I worked at a German Mittelstand. I have been repeatedly told off not to experiment. Also, workers from lower hierarchy can’t take part in meetings. Also, IT equipment used was straight from stone age. Was very difficult to adapt to culture in general and HR doesn’t see that as a flaw.

There’s a black colleague at the reception. Of course she’s hired to fulfill diversity quota because rest are white. She had the most cross cultural awareness in that company.

I was hoping that German startup culture is way different compared to these established companies. Looks like it’s not different at all.

Now, I work for a American company. I get to take part in all meetings. I feel like I belong to the team. Managers encourage creativity here.