Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Weisser, Betz Bürowelt was founded in 1976 and is synonymous with solutions for the office. Were there any particular milestones?

Ruben Weisser: My grandfather took over the company in 1989 and led it successfully for 22 years. Betz Bürowelt quickly enjoyed a very good reputation for office and facility furnishings, office supplies, and office technology. To accommodate growth, an architecturally impressive building was constructed in Tübingen in 2000, reflecting the dynamic development of the company.

Wirtschaftsforum: In March 2022, the Streit Group acquired Betz Bürowelt. What does the acquisition mean?

Ruben Weisser: Streit is similar to us, so both companies harmonized very well from the beginning. Being part of it brings us important synergy effects at various levels. Thanks to Streit Systec, for example, we can now serve a completely new field, that of large-scale printing systems, data management systems, and collaboration systems, and are thus able to offer fully equipped conference rooms for hybrid work. With Partner AG, a strong partner of the Streit Group, we have the opportunity to work with architects and interior designers who support us in planning and consulting. Last but not least, we can rely on Streit's warehouse in Gengenbach, therefore deliver faster, offer better prices, and a broader product portfolio that also includes workwear, technology, and promotional items; products that are new to us.

Wirtschaftsforum: How has the takeover affected the structure?

Ruben Weisser: Our main location is still Tübingen; here we have 28 employees. Streit is based in Gengenbach, where the group has established a flagship building for New Work, which we use for customer events – another synergy effect. The building is perfect to take a look at the workspace of tomorrow. In Gengenbach, they tried to combine three elements. Culture, technology, and Shared Desk/Multispace Office are the major themes here. Streit was not certified as a 'Great place to work' for no reason; regular surveys confirm that employees feel comfortable.

Wirtschaftsforum: How would you describe the portfolio of Betz?

Ruben Weisser: For us, the manufacturers are important; we cooperate with big names like Vitra and Sedus. Especially these manufacturers are pioneers for New Work Offices. With the products, we can act as a multispecialist in the market and offer a diverse portfolio in all areas – office supplies, office technology, and office and object furnishings.

Wirtschaftsforum: The term New Work keeps coming up. What does it mean to you?

Ruben Weisser: For many, it means nothing other than a new office and work environment. My understanding goes far beyond that; for me, New Work is directly related to culture, technology, employee participation, and leaders who lead the way. It is about a new form of working, about using workplaces efficiently, for example, through Shared Desks and Clean Desks that boost the efficiency of spaces and free up other areas for special work modes like focused work, relaxation, and teamwork. That is why we work with the 'Office Lift', a service that includes orientation, employee involvement, planning, and implementation of a new work environment. We ask employees how they work, what they need, how much focused work takes place, how many conferences. Based on this, we create a sociogram, later we meet for various workshops. Employee participation is an essential part of the New Work process.

Wirtschaftsforum: How is the new world of work being received by customers in Gengenbach?

Ruben Weisser: The customers are excited and wish this working environment for themselves. However, Gengenbach is not a blueprint; we are dealing with processes tailored to individual needs.

Wirtschaftsforum: Culture is a central keyword in the New Work discussion. How can the culture at Betz be characterized?

Ruben Weisser: We live an open error culture and have a very family-friendly, friendly, and appreciative atmosphere, characterized by openness, transparency, and flat hierarchies. It is important to us to get the employees on board; they should enjoy their work.

Wirtschaftsforum: What topics, challenges, and visions will be important for Betz in the future?

Ruben Weisser: Integration into the Streit world is still ongoing. The next point is the digitalization of the office world. In the long term, we want to be the leading company for office and facility furnishings as well as office supplies in Tübingen.