Kerstin Derks

What position do you have at Axactor, and what is your role?

I'm currently working as a Collection Advisor in the enforcement department. I've always been interested in enforcement, even when I was in different departments. My day-to-day duties revolve around enforcement, garnishment, disclosure of assignments, correspondence with debtors, third-party debtors, debt counsellors and lawyers.

Which of your attributes are particularly helpful to you in your work at Axactor?

As you know, Axactor's motto is Passion, Trust and Proactivity.

I would characterise myself as a very friendly, organised and hard-working person with passion and openness. I'm also very reliable and loyal. I think these are all attributes that fit very well with Axactor's motto. These characteristics help me go about my day-to-day work – even in stressful situations – with a sense of enjoyment and motivation, and of course I have a good team by my side. You can approach managers with problems, questions etc. at any time. They'll try to find the right help or support as quickly as possible.

You've been at Axactor for almost 10 years already. What attracts you to stay at Axactor?

Over the almost 10 years in this company (formerly Altor, Heidelberger Inkasso) I've been through quite a few restructurings and changes. A lot of things have changed for the positive since the company was taken over by Axactor. Under the management of Steffen Fink, the company has created a structure that gives employees the feeling that they're not just a number. The communication is more open, the managers are "approachable", and everyone is working towards their goals full of energy, motivation and especially positive thinking. People matter. In their entirety, with all their little quirks and foibles.

Even campaigns requiring work on the occasional Saturday are "sweetened" for staff by breakfast and little goodies. What I particularly like about this is that whereas previously you never used to see a manager on additional Saturday duties, now they are all there, right up to top management. I see that as a sign of the respect they have for the staff, which is not something you get everywhere else.

An occupational pension scheme has also been set up for the workforce.

During the pandemic, home office options were provided in ultra-quick time. They also did, provided and bought everything else they possibly could for the staff – and this was before they had any obligation to do so – to ensure we could all stay healthy. We've definitely got Steffen to thank for that!

The company is growing constantly and being modernised, so we can look forward to a modern workplace going forward as well. The academy offers training opportunities, which means you can either refresh your existing knowledge or acquire new skills.

And of course I'm very excited about the new office.