Creating a Workplace where People Thrive: a Conversation with our HR Specialist

At APS – Advanced Printing Systems, the Human Resources Department plays a key role in supporting the people behind the company’s success. From recruitment and employee communication, to organizing events and maintaining a positive workplace atmosphere, the team helps create an environment where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated.

We spoke with Toma Sokolov, HR Specialist, about the department’s responsibilities, the importance of building strong connections within APS, and the teamwork behind creating a positive employee experience.

What makes me most proud is that APS keeps people motivated and happy, while achieving great results together as a team.
Toma Sokolov

A Department Supporting People and Culture

As HR Specialist, Toma contributes to a wide range of activities that support employees throughout their journey at APS. From recruitment and onboarding, to employee communication, payroll coordination, and supporting different stages of the employee lifecycle, the HR Department plays a central role in connecting people and the company.

“Our role is very dynamic. We are doing everything, from salaries and communication with staff, to recruitment and creating a good atmosphere in the company.”

Beyond administrative responsibilities, HR’s mission goes further: creating a workplace where people enjoy coming to work, feel supported, and can build strong relationships with their colleagues.

“The most important thing for APS’s success is keeping a good atmosphere in the company, and making people happy to be here.”

Building Connections through Collaboration

HR projects often require close collaboration with different departments and partners, to create experiences that bring employees together.

One of the biggest projects organized each year by the HR Department is the APS Christmas party. While it may seem like a social event, creating a successful company gathering requires careful planning, communication, and a strong understanding of what employees will appreciate.

“The main challenge is defining the best concept for the people, and how they will react to everything.”

From selecting the right concept and activities, to coordinating with external organizers, the project requires constant communication and flexibility, to turn ideas into a successful event.

Creating Moments that Bring APS Together

For Toma, the importance of the Christmas party goes beyond the event itself. It creates an opportunity for employees from different teams to connect, share a positive experience, and strengthen the sense of belonging within APS.

“It makes the APS team more connected, and it makes people really happy when such things happen.”

During his first year organizing the event, Toma and the team introduced several new ideas, to create a different experience for employees. A new menu and the addition of a piano bar after dinner helped create a more memorable atmosphere.

“We tried to implement something new and different. The new menu and the piano bar after dinner were very well received.”

The positive feedback from employees showed the impact of these moments, with many people expressing their wish to continue having such events in the future.

“The outcome is very pleasing, when you hear people being happy, talking about the event afterwards, and wanting to have such parties again.”

HR Powered by Teamwork

For Toma, successful HR work depends strongly on collaboration, and the people around him. The HR team combines professionalism, understanding, and strong communication skills to support the entire APS community.

“What I value most about my team is that they are very professional, understanding, and easy to communicate with.”

Their approachable personalities and positive mindset help make HR a trusted and accessible department for employees across APS.

“We are very outgoing people, and we enjoy working together. This makes our presence valuable for the whole APS team.”

Learning and Improving Every Day

Organizing company-wide initiatives, such as the Christmas party, also brings valuable lessons. For Toma, every project is an opportunity to improve and find new ways to create better experiences.

“What I learned from this experience is that you can always go better and better.”

This continuous improvement mindset reflects the values that drive APS across all departments: collaboration, adaptability, and the ambition to keep improving every day.

Finding Pride in the APS Community

What makes Toma most proud about working at APS is the company culture, and the ability to achieve strong results while maintaining a human approach.

“I am very proud working with APS, because it is not a big company, but the results that it is achieving are very good.”

He also highlights the uniqueness of APS’s production capabilities, and the commitment of employees who contribute every day to building high-quality products from the ground up.

“Our production is very specific, and we do everything from the scratch. This is something very interesting and very special.”

In Practice: Creating a Strong Employee Experience

Every employee contributes to APS’s success, and the HR Department plays an important role in supporting that journey.

Through recruitment, communication, company events, and daily support, HR helps ensure that employees feel connected to the company and to each other.

Whether welcoming new colleagues, supporting employees throughout their careers, or creating opportunities for teams to connect, the department works closely with the entire APS community, to build a positive and collaborative workplace.

This people-focused approach allows APS to maintain a strong company culture, while continuing to grow and deliver reliable thermal printing solutions to customers worldwide.

Building the Future of APS Together

Behind every successful APS project are the people who make it possible. By supporting employees, encouraging collaboration, and creating opportunities to connect, the HR Department helps strengthen the foundation of APS.

Through professionalism, care, and teamwork, HR contributes to building a workplace where people can grow, collaborate, and be proud of what they achieve together.