’s purpose statement captures the essence of its core identity, expressing its raison d’être, its “corporate why.” At its heart, ElringKlinger is a company driven by a desire to innovate. At the same time, acting sustainably forms an integral part of its DNA. Today, as in the past, ElringKlinger is committed to embracing its responsibility towards its employees, suppliers, customers, shareholders, and society as a whole. On the path to transformation, corporate culture is one of the five success factors defined within the scope of ElringKlinger’s SHAPE30 Group strategy. We asked ElringKlinger employees around the globe about the company’s purpose and its corporate culture as well as what motivates them. And what is your “personal why?”
I enjoy working in an environment that is defined by openness, good communication, and a pleasant atmosphere. Other essential aspects include clear structures and the opportunity for personal development. To me, it is important that ideas are heard, that teamwork is based on trust, respect, and appreciation, and that there is ample room for creativity and a sense of initiative. What I appreciate most about my colleagues is their team spirit, their eagerness to help each other, and their positive mindset. For me, a mix of professionalism and humor, combined with mutual support, helps to create an environment in which people feel comfortable and can be successful together.
ElringKlinger employees work together all over the world, engaging in dialogue with one another in a range of languages. Ultimately, however, the company’s prowess in the field of innovation and the technologies we offer our customers show that we all speak the same language at ElringKlinger. Our day-to-day work brings together a diverse range of experiences and professional backgrounds. It’s about sharing ideas, discussing specific processes, and exchanging newly acquired knowledge. This forms the basis for well-coordinated working relationships built on trust and a big-picture view of the business. The diversity of its people and the knowledge they apply for the purpose of driving the company forward – that is the essence of ElringKlinger.
Sustainability is an important issue for me in general – of course, I’m thinking in particular about the future of my children in this context. The more responsibly we use the world’s existing resources, the better life will be for future generations. When it comes to developing advanced technologies, products, and processes, it is essential that all units at ElringKlinger work hand in hand. In addition, efforts to optimize our established products and processes are still ongoing and call for teamwork. I find being part of this interdisciplinary partnership and working together to develop innovative technologies for a sustainable future extremely motivating and exciting.
#Food for thought
5 pointers for your personal why
1. What is most important to you personally in your life?
There is always time for the important things – it’s simply a question of prioritizing.
2. What is something you really want to have done in your lifetime?
Goals give life direction.
3. What makes you truly happy?
It is impossible to measure happiness, but there is a rule of thumb: happiness shared is happiness doubled!
4. What do you need to be content?
One needs less than one thinks to be content.
5. What talents do you have and how do you apply them within your surroundings?
Strength comes from standing up for others.
“We have not inherited the world from our forefathers – we have borrowed it from our children.” Based on this proverb, sustainable practices should be a matter of course for all of us. As a global company, ElringKlinger is obliged to meet quantifiable targets relating to sustainability. At the same time, it is imperative that we contribute to the improvement of environmental, social, and ethical conditions in our immediate surroundings – on our own initiative and with a thorough sense of commitment. In Changchun, for example, we at ElringKlinger support local facilities for people with disabilities. We assist in promoting their products, providing financial support, and at the same time demonstrating our appreciation for the people involved.
In my opinion, there are several aspects that define a successful corporate culture. First, leadership is of crucial importance. It is essential that managers are role models and embody the company’s values as part of their daily work. In addition, at ElringKlinger we cultivate an environment of open communication in which each and every employee is empowered to contribute ideas. The employees display confidence and never shy away from taking on challenges or making decisions. We embrace mistakes as a source of learning. Finally, we support different forms of cultural expression within the teams and at the same time ensure that our core values and principles are upheld.
What motivates me in my day-to-day work is the opportunity to contribute to technological development at an industrial level, to take on new challenges, and to solve problems. ElringKlinger offers a professional environment that fosters innovation and teamwork, aspects that are very important to me. Alongside the thoroughly absorbing subject-specific topics, above all it’s about the people. I relish the chance to work with and learn from talented, well-trained colleagues, while contributing to the success of the team. Together, we are shaping the future of ElringKlinger. Last but not least, my family and friends give me a tremendous amount of inspiration for what I do and encourage me to excel.
