Less structure, more culture? Why small teams often work better

I completed my dual study program at a large retail company - and as a result, I also spent my first professional years in the group corporate world. Looking back, I am grateful for this time, because it not only taught me a lot of technical skills, but above all showed me what I don't want in my working environment: to be a number instead of a person. Decisions that take months - sometimes years. Fixed working hours without any flexibility. Weekend work, lots of overtime, little understanding of life outside of work.

At some point, these experiences made me decide to make a change. I changed the industry, the environment and, above all, my understanding of what work should feel like.

Today, I work at esveo with a small team - and I would make the same decision again at any time.

What has changed? Everything.

I can now organize my work so that it fits in with my everyday life - not the other way around. That sounds banal, but it makes a huge difference to my quality of life. I can easily accept a doctor's appointment without having to wait six months for an afternoon time slot or sacrifice my day off or even my vacation. I was even able to get a dog because I know that I can bring it into the office with me - and that my employer takes into account that a living creature can't be alone at home for eight hours.

But it's about more than flexibility. It's about appreciation, trust and genuine co-determination.

In our team, we treat each other as equals - we really do. Ideas are not only listened to, they are valued. And: they are also implemented. Decisions are made quickly, directly and honestly. And if something goes wrong - professionally or privately - we look for solutions together instead of pointing fingers at each other. For me, that's team culture in action.

Small team, big impact

Large companies have many qualities - but I have come to realize this for myself: I have found my place in a small company. Because I don't just function as an assistant here, I am seen as a person. With strengths, weaknesses, ideas - and sometimes a chaotic day (and desk). And that's exactly what makes the difference for me.