Agency check: Previon

• Agency Name: Previon Plus AG
• Establishment date: 2013
• Founder: Roger Wernli
• Current agency heads:  Roger Wernli, Thomas Werthmüller, Haris Besic and Claudio Scicchitano
• Number of employees: 18+
• Current customers: (excerpt) Amag,, Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, EspaceSuisse, Gesundheitsförderung Schweiz, Höhere Fachschule Technik Mittelland, Nidwaldner Kantonalbank, Swiss Red Cross, Spital Bülach, SVA Aargau, S-GE Switzerland Global Enterprise, SVIT Schweiz, Verband Schweizerischer Elektrizitätsunternehmen, Veriset Küchen AG, WAS Wirtschaft Arbeit Soziales...
• Website: Previon.ch

Which project from the past twelve months are you particularly proud of?

There are several examples. We were allowed for Hospital Bülach and a relaunch of its website for Veriset. In both projects, the focus was on directly addressing the target groups and managing them accordingly. The fact that our clients and their customers are satisfied with the results fills us with pride. We are pleased when we can enter into long-term partnerships with our clients and accompany and support them along the entire value chain of digital topics.

 

The most important project in agency history to date - and why?

These days we have won the contract in a major pitch! This involves the creation of a new brand and the development of a comprehensive business ecosystem. In addition, our traditional business and networking event as part of the Digital Days Aarau is a big highlight. On this evening, we invite guests from different industries, departments, functions to join us in Aarau and talk about innovation, transformation and opportunities and possibilities in the context of digialization. In connection with the Open House Day, which takes place a few weeks before, we can invite our customers and interests to exciting talks and discussions.

 

The most unusual place where your creatives retreat to be creative?

Our office is our space operations center and the place where we give free rein to our creativity. In doing so, we make a point of meeting everyone's needs. The agency is divided into two parts, we have a "Work" area and a "Play" part for workshops and creative (team) sessions. Those who need peace and quiet can retreat to the meeting room. Last but not least, we can flexibly rearrange and furnish our premises.

 

What do you do when you have thought blocks?

For thinking blockades we have different punching bags in use. With a few targeted Rocky punches, the blockade is often overcome. But there is also the option of taking a walk in the fresh air in the adjacent Oehlerpark. If that doesn't help either, we have refreshing drinks in the fridge to help.

 

What is your agency philosophy?

Previon generates a "digital impact": disruptive and sustainable at the same time. Our philosophy is to help customers become sustainably better, faster and more present with digitalization. What we do, we do with passion and because we are convinced - it helps the customers. Freely according to the motto: "You gotta break the egg to make an omelet!"

 

Why should talented people definitely come to work for you?

As Previon, we want to make an impact on the career and development of talents and thus give them freedom to develop. We also give them the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. This is how we challenge and encourage their development. We live our philosophy for the team, within the team and for our customers and partners. Development only comes through independent trial and error.

 

How long do employees stay with you on average?

In today's world, it is not the length of time in the company that is relevant, but the duration of the emotional bond. With us, this is long-term.

 

How old is your youngest employee, and how old is your oldest?

Our youngest Previonaut is 22 years old, the oldest 53 years young.

 

How high are the wages you pay compared to the industry average?

We have introduced an open salary model in which our salaries are transparently displayed according to competence level. Our employees also benefit from other advantages and many team events. A comparison is very difficult, as there are many points that are difficult to take into account, such as location, size, etc. We estimate that we are in the middle of the pack. Taking all criteria into account, we estimate ourselves in the middle.

 

What is the ratio between the best and the worst paid employee?

About 2:3.

 

Pay transparency: Do employees know among themselves who earns how much?

Our model is transparent and comprehensible. Based on experience and length of time with the company, everyone has the opportunity to grow. Furthermore, we have an expectation for all junior positions to advance to the next level within one year. With good performance, this means a relatively large pay increase within a year. The model also allows colleagues to nominate and recommend each other for advancement to the next level. In addition, all employees participate directly in the agency's profits.

 

How much overtime do you work on average per week?

That depends on many factors. Shortly before go-live, we are working passionately and flat out to ensure a successful launch. That means we work overtime. However, there are also certain times of the year when things are rather quiet.

 

What benefits do you offer to compensate your employees for this overtime?

The overtime can be drawn as compensation days. For morale, there are good, fresh drinks and lots of humor during hard times. Our team events also always bring a relaxed mood and fun.

 

How long do you get maternity leave and how long paternity leave?

Maternity and paternity leave at our company corresponds to the statutory maternity protection provisions of 16 weeks and parental leave of two weeks for the father.

 

What are your home office regulations?

Home office is equated with office. Employees have the opportunity to decide for themselves. We have fixed office days where we physically meet and also end the evening together. Cohesion and spirit are still brought to life physically.

 

What is the current quota of women?

Our quota of women has potential and we would like to see more women in positions such as project management, consulting and also in development!

 

Do you employ interns?

Yes, we currently have a trainee in the development department and in June another trainee from IMS Informatikmittelschule will start with us.

 

Do you organize team events?

The Previon year is filled to the brim with events. Once a month we celebrate the Monthly Bash, which every employee has to organize once a year. The theme can be freely chosen by the employee, taking into account two rules: First, it must be something that no one knows. And second, each person must learn something in the process. Then there is Independence Day, when the birth of Previon is celebrated. And Family Day, where the whole family is also invited. Once a year we organize an Open House Day for our customers, partners and potential customers. Furthermore, we are the organizer of the closing event of the Digital Day in Aarau.

 

Do you have an agency dog or other mascot?

Our mascot is an astronaut who greets our visitors in the entrance lobby. The astronaut shares the same values as we do: He is also a team player, is curious, challenges the status quo and strives for impact.

 

Where do you drink your after-work beer?

We drink our after-work beers at our favorite table, which is sometimes also a meeting table and lunch table. Our tradition is Köhler beer from Zofingen.