"Temporary work with heart and perspective" - An interview with Birgit Hennrichs

Birgit Hennrichs has managed the ZAG branch since 2020 and brings not only a wealth of experience, but above all a passion for HR services. In this interview, she talks about what motivates her personally about her work at ZAG, how her team works together and which successes make her particularly proud. She also provides insights into her goals and how she and her team are redefining temporary work - in a fair, human and future-orientated way.

Personal motivation

What originally motivated you to start at ZAG?

"ZAG was exactly the right decision for me. Here, temporary work is honest, fair and lived with heart. It was important to me to join a company where humanity is a top priority. ZAG feels like a big family to me: Everyone is welcome, everyone gets a chance - regardless of their CV or background."

What do you find particularly exciting about personnel services?

"I am particularly enthusiastic about the fact that we can give people real opportunities - be it for starting a career, returning to work or finding a permanent position. Temporary work is a stepping stone for many people. We support them on their path to a long-term future, including through the successful placement of trainees. We see the person, not just the qualification. It is precisely this approach that makes us so special."

Is there a personal experience of success that you particularly remember?

"A few months ago, I took a trainer aptitude test as an IHK examiner. To my great surprise, a former employee stood in front of me - someone we had once employed at a customer company. He was taken on, completed his training as a machine and plant operator and has now passed his trainer examination. It was a special moment to see how a real career can develop from a temporary assignment. Encounters like this show me time and again how sustainable our work is."

Teamwork & co-operation

How would you describe the teamwork?

"The teamwork is very good. We communicate openly and honestly with each other. Of course, we don't always agree - but that's a good thing, because different points of view bring new ideas and help us to find solutions together."

What makes your team particularly strong?

"Honesty and trust are top priorities in our team. We talk openly - about successes, but also about things that don't go smoothly. Everyone contributes their strengths."

How do you support each other in everyday life?

"We help each other out when there's a fire. Everyone pitches in where help is needed - no matter what the task. I expect everyone to support each other in all activities."

Are there any rituals or highlights that bring you together as a team?

"For me, the special thing is how we treat each other. The most important thing is that everyone can laugh at themselves and we give each other open and honest feedback. We laugh together, celebrate, learn from each other and are there for each other when things aren't going so well. It often feels like a small family.
This also includes our branch in Plettenberg. Although we are physically separated, we don't see ourselves as two teams, but as one. We regularly exchange ideas, help each other and do a lot together after work - from having breakfast and dinner together to organising events. Moments like these strengthen our team spirit and make us even more successful in our day-to-day work."

Success & development

What particular successes has your branch celebrated recently?

"Recently, we have experienced many special moments as a team that we are proud of. Several employees have been taken on by customers - including trainees who we have placed and who are now starting their careers. It's a great feeling to know that we're not just helping in the short term, but creating long-term prospects. Even with challenging projects, we have stuck together, responded flexibly and exceeded our customers' expectations. We are particularly proud that our customers are not only satisfied with us, but also actively recommend us to others."

Why does your branch work so well?

"Because everyone can rely on each other. We utilise the strengths of each individual to achieve the best results."

What role does communication play in your team?

"Communication is the be-all and end-all. Open and honest communication is the basis for everything. That way, everyone knows everything and there are no misunderstandings. That makes us efficient and keeps us together."

Where do you see your team in a year's time?

"I see us being even stronger and more successful. Our team spirit and ambition will take us further forward. In 2026, we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Olpe branch - I want to celebrate this in style together with our team, our employees and our customers."

Motivation & outlook

What motivates you every day?

"I love my job because it is so varied and multifaceted. No two days are the same - new tasks, encounters and often surprises await me every day. I particularly appreciate the mixture of desk work and field work. This variety and the many different people make my job exciting and give me new energy every day."

What goals do you have - personally or as a team - for the near future?

"One of my main goals is to develop my colleague in Plettenberg so that she can manage the branch independently and take over the reins next summer. I also want all dispatchers to be so qualified and confident that they can continue to manage the branch responsibly - regardless of who is on site. At the same time, I want to further expand our branch and raise ZAG's profile in the region. It is particularly important to me to gradually change the bad reputation that temporary work still has. I want to show that temporary work is fair, transparent and full of opportunities - for companies and employees alike."

If you had to describe ZAG in three words, what would they be?

Z - Cohesion
A - Authentic
G - Together