Making company values come alive through strategic upskilling

Turning values into action across a global workforce

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Announcing new company values is only the first step toward cultural transformation. Hunkemöller partnered with Lepaya to translate abstract values into concrete behaviors through tailored upskilling programs. By combining in-person, online, and VR training, along with practice sessions with actors, the programs allowed employees at every level to develop skills directly aligned with the company’s values.

Business need

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Embedding values across an international workforce

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With over 7,000 employees across multiple countries, Hunkemöller faced the challenge of ensuring consistent application of its new values. The company needed a scalable learning strategy that could:

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• Connect values to specific skills and behaviors
  
• Tailor learning paths for employees at different seniority levels
  
• Strengthen cross-functional collaboration and networking
  
• Drive observable behavioral change in daily work practices
  
  

The goal was clear: to move beyond awareness and foster a workforce that demonstrates organizational values through concrete actions.

Training solutio

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Practical, value-aligned learning

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Hunkemöller and Lepaya designed a multi-layered training program linking each company value to specific skills and behaviors. Learning paths were customized for different rolesn - from early-career professionals to senior leaders - ensuring relevance and applicability.

Sessions combined pre-work materials, interactive workshops, VR experiences, and role-play with professional actors. These practical exercises allowed employees to practice real-life scenarios and embed behaviors directly into their work

The training also encouraged cross-departmental interaction, strengthening collaboration and shared understanding across international teams. Employees particularly valued these experiences for pushing them out of their comfort zones:

Impact

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Embedding values into daily practices

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The impact of Hunkemöller’s value-based learning strategy has been tangible across the organization:

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1. 87% sign-up rate
2. 9.0/10 training satisfaction score
3. 9.5 average trainer score
4. 80% average attendance rate
5. 173 learners enrolled
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But the real success lies in the behavioral changes employees have integrated into daily work.

Many participants have adopted new feedback practices, coaching approaches, and collaborative behaviors that reflect the company’s values, such as empowerment and inclusivity.

By embedding values into observable behaviors, the training ensures that learning translates into improved collaboration, leadership, and overall organizational effectiveness. The program also strengthened cross-functional connections, enabling employees to learn from peers across regions and departments.

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Looking forward, Hunkemöller continues to evolve its learning initiatives in line with business priorities. Leadership development, skills gap analysis, and targeted programs will ensure the organization remains agile, value-driven, and future-ready.

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 “Lepaya is always structured with: What are the goals we want to achieve? How are we doing in achieving that? What are your business goals, and what can we do to support them? That structure absolutely helps in making it a tangible benefit that I can see every year.” Johandri Kieck, Global Learning and Development Manager

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Through this ongoing partnership, Hunkemöller is not only building a trained workforce but also fostering a culture where learning and values are deeply embedded in the organization’s DNA.