Two continents, one KAEFER

What happens when you swap not just your desk, but your entire country? When a colleague from the KAEFER headquarters in Bremen suddenly finds herself in the buzzing local headquarters in Perth, Australia – and a Perth-based tender specialist lands in the corridors of the Group headquarters?

Well, in true KAEFER style, you get laughter, learning, a few surprises, and a whole lot of connection.

Meet Julia and Grace – two colleagues from different hemispheres who switched roles (and continents) for some weeks.

In their own words, they take us behind the scenes of their cross-continental job swap, sharing what it felt like to step into each other’s worlds – from coffee rituals to culture shocks. This is a story about curiosity, growth, and discovering just how global – and united – the KAEFER Team truly is.

Grace (Perth → Bremen):

It’s not every day you find yourself dragging a suitcase into KAEFER HQ in Germany, knowing that for the next few weeks, this huge, impressive building will be your workplace. I remember thinking, “Wow, this place is massive… and intimidating.” But almost instantly, that faded. Everyone was so warm: introducing themselves, chatting in the kitchen, even inviting me to lunch on my very first day. The building might be structured and imposing, but the people? Welcoming, relaxed, and generous.

Julia (Bremen → Perth):

After working together virtually for so long, walking into the Perth office felt almost surreal. I had prepared, packed, read the itinerary – but nothing truly prepares you for the real thing. What stood out? The people. Smiling faces, warm welcomes, spontaneous lunch invites… it felt like meeting old friends. It was a perfect mix of familiarity and excitement.

Julia:

Coming from a German corporate environment into the fast-paced, slightly hectic world of Australian operations was a shock – but a good one. I had to learn to let go a bit: to trust the process, roll with changing priorities, and be okay with 80% solutions. It was loud, lively, and full of energy. It pushed me out of my comfort zone – and I’m better for it.

Grace:

In Germany, the thing that surprised me most was how conscientious everyone is. There’s this incredible sense of consideration for others – from sending the elevator back down for the next person, to detailed weekend guides, to everyone leaving on holidays at the same time! And don’t get me started on the waste sorting system… I’ve never recycled so thoroughly in my life! I also loved how much people are outside – cycling, walking, enjoying nature, even in the rain.

Grace:

I realised pretty quickly that KAEFER is KAEFER – no matter where you are. Whether in Perth or Bremen, the people share a sense of openness and care. I was invited into multiple departments, given a peek behind the curtain, and what really struck me was how similar the challenges are across countries. I loved seeing how knowledge and people move fluidly across the business. It made me feel part of something bigger – something global.

Julia:

There wasn’t one moment for me – it was more of a feeling that built up every day. The teamwork, the shared drive to find practical, hands-on solutions for our clients, and the genuine care people had for each other… It reminded me of home, even though I was 14,000 km away. That unshakable KAEFER spirit was everywhere.

Julia:

I missed my people – my family, friends, and colleagues back home. And yes… I’ll own it: I missed bread. And potatoes. Some clichés are just true!

Grace:

Honestly? Caramel muffins from my local grocery store. But also, my team. I’m lucky to be part of a crew that challenges and supports me. That said, I was made to feel very at home in Bremen. And yes, I missed my family too – of course!

Grace:

Where do I start? I came home with a whole new appreciation for HQ operations – and a deeper understanding of how strategic and ESG priorities are embedded in everything we do. I was blown away by the innovation lab and climate simulation facility. It’s one thing to hear about KAEFER’s commitment to technical excellence – another thing entirely to stand inside it. Oh, and I also brought home a giant, hand-painted cow-print mug from Carina. A treasure!

I also came back with more confidence to reach out internationally – whether for technical input, ESG guidance, or a second opinion on software. Tendering often touches every corner of the organisation, and now I feel even more connected to those corners.

Julia:

I returned with so many new insights: how operations really work on the ground, what our HR colleagues face day to day, and just how adaptable and passionate our teams are – wherever they are. I also now understand better what it means to live and work away from home. That perspective has changed how I approach things – both professionally and personally.

One special moment I’ll always remember was a cultural awareness session during a trip to the Outback. At the end, we were gifted a boomerang engraved with a kangaroo and an emu shaking hands – a symbol of peaceful cultural exchange. It now sits on my shelf and reminds me that Perth is part of my story now. And yes – just like the boomerang – I’ll be back.

Julia:

I’d bring back a bit of that Aussie spontaneity. The openness, the energy, the sense of “let’s just give it a go.” Oh – and maybe the sunshine, too.

Grace:

If I could fit the entire Corporate Communication team in my suitcase, I would have. Also: table soccer tournaments. And the weekly baked goods – courtesy of one very talented colleague from CSE.

Grace:

This experience reminded me that tendering is a team sport. I now know I can reach out to colleagues across the globe for support – whether it’s InDesign help, ESG input, or shared client references. Each tender is different, and now I’ve got even more tools (and friends) to tackle them.

Julia:

Being in the operations gave me new context. I see the challenges differently, and I think our global HR processes can evolve based on what I’ve learned. I came back inspired – and grateful.

Grace:

It really was a taste of something bigger. And it confirmed what I always suspected: that KAEFER is built on people – people who care, collaborate, and grow together. Wherever they are.

Julia:

This was more than a work trip. It was a personal journey. It was challenging, beautiful, and empowering. I left part of my heart in Australia – and brought back more than I ever imagined.