How does EnBW ensure that new employees feel welcome from the very beginning?
Hans-Peter: Good onboarding creates a positive first impression and makes it easier to start at a new company. That is why our team builds the central onboarding experience around four focus objectives:
- We foster anticipation for EnBW even before the first working day by staying in touch with new starters after the contract is signed and sending them a welcome package ahead of their start date.
- With the Welcome Day, a hybrid format, and the short, engaging virtual marketplaces in the first weeks, we provide initial orientation on relevant information and tools within the Group.
- From day one, new starters become part of their new team community, know their manager and their colleagues, and understand who to contact if they have questions.
- A structured onboarding process supports new professionals in becoming productive quickly and in contributing real value.
For those who do not yet know the Welcome Day: What happens on this day?
Hans-Peter: The Welcome Day is designed as a full-day event for our new starters. We organize the day together as a tandem team in order to offer participants the best possible support and a varied programme. The event takes place monthly – except in December – alternating between Stuttgart and Karlsruhe.
The morning is a hybrid session, as not all new starters are always able to attend in person. After a warm welcome, we introduce the content of the Welcome Day and the virtual marketplaces. This is followed by a greeting from the employee representatives and three further exciting topics: EnBW’s strategy in the energy sector, a “journey through HR” including general regulations on working hours, vacation, sick leave and remuneration, and a concluding presentation with an interactive exit game on compliance and data protection.
The afternoon is dedicated to participants on site. After a joint lunch, there is a guided tour of the EnBW Print Center in Karlsruhe or the fast-charging park in Stuttgart, depending on where the Welcome Day takes place.
After a coffee break that encourages networking, there is another tour and orientation around the building, including the most important points of contact. The Welcome Day then ends at around 4:30 p.m.
Since when have you been responsible for the Welcome Day – and how did you get involved?
Hans-Peter: The Welcome Day has existed since around 2005. I joined the onboarding team on 1 August 2025 – the Swiss National Day, which is a good sign for a Swiss person.
After many years in personnel development and in supporting learning platforms and e-trainings, I was ready to take on new challenges.
When my manager, Isabell Baumgarten, offered me the opportunity to support the onboarding team and the Welcome Day, I seized the chance. The topic interests me greatly, and I am pleased to contribute my experience.
Why is the Welcome Day so important for EnBW’s corporate culture?
Hans-Peter: Successful onboarding is an important success factor today – especially in the context of the shortage of skilled workers. Anyone who attracts new employees must ensure that they feel welcome from the first day and can quickly focus on their tasks. A structured onboarding process does exactly that: it provides orientation in the initial phase, reduces early turnover and strengthens motivation.
It is not only about professional training, but also about successful social and cultural integration. Formats such as the Welcome Day, structured learning paths and dedicated buddies provide guidance and strengthen the sense of belonging. In this way, we create the best conditions for new colleagues to grow into their new roles with confidence and enjoyment.
How does the Welcome Day help new colleagues integrate and network quickly?
Hans-Peter: The Welcome Day offers initial, cross-company orientation in the first weeks. In addition, we present important EnBW basic information and HR tools. The subsequent optional and short virtual marketplaces provide very good insights into how EnBW approaches the energy industry.
How has the format changed or evolved over the years?
Hans-Peter: The format has developed significantly. When I joined EnBW in September 2008, it was a two-day event. Selected departments presented themselves – a real slide marathon – and there was a tour of a power plant on the second afternoon, which was very exciting.
In 2013, the topic unfortunately faded and was only revived in 2019 with a small project team. The team reviewed the onboarding process as a whole, which led to the creation of the onboarding intranet page, tips for managers and buddies, and the idea of a new Welcome Day.
Then came the COVID period, but that did not stop the format. In April 2020, the Welcome Day started as a virtual format on a bi-monthly basis. Based on feedback rounds in 2023 and 2024, our team further developed the Welcome Day with great commitment into today’s hybrid format.
How would you describe the atmosphere and spirit of the Welcome Day?
Hans-Peter: I really like the Welcome Day. The spirit can best be described as open, curious and connecting. You can almost feel the positive energy in the room, the mutual interest and the sense of belonging – an important foundation for future cross-team collaboration.
You accompany the Welcome Day regularly – what makes this day special for you personally?
Hans-Peter: For me, the Welcome Day is a real highlight every time, because it combines three things that are close to my heart: new people with their professional expertise and fresh perspectives, open and relaxed exchange, and the sharing of knowledge about relevant Group topics.
What exactly is meant by a “marketplace” – and why is this format so important?
Hans-Peter: The marketplaces are voluntary, short and engaging virtual formats that last between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the topic. They offer a mix of energy-industry topics and practical information for everyday work.
For example, we run sessions such as “Virtual Networking”, “Your Digital Workplace”, “Data. Practical. Use”, “Marketing Renewable Energies”, or “Be the Architect of Your Own Development”. The speakers always come from the respective specialist departments.
How did the idea of offering marketplaces for new employees and managers come about?
Hans-Peter: We prioritised the most important topics for new employees. In addition to the fixed marketplaces on the Welcome Day, we offer additional open marketplaces. This allows employees to decide for themselves which content is most interesting for them.
What distinguishes the marketplaces for employees from those for managers?
Hans-Peter: The marketplaces for employees offer a mix of practical everyday information and general energy-industry topics.
The marketplaces for managers are strongly aligned with the EnBW leadership role and are characterised by a high level of professional depth. They address key topics that are essential for leadership – from business regulations and occupational safety to disciplinary leadership and personnel development.
What do you wish for the future development of the format? Are there new ideas or priorities for upcoming Welcome Days?
Hans-Peter: We use the Welcome Day itself to further develop the format. We exchange ideas with new colleagues in order to get even closer to our target groups.
In addition to the Welcome Day, in 2026 we will introduce our own onboarding hub in the LernWerk. There we will provide concrete learning paths for new employees, and specialist departments will also be able to offer learning paths for their professional onboarding.
If you had to describe the Welcome Day in one sentence, what would it be?
Hans-Peter: I would say: Start. Connect. Shape. Our Energy Drives Us!