Two Cultures, One Goal – Building Real Connection

 

“Mystery Coffee creates connections that rarely happen in day-to-day work. Especially across locations, it sparks meaningful conversations and fosters a stronger sense of connection between colleagues.” Daniela, HR

 

The Challenge: Two Cultures, One Goal –
Building Real Connection

After an acquisition, the focus is not only on integrating processes, but above all on one key question: How do employees truly connect with each other? This was exactly the challenge HENSOLDT faced in 2024 during the integration of ESG. Two distinct company cultures needed to come together quickly and sustainably.

Especially during periods of change, uncertainty and friction can arise, increasing the need for orientation, connection, and exchange.

The objective was clear: minimize friction while actively creating new connections between teams.

 

The Solution: Networking That Brings People Together – with Mystery Minds

HENSOLDT chose the innovative Mystery Minds platform to encourage employee exchange in a simple and engaging way. Employees could choose between two different formats:

Mystery Coffee – Since April 2022, this format has been connecting employees across locations and departments through random 1:1 conversations. During the ESG integration, the matching process was specifically adapted to strengthen dialogue between employees from both organizations. The result was a vibrant network that helped break down barriers and bring people together.

Mystery Lunch – Introduced in September 2025 following employee demand, this format focuses on in-person meetings. These conversations often lead to deeper professional discussions and stronger personal connections. While Mystery Coffee creates spontaneous, low-threshold encounters, Mystery Lunch provides space for more in-depth exchange, collaboration, and shared problem-solving.

 

The Impact: Connected, Inspired, and United

Today, more than 810 employees across different countries and locations actively use the platform, generating impressive results: over 12,600 matches since launch, with an average of 258 matches per month. Conversations take place internationally, with strong participation from Germany, South Africa, France, the UK, India, and Singapore – in German, English, and French.

But the real impact is visible in everyday work life. Mystery Coffee connects people who otherwise would never have met. It opens the door to new perspectives, strengthens mutual understanding, and lowers barriers between colleagues – an invaluable advantage, especially during times of change.

 

“The format is a simple yet highly effective way to strengthen company culture and build new connections.” Julia, Employer Branding

 

Many conversations go far beyond small talk and lead to valuable exchanges around challenges, experiences, and solutions.

 

“Every Mystery Coffee creates an opportunity for new perspectives and inspiring conversations – a real value-add in day-to-day work.” Lea, HR

 

With Mystery Minds, HENSOLDT actively shaped employee networking instead of leaving it to chance. Especially in the context of the merger, it became clear how important it is to create space for employees to connect – both professionally and personally.

The result: stronger connections, greater understanding, and a company culture that continues to grow together across locations and borders.

 

 

 

About HENSOLDT

HENSOLDT is an international technology company headquartered in Germany with locations around the world. The company develops sensor-based solutions and digital technologies that help organizations better perceive and understand complex environments, enabling more informed decision-making.

With several thousand employees across multiple countries, HENSOLDT stands for innovation, technological excellence, and international collaboration. Its solutions are used across a wide range of applications and contribute to improving security, efficiency, and connectivity within complex systems.

 

Learn more about HENSOLDT.