Doesn't completely match its wholesome image
Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich
Remote work possible, fairly flexible hours (but I think that’s the minimum standard these days). Useful, joyful product with lots of growth potential. Navigable company size of 70-80 employees. Most people are kind and approachable when you need help with something.
They understand the importance of proper onboarding. You get a welcome lunch, a buddy, regularly scheduled check-ins that you can adapt as needed.
Weekly whole-company meetings where employees can (anonymously) post questions and concerns to the leadership.
I appreciated efforts within my team to reduce time spent in meetings.
In all honesty, you’ll probably have a good time at Kitchen Stories if you’re an outgoing, food-loving person who isn’t super concerned about personal financial stability and accountable leadership. Or, if you’re an intern who’s only going to be there a few months... and your life in Berlin is mostly funded by your parents.
Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich
Overambitious strategy that changes a lot. Somehow, even after a decade, it’s still in a “let’s see what sticks” stage. Poor planning and spontaneous changes lead to overwhelmed employees.
Toxicity from certain members of leadership. “Let them eat cake” moments and reluctance to own up to mistakes. People who make excuses for these behaviors (lower managers).
There’s a slight favoritism vibe. It's awesome to have friends from work, but if team members feel comfortable flaunting photos of themselves at a leadership wedding, something needs to be addressed.
Verbesserungsvorschläge
Pay people properly. Stop blaming all the problems on the economy.
Train leaders in humility and empathy + assess this continuously
Demonstrate some social responsibility (see inclusion section)
Gleichberechtigung
Equality is about much more than just women having better opportunities. I think anyone working at Kitchen Stories would agree that in that regard, it’s very fair. But also, many non-EU immigrants, people of color, and LGBT people are working there… and leaving. Indeed, it is more diverse than your average Berlin company, but that doesn’t automatically equal inclusion. I think this is because there is no DEI strategy (that I know of). Their idea of inclusion seems to be “everyone being nice to each other”.
For example, for some of the employee event themes last year, they did not consider people who don’t drink alcohol or eat shellfish. It’s also disappointing that the company doesn’t use their privilege/platform to help countries suffering from catastrophe, whose recipes they use and profit from. For example, Turkey is not just a place for foreign tourists to enjoy beaches and tasty food. It is full of people who suffered a devastating earthquake that also affected Berlin’s largest minority.
Arbeitsbedingungen
The office itself is very pleasant. It's ell-equipped, spacious, lots of cozy spots. However, the location lacks amenities and is poorly connected.
On my first day, I discovered there is a hot-desking policy because someone decided it “promotes creativity”. If you’re like me and it actually promotes anxiety, then you have to ask special permission for your own desk and justify it too. This is ridiculous because the office is never full. It also puts an extra burden on employees who are disabled or have a medical condition. I find this unacceptable.
Umwelt-/Sozialbewusstsein
It’s good that food from the test kitchens is usually offered up to employees. Ideally the leadership will proactively share a plan about how the business will work against the ongoing climate crisis, since gastronomy is quite a wasteful industry.
Gehalt/Sozialleistungen
You’ll have to beg for every cent at this place.
Salaries are unsatisfactory and raises for promotions are very small. They tried to convince me that my salary was fine, which was my main catalyst to leave. Being underpaid not only damages your finances, it also damages your career. Being managed by someone who undervalues your contributions + acts like you wouldn't be better paid elsewhere will damage you in other ways.
Even for the lunch parties, which are advertised as a “benefit”, you’re asked to provide your own waffle toppings etc. Also, don’t forget to save some coins, because you have to pay for your own drinks from the staff fridge.