“We’re pragmatic, grounded, and close to the people,” – A decade of HR at Bertschi

“The foundation of the HR Switzerland department was a natural response to our rapid international growth and increasing complexity,” says Sabrina Gränacher, who has founded the department and leads it since its inception. Expanding the headquarters, which included building renovations and new workspaces, meant the company needed a more structured approach to supporting employees. “As the company grew, it became clear that we needed dedicated HR expertise,” says Executive Chairman Hans-Jörg Bertschi. “Building that team at headquarters helped us strengthen our foundation as an employer.”

Starting from scratch was no easy task. In those early days, basic processes like recruitment, onboarding, and development had to be defined and rolled out, all while aligning with longstanding practices that varied greatly between teams.

“Many departments had handled HR matters their own way for years,” Sabrina explains. “So we had to establish trust and position HR as a partner on equal footing.” 

The environment itself was also very different. Digital tools were limited, pay slips were distributed by hand, and many employees still ate lunch by their own as the cafeteria didn’t exist yet. “It was a more analog world, built on personal exchange,” Sabrina recalls. “But it also had limits in terms of efficiency and scalability.”

Over time, the HR team’s role shifted. They helped modernize key policies, introduced a more structured and professional trainee program, and took the first steps toward employer branding. “Today, the department operates as a full-service partner for both employees and leadership, offering support across all stages of the employee lifecycle,” says CEO Jan Arnet. “Our HR team plays a key role in supporting leaders and helping us navigate growth.”

“Whether it’s a career question, a tough moment, or the next development step, we’re here to listen and support,” Sabrina says. And our Supervisor Export Operations at the Global Business Unit, Saime Karakök adds: “Our HR team is pragmatic, down-to-earth, and close to the people,”.

Initial successes range from improved vacation entitlement, onboarding programs like the traditional Welcome Day, and the implementation of Future Day to structured recruitment processes, supporting leaders within the company, organizing language courses, and supporting apprentices and trainees in Dürrenäsch and Birr—just a few examples of HR's broad sphere of influence. 

Initiatives like Junior Days and close collaboration with apprenticeships and trainee programms, have helped build a cross-generational community rooted in belonging. Bertschi’s close ties to universities have also brought fresh perspectives into the company, enriching both talent acquisition and innovation. “Seeing former apprentice or trainees now in leadership roles is deeply rewarding,” Sabrina shares. “It proves that targeted development really leaves a lasting mark.”

According to Sabrina, it’s the blend of professionalism and personal connection that defines HR Switzerland. Looking ahead, the HR team will continue to promote new tools, programs, and initiatives to provide the best possible support to employees and the company, while further automating processes where it makes sense. Projects like a digital reference tool, enhanced internal talent development, and efforts to strengthen health and workplace culture are already in progress. “I am proud of what HR Switzerland has achieved over the past 10 years and that Bertschi is today perceived as an exemplary organization in HR matters, both internally and externally. Looking ahead, there are still many exciting projects we can undertake to continue the journey HR Switzerland has been on for the past 10 years,” states Beat Berner, Head of Group HR at Bertschi.

“Our role as a strategic partner should become more visible,” Sabrina says. “With the right tools and metrics, we can better support leaders in guiding their teams with clarity and foresight.”