At shoe retailer Torfs, it’s not just about the shoes, it’s about people. That becomes clear when talking to Charlotte Vandessel, recruiter since early 2025. Charlotte first joined Torfs as a student, completed her studies, and later returned to take on several roles within the company. That hands-on experience on the shop floor now helps her in her role as recruiter. “It really helps me explain to candidates what we do at Torfs and what each role involves, because I’ve lived it myself.”
A family feeling that goes beyond titles
Torfs is known as a family business with a warm culture. For Charlotte, that’s more than just a slogan. “We’re a flat organisation where titles don’t really matter. Our CEO and sales manager also spend time on the shop floor, and you can feel that closeness. Connection is central to who we are. You can truly be yourself here. You’re seen, heard, and respected for who you are. There’s genuine understanding among colleagues. That family feeling is real.”
Believing in people
What makes working at Torfs unique? According to Charlotte, it’s the trust and opportunities you get. “When you give your best and it feels right, we invest in you. It doesn’t all come easy, but you do get chances. That’s why many people stay for years. When it clicks, it really lasts.”
Inclusion is in their DNA
For Torfs, diversity and inclusion are part of daily life. “As a recruiter, I focus first on personality and motivation,” Charlotte explains. “Technical skills can always be taught, but warmth, positivity, and openness are essential. Background or religion doesn’t matter. Sometimes candidates wearing a hijab ask cautiously if that could be an issue. I find it sad they feel they need to ask, because for us it’s absolutely not a problem. On the contrary, we find it inspiring.”
That inclusive mindset is also reflected in their actions. New employees start with onboarding days that include a tour of the distribution centre and interactive workshops on customer warmth and communication. Leaders follow internal growth programmes focusing on empathetic leadership and connection. “We want everyone to feel grounded and confident, even when conversations get difficult. That’s something we consciously train for.”
Partnering with Hijabis at Work
Torfs intentionally chooses partnerships that align with their values. “We strongly believe in initiatives like Hijabis at Work because they perfectly fit our vision: being yourself, creating warmth, and fostering connection. It feels like a natural match, and that’s what makes it so meaningful.”
Being yourself, even during the job interview
Charlotte encourages candidates to show their real selves during interviews. “I usually start with a phone call, separate from the formal interview. I want to get to know the person and sense if there’s a connection. Of course, we also talk about practical things like weekend work, but the real question is: are you a true ‘Torfske’? Do you genuinely like people and enjoy a good conversation? That’s what determines if someone fits in our team.”
Learning from diversity
There are plenty of examples of inclusion in practice. Charlotte shares stories about collaborations with organisations that support independent living, and about colleagues returning to work after cancer treatments. “It only works when the whole team is on board, but when it does, it’s incredibly valuable. Everything we do revolves around connection, that’s our common thread.”
Religious and cultural expressions are also seen as a plus. “Many colleagues combine their hijab with stylish outfits. It’s not only inspiring, but also a positive example for society. It shows that differences are something to be celebrated, and that they can be a source of creativity.”
Challenges and the future
There are still challenges ahead. “Staying connected isn’t always easy. It takes courage to say you’re not feeling okay or that something isn’t working. That’s why we want to evolve from being a Great Place to Work to a Brave Place to Work. A place where people truly dare to be themselves and where we make a difference together. It’s an exciting journey, but our management leads the way, and that gives everyone the courage to do the same.”
Advice for other employers
Charlotte ends with a piece of advice for other companies: “Invest in a warm, value-driven culture. Build a workplace where people can truly be themselves. That’s where real opportunities lie, and that’s what has made Torfs strong for so many years.”
This article was written as part of a partnership between Torfs and Hijabis at Work. With the support of Torfs, we continue working towards a more inclusive job market.
