A service-minded approach to developing TEAM’s people and culture

Today’s story features Tamara, People & Culture Business Partner, who during the past few years has grown significantly in her career and made a positive impact on TEAM’s HR efforts. Guided by her commitment to service, Tamara consistently goes the extra mile to ensure that our employees and our business flourish together.

United by the joy of making a difference

Born and raised in the canton of Lucerne, Tamara has a deep appreciation for Switzerland’s natural beauty. Yet, her dream was to work for an international company, surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. TEAM, headquartered in Lucerne, offers the best of both worlds – a truly global experience in a stunning local setting.

Initially, Tamara wondered if she would fit into TEAM since she wasn't a huge football fan. However, she quickly discovered that our bond isn't solely rooted in a love for football. What unites us is the shared passion for contributing to something that inspires so many and striving for excellence. There's an unparalleled energy that comes from working in the sports industry.

Since joining TEAM in April 2021, Tamara has gone from a junior position to a role with broader responsibilities, including people management. What fuels her most is the ability to bring happiness to others. This service-oriented mindset has been ingrained in her since her childhood-days of visiting her grandfather’s hotel. There, she saw firsthand how to create a warm and welcoming experience for guests. In her current role at TEAM, she experiences that same sense of fulfilment when she can make a positive impact on an employee's life.

“It’s an incredible feeling to call a candidate and share the news that their recruitment process has been successful, especially if they are relocating from abroad. I know this opportunity can be life-changing for them and I’m thrilled to be part of that process.”

Enhancing the employee lifecycle with people-focused initiatives

On top of providing daily support and advice to TEAM's staff, the People & Culture department identifies key projects to enhance various aspects of the work environment and improve the employee experience. Tamara's focus on these projects has primarily been on the early and final stages of the employee lifecycle:
 

• Implementing exit interviews: ensuring every employee’s voice is heard, even as they depart; and
• Analysing onboarding and relocation: providing a top-notch experience from the day the offer is signed.

Meanwhile, the broader People & Culture team have been dedicated to:

• Enhancing the parental leave policy: amplifying the experience for new parents and easing their return to work;
• Improving the recruitment process: introducing tools and processes to increase fairness and consistency; and
• Revamping performance appraisals: a multi-year project to accurately define, assess and drive performance.

Another passion project for Tamara has been overseeing TEAM’s Graduate Talent Programme, an exclusive 18-month rotational programme for recent graduates. This includes handling the recruitment for the programme, organising the intense 2-day interview process, and managing the rotation assignments once the new graduates have joined. It’s an opportunity she really enjoys, offering young, high-potential talent the chance to launch their careers at TEAM.

Fostering a thriving community

Integral to the employee experience is creating a culture where everyone feels they belong, part of a vibrant community. One way that TEAM achieves this is through a range of company-wide team-building events throughout the year, as well as a rich calendar of special-interest activities arranged by the Social committee. Together with the People & Culture team, Tamara enjoys playing a role in the organisation of events that unite all departments and locations.

For those who wish to get more involved, TEAM's Sustainability and DEI committees allow staff the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the business, while contributing positively to the company's development. Likewise, a broad range of employee-driven activities (weekly football, basketball, tennis, etc.) help strengthen relationships outside the office and enhance our "Winning Together" mentality.

Balancing employee vs. employer needs

Challenges are unavoidable and together with TEAM's support, Tamara has embraced each one that has come her way. While taking on more responsibilities during her journey at TEAM, whether people management or expanding her remit, TEAM has supported her with training opportunities – from mentorship to leadership courses.

One of the most significant challenges is finding the balance between the needs of employees and those of the company. At TEAM the People & Culture team is more than just human resources – they’re a vital part of the business, intimately connected to the big decisions.