Pros
I recently was dismissed by KI Performance, part of the KI Group, and would like to share my experience during my short tenure to provide transparency for others considering opportunities within the organization. The onboarding process was exceptionally well-organized and smooth. The HR team ensured that all relevant information was easily accessible, which made transitioning into the role seamless. Additionally, I had the pleasure of working with outstanding colleagues across the different office locations (Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich) and other KI Group companies (KI Professionals, Impact AI, and KI Performance). The atmosphere among colleagues was welcoming, supportive, and genuinely enjoyable, making collaboration a highlight of my experience.
Cons
Despite these positives, I observed several critical issues that detracted from my overall experience: 1. Lack of Strategic Clarity From the outset, it became apparent that the company’s long-term strategy and goals were insufficiently defined, if at all. This lack of direction was particularly evident concerning my role. Despite friendly interactions with the managing director of KI Group and the directors of KI Performance, there was no clear vision for why I was hired or how my role fit into the broader company objectives. 2. Contractual Discrepancy Upon starting in November, I was presented with a contract identical to the one I had signed in July but was informed that it was now with KI Performance GmbH instead of KI Group, without a detailed explanation. This seemed unusual and raised initial concerns about organizational transparency. 3. Layoffs and Poor Communication During my four-week tenure, I learned that a significant number of employees had been laid off across various KI Group verticals (KI Professionals, KI Performance, Impact AI) before my arrival. Another colleague was laid off just six weeks into their role during my time there. These terminations, coupled with the lack of a clear sales strategy or guidance from my superiors, created an unsettling work environment. 4. Questionable Termination Process My own termination was handled poorly and left much to be desired in terms of professionalism. After providing informal feedback to HR about the lack of strategic input and guidance, I was invited to a meeting with the managing director and HR the subsequent week. I anticipated a discussion on these concerns, but instead, I was unexpectedly laid off in a video conference on the basis of dubious reasons. The handling of the process was more than disappointing - my direct supervisor, who is normally in Cologne and had signed the cancellation letter, was present in the Munich office but avoided any personal contact. After the cancellation meeting, my direct superior had already left. Subsequent attempts to contact him were completely ignored, and no personal conversation ever took place. Broader Observations In conversations with longer-tenured employees, many reported that morale and organizational structure had significantly deteriorated in 2024. Key issues included: * Actionism and Unstructured Work Practices: Decisions and workflows often lacked coherence or strategy. * Management and Communication: The approach to leadership and internal communication left employees feeling undervalued and unclear about their roles. * Unclear Target Structure: The lack of defined goals contributed to dissatisfaction. Advice for Prospective Employees While the camaraderie among colleagues is exceptional, I strongly recommend conducting thorough due diligence, particularly regarding the company’s strategic direction, communication practices, and management structure.