Whether high up in the crowns of the Munich jungle, in the trampoline park or with hearty food and plenty of beer and wine – HR manager Vanessa Rolke is looking for staff for the “Münchner Wald – Kletterwald Vaterstetten”, the “Maxx Arena” and the “Fateralm” restaurant . They had an unconventional idea for this: in the manner of the famous Uncle Sam appeal, they hung up posters in parks in the east of Munich with the appeal “We Want You”. Is the situation that hopeless? One might think that gastronomy can now go back to its usual course, but behind the posters – as for so many restaurateurs – are not the restrictions, but another problem that has arisen as a result of the pandemic.
SZ: Why do you advertise for employees in this rather unconventional way today?
Vanessa Rolke: Since we are a provider of sports and outdoor experiences, it makes sense to address people who like to exercise and be outdoors. We hear again and again: ‘You are such a cool employer, but you have to realize that you exist’. We want to show potentially interested people, for example while walking their dog or during the daily jog: We exist!
Theoretically, you address every walker with your posters – is that intentional?
Absolutely – because our jobs are as flexible as people’s lifestyles. We have various positions and shifts, 365 days a year, which you can choose based on your own capacity. Responsibility and fun in sporting activities and working with people are of course in demand – everything else is on-the-job training – that’s why we address walkers, not ‘lazy socks’.
“Lazy socks” are not wanted: HR manager Vanessa Rolke hopes that her campaign will be successful.
(Photo: private)
Why are you searching now?
We’re actually always looking (laughs). But for two reasons in particular: more employees who live our spirit also mean that we can offer our customers more and that greater things are possible. In addition, the season starts in the climbing forest in Vaterstetten with the restaurant Fateralm. And of course we are also struggling with the fact that the Corona crisis has caused more and more sporty, dynamic and positive people who actually belong in life to switch to telephone jobs. For fear of being left with no merit if further measures are taken. We want to address this target group again.