New Work: Bad check or opportunity for flexibility with sovereignty

In her keynote speech, Dr Nari Kahle pointed out that the processes can only be implemented properly with a general cultural change. Martin Bühre from enerCity illustrated what such a cultural change can look like. Company examples underpinned the fact that a change in thinking can only succeed if employers, works councils and employees work together. Only if managers and employees are convinced that they are part of a positive process will they show the corresponding willingness to rethink work. Matthias Holm emphasized the importance of always considering the issue of personal stress in the workplace and taking risk assessments seriously.

The joint discussion revealed the significant challenges for works councils associated with implementing new forms of cooperation and dismantling existing hierarchies within companies. In particular, with regard to the issue of working in the office or elsewhere, questions arise concerning spatial concepts for shared desk policies and the trust placed in employees to work intensively outside the office. It is therefore important to take the concerns and fears of colleagues on site seriously and to initiate a joint process.

It became clear that only well-trained committees can initiate processes and that networks such as i-connection provide invaluable assistance in order to make progress within the company.

The next network meeting is planned for March 4, 2025.