Employee of the Year - Hartmann Europe

At Hartmann, people make the difference. In Hungary, colleagues voted for their Employee of the Year, recognising dedication, teamwork and positivity. The winners enjoyed an inspiring trip to Denmark – a celebration of performance and human connection. Read the full story below.

Empowering employees to recognise the excellence they see every day

At Hartmann, we believe people make the difference. In 2024 we introduced a new tradition at our Hungarian factory to recognize the commitment and outstanding performance of our colleagues: employee voting for Employee of the Year. This reflects our ongoing effort to create a supportive and appreciative work environment – where hard work, teamwork and reliability are recognized and celebrated.

A democratic recognition of commitment

In December 2023, Hartmann employees from various departments at our Hungarian site – where more than 600 colleagues work –were invited to participate in our first ever peer voting for Employee of the Year. Managers nominated candidates based on Hartmann’s core values – teamwork, helpfulness and precision – and every employee had the opportunity to vote through our internal communication platform, myHartmann.Six winners were selected across the following categories: Shift 1, Shift 2, Shift 3, Shift 4, Other Day Shifts and Office. These individuals stood out not only for their commitment to their role but also for the positive energy they bring to the workplace every day.

A trip to remember: three days in Denmark

To celebrate their achievement, the winners were treated to a three day trip to Denmark at the end of May. One winner was unable to attend due to personal commitments, the others went on a trip filled with inspiration, discovery and friendship.Organized by Hartmann’s HR team in Hungary with the support of our Danish colleagues, the itinerary was designed to offer a balance of professional development and leisure. The group visited our Tønder factory where they met local colleagues and saw the heart of Hartmann’s moulded fibre production in Denmark. For many it was also their first time flying – an experience they approached with the same calm focus they bring to their daily tasks.The trip continued with a scenic visit to Rømø, a beautiful seaside destination and an adventurous day at LEGOLAND. Evenings were spent enjoying shared dinners where the group shared stories, laughed and made memories that will last.

Voices from the journey

“It was an amazing experience for me. The flight itself, so many new and exciting things in a foreign country. But what made it complete was the team.” – Béla

“I couldn’t choose one thing I liked the most, there were so many great experiences. We visited wonderful places and with colleagues like this I would go to the end of the world.” – Lívia

“What did I like most about the trip? It would be easier to list what I didn’t…” – Judit

A cultural shift in progress

Too early to measure the full impact but initial feedback has been amazing. Record engagement on Hartmann’s internal Facebook platform with a flood of congratulations and interest from colleagues. Each winner has said how much they can’t wait to get back and tell their teams about the trip – generating curiosity and motivation across the plants.

Whether the Employee of the Year will run again in 2025 is still to be decided. The experience has clearly left its mark but the planning and investment required means we’ll weigh up its future potential. What’s for sure is that this initiative lived the Hartmann way: precision, performance and human connection.

At Hartmann we pack more than products – we pack purpose. And when our people perform we celebrate them in ways that mean something to them.