In an era of rapid technological advancements and changing workplace dynamics, creating a culture that allows employees to better adapt to an evolving landscape is crucial for professional success. foodpanda stands out as an organization that nurtures a dynamic and vibrant workplace culture. Behind the delicious meals and groceries delivered to doorsteps is a workplace where ideas flourish, collaboration thrives, and employees are empowered to shape the future of the company.
With only a team of 4, foodpanda Bangladesh was founded in December 2013 by Ambareen Reza and Zubair BA Siddiky. Today, foodpanda is a subsidiary under Delivery Hero, a global leader of the food delivery industry. Powered by technology and operational excellence, foodpanda Bangladesh is spearheading the growth of food delivery and quick-commerce (q-commerce) across the region, in collaboration with all its stakeholders.
Since 2013, foodpanda has successfully created a sustainable digital ecosystem for restaurants, SMEs, customers, and rider partners in Bangladesh, with an unwavering goal to ensure customer satisfaction through fast deliveries at the tap of a button. All these are driven by a dedicated team, who are constantly provided opportunities to contribute to the culture of innovation.
Professional journeys at foodpanda
At foodpanda, all employees - from entry level staff to senior management - are empowered to take charge of their growth, engage in creative problem-solving, and even question established norms. This empowerment is ingrained as part of the mentorship provided by leaders who guide and support their teams in their professional journeys. The company’s culture is such that each employee is highly valued and every opinion is genuinely considered. The commitment to inclusion and diversity extends beyond rhetoric, and comes through in the day-to-day experience of all. Here, everyone, irrespective of age, seniority, or hierarchy, has the potential to effect change.
Sahida Fatema joined foodpanda in 2020 as the first female manager in foodpanda Bangladesh's operations team. Since then, she has overseen various projects including rider recruitment and engagement and is currently a rider experience manager. She was recently nominated by the company for ‘TAAGA Outstanding Young Professionals Award 2023,’ where she was one of the six finalists.
“Every day, my drive to learn and strive for excellence serves as a constant source of motivation. Over the years, I've learned the intricacies of successful operations, prioritization, and effective workforce management. Leading a team has taught me valuable leadership skills, from presenting ideas with precision to problem-solving. Today, I approach any business challenge with confidence, knowing that, while it may be difficult, it's not impossible—a mindset cultivated through my experiences at foodpanda," said Sahida Fatema, manager, rider experience.
Dedicated to fostering the continuous growth of employees, foodpanda provides a Learning Portal equipped with a myriad of modules designed to enhance skills not only within employees’ functional arenas, but also in areas which are essential in today’s business environment - such as data analytics, business communication, leadership, team management, and conflict management. Successful completion of these modules earns employees certifications, adding to their proficiency.
“When I joined, I had some skills and ambition, but it was foodpanda that saw beyond that –they provided me with opportunities to stretch my capabilities, take on challenging projects, and develop new skills,” says Zaeed Zubair, manager, strategic account management.
foodpanda firmly believes in honing the next generation of talent, and tailors personalized training and development programs for high-performing individuals to take on future leadership roles. .
Mohammad Tariqul Islam, senior manager, pandago, is one such individual. He joined foodpanda back in 2018, and his capabilities were groomed, which led to his accelerated career growth.
“Taking charge of a new vertical at foodpanda has been an incredibly empowering experience for me. The trust and confidence placed in me by the company motivated me to push my boundaries and excel in ways I hadn't imagined. Leading a new initiative not only allowed me to contribute to the company's growth but also fueled my passion for innovation and strategic thinking,” said Mohammad Tariqul Islam, senior manager, pandago.
Nurturing a healthy work-life at foodpanda
foodpanda’s commitment to employee well-being extends to health initiatives, including informative sessions led by prominent medical practitioners in Bangladesh. For instance, a recent session held last October focused on Breast Cancer Awareness for female employees. The company also has an existing partnership with Praava Health that enables employee access to medical and diagnostic services at discounted rates.
Recognizing the importance of a healthy work-life balance, foodpanda organises annual sports tournaments, including football and cricket, to promote both employee engagement and physical activity. These initiatives not only enhance mental well-being but also underscore the dedication to creating a holistic workplace environment.
foodpanda's role in shaping graduates' futures
foodpanda, as a subsidiary of Delivery Hero (headquartered in Berlin) which has operations in over 70 countries, provides immense opportunities for graduates.
As a company powered by technology, foodpanda stands at the forefront of Bangladesh's digital revolution, providing an environment where individuals can contribute and thrive in this rapidly evolving technological landscape.
"In the ever-evolving technological landscape, we recognize a shift in how individuals grow in their careers. At foodpanda, we are dedicated to continuous improvement, and strive to enhance our workplace every day by embracing diversity and fostering inclusion. Our role as an employer goes beyond conventional responsibilities, as we provide a dynamic platform for learning, growth, and innovation. We believe in empowering the next generation of leaders who can bring about positive change, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our collective success," emphasized HM Saif, head of people at foodpanda Bangladesh.
foodpanda encourages employees to explore diverse career opportunities within the company. Be it middle management roles such as project managers or entry-level positions within operations and marketing teams, there are numerous paths for professional development.
The company firmly believes that success is built on the collective efforts of its dedicated and talented workforce. By embracing innovation, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, investing in professional development, and cultivating a positive team environment, the efforts of one individual contribute not only to his/her personal success but also to the overall success of foodpanda. Here, opportunities are aplenty, and one is assured of a fulfilling and rewarding career at foodpanda.
