The challenge: Structuring HR from scratch in a new high-growth market
Picnic is a Dutch start-up with a mission to revolutionise home grocery delivery. Its innovative model combines proprietary technology with full control of the logistics chain, right down to last-mile delivery using electric vans.
Following exceptional growth in the Netherlands, Picnic launched in the French market in 2021 with a clear ambition: to become the leading player in home delivery.
France, alongside Germany, was one of Picnic’s first markets outside its home country.
To enable its ambitious growth plan, scaling from zero to 1,200 employees in just 18 months, Picnic partnered with HReact, seeking expert support to:
-Establish solid HR foundations from day one
-Anticipate future growth by designing HR processes that could scale efficiently
- Roll out Group HR initiatives, adapted to the specific legal and cultural context of France
HReact delivered a comprehensive HR setup, including:
-Designing all administrative and onboarding processes
-Drafting compliant employment contracts and legal documentation
- Implementing a payroll system with associated workflows
- Rolling out a competitive benefits offering
In short: every HR foundation had to be built from scratch, at speed, and tailored to the French legal and cultural landscape.
Picnic's successful HR launch in France was made possible thanks to a combination of strategic expertise and operational agility:
-Proven expertise in hypergrowth HR environments
-A flexible, agile approach aligned with Picnic’s disruptive business model
- Clear communication and strong conviction to build trust and ensure adoption