The HOYER Group, headquartered in Hamburg, is a family-owned company with a long tradition and has stood for first-class logistics solutions in the chemical, food, gas and mineral oil industries for decades.
However, even an established global player like HOYER is increasingly feeling the pressure of a shortage of skilled labour and the resulting competition for qualified employees. In order to remain successful in this tense market situation and position itself as an attractive employer, HOYER began introducing the HR and recruiting software from rexx systems at the end of 2019.
rexx systems, also based in Hamburg, has been developing software solutions for 25 years that support companies in digitalising HR processes and making them more efficient in the long term. The most important components include recruiting and applicant management, talent management and comprehensive HR tools. Today, around 3,000 companies use the solutions from rexx systems, and the number is growing continuously. The modular system offers a centralised platform in which all HR-relevant processes can be mapped, particularly for large SMEs such as HOYER that operate internationally.
HOYER – Tradition meets innovation
The HOYER Group can look back on a company history dating back to 1946. Since then, the owner-managed family business has developed into one of the world’s leading providers of bulk logistics for liquid goods. With around 6,500 employees and representative offices in over 100 countries, HOYER operates on five continents. The service portfolio is diverse and is aimed in particular at industries such as chemicals, food, gas and mineral oil. In addition to its extensive fleet of trucks, tank trailers, IBCs and tank containers, HOYER has its own depots, cleaning facilities and workshops.
The company’s rapid growth and the ever-increasing complexity of recruitment presented HOYER with new challenges. Especially in highly competitive labour markets, the competition for qualified specialists can be enormous. In addition to drivers in the commercial sector, specialists for commercial and technical positions as well as specialists and managers in administrative and management areas are increasingly being sought.
To meet these challenges, HOYER decided to utilise the software solutions from rexx systems at the end of 2019. The core objectives were to shorten the time-to-hire, reduce the administrative effort involved in recruitment and win over potential candidates with modern, up-to-date application processes.
Why rexx systems?
Over the past 25 years, rexx systems has made a name for itself as one of the leading providers in the German-speaking HR software market. The modular system covers the entire spectrum of recruiting, personnel administration, talent management, e-learning, workforce management and performance reviews.
Important reasons for the decision in favour of rexx systems
Comprehensive applicant management: All steps from the job advertisement and application process to recruitment are mapped in one system. This eliminates media disruptions and important information about candidates can be viewed transparently at any time.
Modularity and scalability: The rexx Suite allows individual modules to be added or customised as required. This allows HOYER to gradually expand its software landscape without having to invest in an overly complex system from the outset.
Ease of use: Both recruiters and specialist departments benefit from an intuitive user interface. This reduces training costs and facilitates acceptance throughout the entire organisation.
Future-proof technologies: Whether AI-supported matching algorithms or new communication channels – rexx systems is continuously expanding its portfolio to keep companies competitive.
Personal support: HOYER particularly appreciates its proximity to rexx systems, as both companies are based in Hamburg. Short distances and a direct exchange promote the rapid realisation of individual requirements.
Implementation – from planning to rollout
After HOYER made the decision in favour of rexx systems at the end of 2019, a project phase lasting several months followed in which the existing processes were analysed, requirements were specified and the software implementation was planned. Aspects such as user roles, data protection requirements and interface management played an important role right from the start, as HOYER has to fulfil high standards as a globally active logistics group.
Roll-out procedure
- Taking stock: Firstly, the existing HR and recruiting processes were scrutinised. In workshops with HR staff and specialist departments, key pain points were identified - such as time-consuming manual work steps or high coordination efforts between different departments.
- Configuration of the system: Based on these analyses, a concept for the configuration of the rexx Suite was created. The modules used in applicant management were to be tailored as precisely as possible to HOYER's needs.
- Training and change management: In order to achieve a high level of acceptance, rexx systems organised extensive training courses together with HOYER. These were aimed not only at imparting technical knowledge, but also at emphasising the added value of the new system to all those involved.
- Staged rollout: The decision was made in favour of a phased rollout so as not to disrupt regular operations. This allowed HOYER to gather valuable feedback from users and flexibly readjust the system as required.
Thanks to this structured approach, the introduction of the rexx Suite went very smoothly overall. Shortly after going live at the end of 2019, the first successes were recorded – such as faster processing times and a significant simplification of the application processes.
Initial successes and important findings
Reduce time-to-hire: A key objective for HOYER was to significantly reduce the time from job posting to hiring. The digital applicant management system from rexx systems has achieved this. Recruiters can keep track of applications received, the status of individual candidates and pending tasks such as interview invitations or feedback at all times.
Transparent coordination: A major advantage of the rexx Suite is that specialist departments are closely involved and have access to relevant information at all times. Feedback on candidates can be stored directly in the system, which speeds up the decision-making process. This transparency is particularly valuable for a company with so many locations and branches.
Optimised applicant experience: HOYER has also seen an improvement in the candidate experience. Applicants appreciate the online application forms and the ability to track their own application status digitally. This can make all the difference, especially for sought-after target groups who are also looking for jobs in other industries or companies.
A holistic view of talent: In addition to the recruiting database, information on further training, certifications and potential analyses can also be mapped in the rexx Suite. This creates a holistic talent pool that can be used for internal career paths or new projects. HOYER benefits from the growing database of competent specialists and managers who can be contacted quickly for open positions.
Brief digression: Applying via WhatsApp
In July 2023, HOYER also introduced the ‘Apply via WhatsApp’ module from rexx systems – and achieved considerable success in just a few months. Over 200 applications were received within a short period of time, 67% of which were invited to interviews. The messenger service was even used to make the first hires.
For HOYER and rexx systems, this shows how quickly an additional digital channel can have a noticeable effect on recruiting. Candidates from operational professions in particular, who rarely use traditional career portals, benefited from the simple and mobile application route. A QR code takes you directly to a chat window in which basic information is requested. This data flows automatically into the rexx Suite so that the process can be continued without any frictional losses.
For HOYER, this application channel was initially a test, but it has been demonstrably well received. Although the company has so far only placed a QR code for Messenger in selected job advertisements and has not run a major advertising campaign for it, the feedback has been very positive. Short response times and direct communication with applicants set HOYER apart from its competitors and are an important component in positioning the company as a modern employer.
‘Within the first seven months of implementing our WhatsApp channel, we received 156 applications via this new channel alone – even though we currently only offer it for around half of our advertised positions. The synergy effects of rexx applicant management and simplified contact via Messenger are clearly noticeable. We are reaching new interested parties, especially in professions where the applicant rate is otherwise rather low.’
Carina Böttcher, Senior Manager / Teamlead Recruiting Germany, HOYER Group
‘Especially in times of a shortage of skilled labour, it is essential to make applications as simple and accessible as possible. With our ‘Apply via WhatsApp’ module, we are significantly reducing these hurdles. The HOYER example shows impressively how quickly this translates into concrete figures.’
Felix Köhnecke, Senior Sales Manager, rexx systems
Conclusion
The HOYER Group is a prime example of how a traditional family business with vision and an innovative spirit can be successful even in a challenging market environment. The introduction of the rexx Suite at the end of 2019 was a key step towards professionalising and accelerating HR work and recruiting in the long term. Over the years, HOYER has been able to streamline internal processes and significantly improve the candidate experience.
The brief excursion into applications via messenger services also shows how quickly new channels can establish themselves if they offer applicants real added value and convenience. Over 200 applications in just a few months, a 67% interview invitation rate and several successful hires speak for themselves. However, this is just one of many building blocks in HOYER’s comprehensive digital and recruiting strategy, which is constantly being further developed in close collaboration with rexx systems.
The core objective remains unchanged: HOYER wants to attract, develop and retain the best talent in the company in the long term. This is precisely why rexx systems offers the right digital solutions that are constantly adapted to market requirements. By combining their expertise – HOYER with decades of experience in logistics and rexx systems as a leading expert in HR software – the two companies are creating the conditions to remain competitive in an increasingly complex working environment.
The success story so far is a strong signal that consistent digitalisation and an innovative, user-friendly approach to personnel management can be the decisive levers to counter the shortage of skilled workers. HOYER has taken this step and impressively confirmed how efficiency, quality and speed in application and familiarisation processes have a positive impact on the company as a whole.
This shows that two companies work hand in hand in Hamburg that not only share the same location, but also pursue a common vision – to connect people with the right tasks and thus ensure long-term success for everyone involved.
