Two continents, one KAEFER

What happens when you don’t just travel for work, but find yourself living and working on the other side of the world? When one colleague from KAEFER’s Group headquarters in Bremen takes on a temporary assignment in Perth, Australia – just as someone from the Perth office is arriving at HQ for a short-term stay?

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 departments and different hemispheres who, by coincidence, found themselves working far from home – at the same time, but in opposite directions.

In their own words, they take us behind the scenes of their cross-continental experiences – sharing what it felt like to step into new cultures, new routines, and new perspectives.

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 years of virtual collaboration and weeks of preparation, walking into the Perth office and meeting everyone in person was really special. I was greeted with so many friendly faces, people who showed me around, took me to lunch, and made me feel very welcome right from the start. That human connection was what stood out most.

Julia:

Coming from a German corporate environment into the daily life of Australian operations was quite a shift. The structure-loving, perfectionist side of me had to let go a little: to accept that things move fast, priorities shift constantly, and sometimes an 80% solution is exactly what’s needed in that moment. It was loud, busy and lively – a different rhythm to HQ – and I had to learn to trust the process. That was a good learning for life.

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:

For me, there wasn’t one big “a-ha!” moment – it was something I felt every day. The strong KAEFER team spirit, how people look out for each other, solve problems together, and just get things done… that was beautiful to see and to be a part of. It reminded me that even when the environment changes, the values stay the same.

Julia:

I missed my people – my family, friends, and colleagues back home. I also missed the comfort of knowing exactly how everything works. And yes, I’ll admit it… I missed bread and potatoes. Total cliché, I know.

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:

One of the most valuable things I brought back was a deeper understanding of what operations look like – and how that shapes the daily life and needs of our local HR colleagues. I also came back with many new connections and perspectives that I hope will enrich our global HR work going forward.

There is a greater empathy for everyone working away from home as well. Living and working in a different country changes the way you think – and that’s something I’ll carry with me.

One special moment I’ll always remember was during a cultural awareness session in 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. Together with other lovely goodbye presents it 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 would have loved to take the HR Team with me. Oh – and 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:

My time in Australia helped me see the bigger picture. I came home with a better understanding of what our colleagues in operations deal with day to day – and with ideas for how we can evolve our global HR processes to better support them. I’m very grateful for the experience.

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 wasn’t just a professional chapter. It was an adventure, filled with work, challenges, reflections, people, unforgettable moments and personal growth. A rollercoaster, yes – but one I’m so glad I rode. I left part of my heart in Australia and brought back more than I ever imagined.