An employer that offers more than just a job
Anyone who works at the Online Group knows that it’s not just about projects, processes and performance, but also about people, cooperation and the courage to change. We have been writing success stories in digitalization for 30 years, and we know that: None of them would be possible without our employees. This is also confirmed by the statement from our Great Place to Work certification, according to which 97% of our employees rate Online as a very good employer.
For our anniversary, we therefore wanted to give something special back, not with a dry review or a stiff evening event, but with a four-day experience that will be remembered, our big employee event in Palermo.
Arrive, toast, dolce vita
On Thursday morning, the Swiss delegation gathered at Zurich Airport, the mood was relaxed, the anticipation was great and the first drinks had already been poured. Two hours later we landed in Palermo, greeted by shimmering heat, southern lightness and plenty of Mediterranean charm. Our colleagues from Poland also arrived almost at the same time, and together we moved into our hotel in the heart of the old town.
After a smooth transfer to the city center and check-in at the hotel, everyone met up at the rooftop bar, with a fantastic view over the rooftops of Palermo. Swiss and Polish colleagues, who usually only meet virtually throughout the year, were finally reunited.
Balz Zürrer welcomed the international team over cool drinks and tasty snacks, spoke about his new focus as Group CEO and introduced Marco Denzler as the new CEO Switzerland. Marco also addressed a few words to the team and thanked them for the trust they had placed in him.
Afterwards, a walk through the old town, aperitifs, a traditional dinner in the heart of Palermo and many personal conversations. Some of the group spent the evening relaxing, while others dived straight into Sicilian nightlife.
This evening was more than just a kick-off, it showed how much cohesion, culture and appreciation are practiced at the Online Group.
Strategy meets sun
Friday morning. Breakfast on the hotel terrace with a view of the rooftops of Palermo. Those who went to bed late kept their heads above water with a cappuccino or Red Bull and were still ready to make a difference together.
In the subsequent workshop, we immersed ourselves in the results of the Great Place to Work survey. We discussed our communication culture openly, honestly and constructively, developed new ideas and strengthened our cooperation. The World Café didn’t just produce post-its and flipcharts, but real ideas for the future.
A delicious lunch was followed by a playful highlight, the Video Challenge. Six teams, six interpretations of the topic “What makes a strong team?”. They laughed, filmed, edited and, above all, thought creatively. The winning team, consisting of Roland, Patrycja, Jenny, Sandro, Marco and Ralf, impressed with humor, charm and team spirit.
But that’s not all. The Vibe Coding Challenge was also awarded a prize, an internal format in which creative app ideas were implemented using new AI tools. Michael Meyer developed a Foosball tournament app, which is now even in use. Robin Nater impressed with a multiplayer jet ski game, including duck hunting and crash mechanics. Employer branding you can touch – we don’t just discuss innovation, we live it.
Happy Birthday, Online Group
In the evening, we celebrated as befits a 30th anniversary. A Mediterranean setting with a buffet, drinks and sunset awaited in the Nauto Bar at the port of Palermo. We toasted, talked, laughed and celebrated the tangible feeling of being part of something big.
Later, some were drawn further into the vibrant nightlife of the old town, where they danced, partied and turned night into day. What exactly happened remains the well-kept secret of those who sat at the breakfast table the next morning wearing sunglasses.
Sightseeing with style
Saturday was all about Palermo. Whether it was a classic city tour, a mafia tour or a quiet visit to the botanical gardens, each route offered its own unique view of the city, its history and its contrasts.
In the afternoon, there was still time for individual discoveries. Those who wanted to could stroll through the small alleyways, eat gelato, buy souvenirs or treat themselves to a short or long power nap.
In the evening, another real highlight awaited us: a pasta workshop with Rosa Maria and Massimo. On the roof terrace, we conjured up traditional Sicilian pasta together, without eggs of course, as is customary here. Kneading dough together, laughing, cooking and then eating together – it couldn’t have been more of a team effort.
Arrivederci, Palermo
On Sunday, it was time to say goodbye, but not without enjoying one last pizza in the piazza or stocking up on Sicilian specialties. While our Polish colleagues left earlier, the Swiss delegation set off on their return journey at midday.
What remains are four days full of emotions, encounters, inspiration and the secure feeling that we are not just a company. We are a team. A place where people grow, create and celebrate together.
And that is precisely why the Online Group is not just an employer, but a place where people enjoy working.
Would you like to be there next year?
Then take a look at our vacancies here and get in touch with Salischa!
