Organizational culture and development – HR After Hours II Recap

The second edition of the HR After Hours event again brought up all of Lublin’s HR experts, managers, and industry leaders for an evening of insightful discussions and networking. Key topics included the critical role of management in shaping organizational culture, strategies for effective onboarding, navigating career transitions, and fostering leadership in a rapidly evolving world.

Organizational culture and the role of management – Robert Bronisz, ABM Greiffenberger

Robert Bronisz, CEO of ABM Greiffenberger, delivered an inspiring talk on the pivotal role of the board of directors in shaping organizational culture. He emphasized that a thriving culture doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of deliberate decisions and actions by a company’s leadership. According to Bronisz, the mission, vision, and values form the bedrock of any organization, influencing both operational processes and employee behaviors. He highlighted the importance of clearly defining a company’s identity and building teams with individuals who align with its values, as a key step toward fostering a strong and cohesive culture.

A standout moment in Robert Bronisz’s speech was his insight on involving employees in crafting the company’s mission. At ABM Greiffenberger, every employee was invited to contribute ideas to shape the organization’s vision and mission, fostering a sense of community and shared ownership in its development. Bronisz also underscored the crucial role of the board of directors in exemplifying the organization’s values. Beyond management, the board must act as the ‘captain,’ steering the cultural direction by clearly defining acceptable behaviors and setting boundaries for what will and will not be tolerated within the organization.

Robert Bronisz highlighted the vital role of employee well-being and development opportunities in fostering commitment and engagement. He emphasized that without these elements, achieving high levels of work dedication is a challenge. Employees need to feel supported—not only through training but also by having opportunities to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice. This hands-on approach enhances their skills and reinforces their sense of competence and value within the organization.

Robert Bronisz, CEO, ABM Greiffenberger sp. z o.o.

Effective onboarding in practice – Joanna Daniłko, Jeronimo Martins

Joanna Daniłko, Training and Onboarding Manager at Jeronimo Martins (Biedronka), shared valuable insights into the company’s onboarding approach. She emphasized that onboarding is key to an effective employer branding strategy. According to Daniłko, a new employee’s first interactions with the organization should affirm their decision to join, reinforcing a sense of belonging and alignment with the company. Conversely, poor onboarding can quickly lead to demotivation and a decline in employee productivity, underscoring the critical importance of this process.

Joanna Daniłko shared compelling market statistics revealing that over half of newly hired employees have no interaction with their immediate supervisor during their first days on the job. This often results in confusion and a lack of clarity regarding work objectives. Daniłko stressed the vital role of a manager’s involvement in the onboarding process. A manager’s presence not only helps new employees navigate the company’s structure but also fosters mutual trust, laying the foundation for a strong working relationship.

One of the tools used by Biedronka is the ‘Buddy’ program, which pairs each new employee with a dedicated mentor. This mentor plays a dual role as a guide and a support system, helping the newcomer navigate their first weeks on the job. This personalized approach to onboarding not only strengthens relationships within the team but also minimizes the chances of a new hire feeling lost. The results speak for themselves: at Biedronka, this initiative has improved retention rates by an impressive 10 percentage points.

Joanna Daniłko, Training and Onboarding Manager , Jerónimo Martins

Changing the career path — Miłka Mękal, Mastermedia

Miłka shared an inspiring story of her career transformation. After spending many years in marketing—where she not only excelled in promotional activities but also gained valuable experience in employer branding and recruitment—she discovered her true passion. This motivated her to pivot her professional path and pursue a career in HR, embracing the opportunity to align her work with what she loves most.

As part of her career transition, Miłka dedicated herself to acquiring new qualifications in human resources management. Her background in marketing, however, proved to be a valuable asset in HR, particularly in areas such as social media management and recruitment campaigns, where her expertise in creating engaging content and strategic communication made a significant impact.

The speaker emphasized that transitioning from marketing to HR required learning new competencies, but she found that the analytical and storytelling skills she acquired in marketing were incredibly valuable in her new role. She encouraged those considering a career change first to identify their unique talents and strengths, and then leverage them intentionally. This approach not only facilitates a successful career transition but also helps individuals find a path that aligns with their values and natural abilities.

Miłka Mękal, HR Specialist, Mastermedia sp. z o.o.

Authentic leadership in a changing world

The final part of the meetup was the ‘’Authentic Leader’’ workshop, led by Agnieszka Josik, CEO of PEOPLE1ST. During this interactive session, Agnieszka highlighted the crucial role of authentic leadership in navigating the dynamic changes defining today’s world. Drawing from the VUCA framework (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity), she emphasized that leadership must be adaptable, focusing on quickly responding to ever-changing circumstances.

It’s important to note the subtle yet significant distinction between a manager and a leader. A manager, particularly in the traditional sense, often concentrates on operational goals and resource management, employing a style that prioritizes maintaining order, structure, and processes within the organization. In contrast, a leader is someone who inspires and motivates their team, embracing innovation and change. A leader often creates a vision, driving change and adapting to new challenges, making them an essential figure in times of transformation.

Agnieszka Josik also emphasized the importance of authenticity in leadership, encouraging leaders to embrace their true selves. She highlighted that a leader should strengthen their position by cultivating empathy and listening skills. Key leadership qualities, such as openness to feedback and a willingness to share knowledge, are essential for building trust within the team. In this regard, change leaders serve as guides, influencing others through their leadership and managerial abilities. In contrast, managers tend to focus more on day-to-day team management and achieving results, often prioritizing the maintenance of the status quo.

She also stressed the importance for leaders to understand how different management styles influence leadership within an organization, particularly when managing intergenerational and remote teams. Recognizing the diverse needs of employees requires not only strong communication skills but also a deep awareness of mental health—both personal and within the team. What sets authentic leadership apart is the ability to align one’s leadership style with personal values. This authentic blend of leadership approach and core beliefs creates a strong foundation for long-term success within the organization.

Agnieszka Josik, PEOPLE Partner, HR Advisor, Mentor, Career Coach, Certified trainer of „Podróż Bohatera”® game

Sketchnoting: A powerful tool for enhancing knowledge retention

Interesting meetings can be captured in ways that not only highlight the key moments but also deepen our understanding of the topics discussed. Sketchnoting, a method that combines drawing with text, is an ideal tool for engaging the audience and emphasizing essential information. Visuals have a stronger impact on memory than words alone—they help information stick and are easier to recall, leading to better learning and skill development. Visualizations are particularly effective for conveying complex, challenging concepts. Beyond adding variety to a meeting, sketchnoting is a highly effective approach to enhancing comprehension and retention of the subjects covered.

During HR After Hours II, we were fortunate to host Ms. Renata Saba from Studio Grafiki Manualnej Renata Pisze, who created a wonderful graphic summary of the event. We extend our sincere thanks to her for capturing the essence of the gathering in such a creative and impactful way!

Renata Saba, Studio Grafiki Manualnej Renta Pisze

HR After Hours II: Event Summary

The second edition of HR After Hours was a truly inspiring event, filled with insightful lectures that equipped participants with valuable tools for enhancing their work in human resources management. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in networking, creating a great space to exchange experiences and discuss the challenges they face within their organizations. The knowledge and expertise shared by the speakers will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for HR leaders looking to develop their teams and build strong, innovative organizations.

The third edition of HR After Hours is just around the corner! Stay tuned and follow our social media channels for updates—this upcoming event promises to be another fantastic opportunity to expand your HR knowledge and so much more!

Event highlights

We warmly invite you to explore the photo highlights from the event!