Key to the successful integration of Deutsche Wohnen into Vonovia
Vonovia acquired a majority stake in Deutsche Wohnen at the end of 2021. For the German property landscape, it quickly became clear that two strong and traditional companies were coming together.
However, the challenge of combining companies of this size with different corporate cultures and working methods into a harmonious whole was not an everyday task, even for Vonovia, which has a wealth of integration experience. The ambitious timeline for the process integration, the creation of new locations and business units and the need to ensure the smoothest possible transition for all customers required a carefully planned approach. A comprehensive integration project was therefore launched with the aim of working within Vonovia's common structures and processes by 1 January 2023. As part of this integration project, undconsorten supported the change management activities of Vonovia's core business - the rental organisation.
Interview with Arnd Fittkau
In autumn 2024, we looked back with Arnd Fittkau (Chief Rental Officer, Vonovia SE) on the integration, the key success factors and the lessons learned. Which approaches were particularly successful and which aspects would have been better organised differently in retrospect?
Please note that the interview was recorded in German.
Our change approach
The integration and simultaneous establishment of new locations and business units with new teams that were ready to work productively for the tenants right from the start required a comprehensive change architecture. In a joint "change team" consisting of members of Vonovia, Deutsche Wohnen and undconsorten, we pursued a stringent change approach.
1. Change diagnosis
A well-founded change diagnosis formed the basis for customised measures. Targeted interviews with employees and managers at Vonovia and Deutsche Wohnen gave us a clear picture of the different perspectives and needs. This diagnosis, visualised through word clouds, quantitative assessments and concise quotes, served as the basis for all change activities and promoted a more in-depth discussion about the corporate culture.
2. Change story
Based on the diagnostic results, a "change story" was created that contained standardised messages on integration (e.g. status of negotiations with the works council) and thus served as a "handout" for managers. In this way, employees were to be provided with clear and standardised messages and possible concerns and fears addressed.
3. Change plan
We drew up a detailed change plan that ensured the structural implementation of all measures. This plan defined clear responsibilities and milestones for each stakeholder group to ensure that the change process was implemented effectively at all levels. The plan was regularly reviewed and adjusted as necessary to ensure that all stakeholders were covered.
4. Change & communication measures:
To promote cultural integration, we implemented targeted measures such as tandem and team work. This included trainer and management tandems as well as team-building activities specifically designed to strengthen collaboration between new and existing teams. Communication of the change process was supported by regular updates in the form of written, video and podcast formats in order to create transparency and keep employees up to date with the new processes and the future working day.
5. Change management/change management office (CMO)
The Change Management Office (CMO) took on a central role in the management and coordination of all sub-projects and measures. Its task was to ensure that the integration was not only strategically planned, but also efficiently implemented in practice. This required a systematic and disciplined approach: continuous listening, regular dialogue, targeted readjustment and clear, transparent communication. In this role, the CMO acted both as an "extended workbench" for the operational business and as a reliable "conscience" for the entire transformation process. It helped to quickly translate identified findings into concrete actions. By continuously monitoring progress, evaluating the effectiveness of all change measures and adapting to emerging challenges, the CMO ensured that the change process remained sustainable and responsive.
"Thanks to undconsorten's targeted change support, we were able to successfully implement the integration both strategically and operationally."
Arnd Fittkau
CRO
Facts about the company
Vonovia SE is Germany's largest housing company and one of the leading property groups in Europe. With over 550,000 flats in Germany, Austria and Sweden, Vonovia is a key player in the field of sustainable living. Following the acquisition of Deutsche Wohnen in 2021, a new company with over 15,000 employees was created with the aim of combining the best elements of both organisations and shaping the future of the housing industry together.
Broadening perspectives - further topics
Successful organisations are characterised by a common direction, effective positioning, committed employees, efficient managers, high-performing teams, a constructive culture and experience with change. These characteristics are closely interlinked and reinforce each other.
Change management
In an ever-changing world, the ability to adapt and embrace change is crucial. We support you in developing customised solutions for your challenges.
Corporate culture
Strengthening teams and organisations with effective leaders. Our approach is based on the conviction that organisational structures only really come to life through the enthusiasm and commitment of employees. It is about transforming formal ideas into tangible reality - and this can only succeed with each individual in the team.
Strategic orientation
Clear and common goals are essential for successful organisations. They provide orientation in the market and for internal collaboration. Linking business strategy with vision and purpose is crucial. The larger the organisation, the more important it is to have a clear direction. Our approach anchors common goals in structures and processes, supported by proven methods to ensure a high willingness to change.
Talk to us
Do you have any questions or are you interested in working with undconsorten? Together we can discuss how we can make your organisation more successful with a holistic approach and functional expertise with a focus on sustainability, implementation and efficiency.
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