Teodora Hadzi-Dimova Tanaskoska: Lidl brings a dynamic environment, clear rules, stability and employee development

Lidl Macedonia recently started a recruitment process for the logistics center in Kumanovo, as well as for the markets that will be opened throughout the country. The model applied includes clearly defined steps throughout the entire process, from applying and selecting candidates, to training and integrating employees. In the interview for MKD.mk, Teodora Hadzi-Dimova Tanaskoska, Human Resources Director at Lidl Macedonia, talks about how the process will take place, what it means to work at Lidl and what the key benefits for employees will be.

Lidl recently started a recruitment campaign. What should potential candidates expect from this global retail brand?

- The recruitment process is set up systematically, as our company generally works in all segments. The model has been carefully developed and refined for years within the Schwarz Group, to which the Lidl company belongs, and is now being applied to the Macedonian market. From the very beginning, we strive to make the process clear. We have an extremely thorough approach, which is why it may sometimes take a little longer to complete all the necessary activities for a candidate to move from the application process to employment. The process itself is planned in detail, and our goal is to attract everyone who will fit into the company's values, high standards and way of working, and in the future will grow with it.

Our main intention is not only to fill the job positions that open up in the short term, but to build a team that will be stable, responsible and professional in the long term, and of course, will provide the best user experience for our consumers. Lidl offers opportunities for learning, professional development and impeccable organization and functioning. The company is guided by five key values, such as performance, respect, trust, grounded and belonging, and our goal is to create a work environment in which people are at the center of everything we do, in which work is valued and rewarded, team spirit is fostered, employees are motivated and respected, and all relationships in the company are based on trust.

Lidl emphasizes that it is a fair and transparent employer. Could you explain to us in a little more detail what this qualification specifically means?

– This means that all rules regarding the employment relationship are clearly set and consistently respected. They are in accordance with the positive legal regulations that regulate the employment relationship, including salary, pension and health insurance, overtime work, the use of annual leave and the like. Everything that is agreed upon is clearly defined and transparent. At the same time, there is a transparent and simple internal communication system, through which employees are regularly informed about all news, processes and important information related to the company's operations. A simple communication system has also been established with the human resources team, through which employees can ask questions about all aspects of their work, from potential dilemmas regarding salary and the use of annual leave, to all other rights and obligations arising from the employment relationship. For each question asked, they receive a specific and timely answer, which further contributes to a sense of security, trust and transparency in everyday work.

Lidl has structured and extensive programs for employee development and motivation, and constantly receives awards that confirm the company's efforts to provide a fair and pleasant working environment. These aspects are very important to us, which is why the ongoing recruitment campaign carries the slogan "Good game. Fair play". It practically represents the philosophy according to which Lidl operates as an employer. Through it, we want to send a clear message that the company has clear rules, fair treatment and transparency in every segment of its operations.

At a time when more workers are needed, especially in the trade and service sectors in Macedonia, can you tell us how you differ from other companies on the market, but also highlight a few benefits that candidates would enjoy if they decide to choose Lidl as their future employer?

- First of all, it is the security that comes with working for a large international brand, and above all in a company with established systems, standards and long-term stability. Lidl is considered a trusted and recognizable employer, in which, as I previously mentioned, working conditions are clearly defined and legal rights are fully respected. Some of the significant benefits, reflecting the company's focus on the health and well-being of employees, are private health insurance, extended health checks and a sports card. What should be emphasized is that Lidl invests a lot in safety at work, for which there is a detailed developed system for protection and safety at work, and the processes are organized in such a way that the physical effort of employees is minimized as much as possible, through the use of state-of-the-art equipment. The working environment, in fact, is arranged down to the smallest detail. All this creates conditions in which employees, in addition to fulfilling their work tasks and responsibilities, can feel stability, security and a real improvement in the quality of life.

Employee training is one of the key factors that you highlight. What does that process look like?

- Training is an essential part of our work. The training of future staff in our company is not treated as a formality, but as an investment in each employee. The training process is designed to be as detailed, practical as possible, and most importantly, it is directly related to the real work tasks that are expected of employees. Our newly hired colleagues in the Logistics Center in Kumanovo, as well as in the stores, will go through a detailed and structured training plan, which lasts from 1,5 to 3 months, depending on the type of job, and will take place in the country. Employees in the markets will be trained for multiple job functions within the market itself, which means that the model is not a narrow specialization for just one task. This allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in work, and, as I have already mentioned, they will be provided with maximum support and protection with the help of state-of-the-art equipment in accordance with Lidl standards. I would add that during the training, employees will receive a full salary, are regular employees with all the rights that belong to them, and will have constant support, each segment will be explained in detail, each situation will be foreseen, and all questions will be answered on the spot. This means that when they start working, they will already have real knowledge and confidence in performing their tasks.

Will employees, especially young staff, have opportunities for development and advancement in their careers? Is that realistically feasible?

- The opportunities for development and advancement at Lidl are numerous and are systematically set. This is not just a statement, but a real practice that is applied in the company. In our company, a large part of the managerial staff is developed from within, that is, from people who started their careers in entry-level positions, and then gradually progressed and took on greater responsibilities. It is part of the company's culture. Work is organized in such a way that the ambition of each employee is recognized and valued, and there are clear evaluation processes. Each employee has a clear picture of their progress and the opportunities available to them. It is especially important for us that young people recognize that Lidl is an environment in which they can acquire knowledge, work habits and experience that have long-term value. Through training, mentoring support and everyday work, employees are given the opportunity to constantly develop and advance professionally. We offer a dynamic work environment, and for those who are ambitious, dedicated and want to build a career, there is a real opportunity to progress and develop long-term with the company.

Read the full interview on the following link.