Employee stories: Interview with Birgit, Team Leader Administration & Purchasing

(laughs) Not at all! Even if I can understand a little if someone thinks that way about our field of work. When I was invited to the job interview at JTL, not all of the tasks described immediately appealed to me. But I wanted to get to know JTL and that was a very good decision: The interview went great! I liked everyone I met right from the start. I was also impressed by the high-quality office equipment and the many goodies we enjoy at JTL. I didn’t know that from previous employers.

We basically handle all accounting transactions and processes for customers. For example, if someone has a question about invoices, license renewals or bookings, they can contact us via the service hotline. We also take care of employee matters such as processing sick notes or organizing office snacks. When everyone had to work from home due to coronavirus, we pushed ahead with the introduction of digital meal vouchers with the provider ‘Hrmony’. In my role as team leader, I also always keep an eye on the distribution of tasks within the team and the efficiency of processes.

Basically, I love working with people. That’s why I really enjoy leading my team. I’m also passionate about process optimization. I look to see where something could best be automated or made simpler. I really enjoy conceptual work. My colleagues say I have a knack for eliminating work.

The atmosphere is very friendly. When I became team leader, it was extremely important to me that my four female colleagues were behind me and that I “wore the hat”. When our Managing Director Ralph asked me if I would like to take on this task, I said: “I have to ask the girls first.” Fortunately, they were fully behind me. When the time came, I was literally given a hat with the words “Birgit for President” on it.

Yes, things are very lively here. We joke around and decide a lot of things democratically. Of course, there are things that have to be implemented, but as team leader I try to leave as much room as possible for decision-making freedom.

It’s a long story. I moved to England when I was 19 years old. I also lived in the USA and Canada with my husband at the time. My favorite job there was in childcare. When I returned to Germany, I had to reorient myself as I hadn’t completed my training in Germany. In the meantime, I had two sons and thought to myself: if I have children around me all day, I might not feel like looking after my own – and that wasn’t an option! I decided to look for a traditional office job where I could also use my fluent English. I finally found an institute where I could train as an office administrator.

Yes, but I think that’s something that defines me to a certain extent, that I’m able to persevere in times like these. After my apprenticeship, I worked in a wide variety of office jobs, for example in the furniture and jewelry trade.

Constantly “looking ahead”, i.e. constantly asking ourselves: Where can things be improved? How can we make a process even simpler and more efficient or develop something new? This “where is there still room for improvement” mindset is something that also positively shapes and influences the entire working atmosphere. We are always looking for solutions in our day-to-day work. I really like that.

At JTL, employee well-being is also a top priority. In administration and purchasing, I see every day that, for example, a lot of value is placed on ergonomic furniture, catering in the office or good working materials and that money is spent on them.

What I like about working from home is that I can just sit in the garden during my break when the weather is nice. I enjoy all the greenery and flowers. At the beginning of the pandemic, I found it difficult to work from home because I missed the direct interaction with colleagues, but now I’m also enjoying the benefits. Office life is gradually returning. We can now choose whether we come into the office or work from home.

I also enjoy nature and traveling in my free time! I love the mountains, especially Switzerland. With my e-bike, which I bought as a job bike, I can also ride longer distances and go on great exploratory tours.