Our people are our greatest asset

If you were to ask Wikipedia or Siri the question ‘What makes Deutsche Werkstätten?’ then the answer might well be ‘Its employees.’ And in the case of Deutsche Werkstätten this is quite a force to be reckoned with if you consider the wealth of knowledge, skills, ideas and character that abound. However, as Fritz Straub explains, what really makes a difference is being able to motivate these individuals to consider not just their own responsibilities but to identify with the company as a whole. In his view, this is only possible if you have the right people who can inspire and motivate their colleagues. In a company such as this, which evolves with its projects in a constant learning process, there is no such thing as routine. It is, therefore, vital to find the right balance between maximum commitment to the client and maintaining a healthy work-life-balance.

While in some cases employees need to be encouraged, there are also those who may need to ‘slow down’. Deutsche Werkstätten values the well-being of its workforce. Whether it be for family reasons or personal development, the company supports its employees giving them the time and flexibility they need, with flexible working hours, home-office, mobile work opportunities, and possibilities to work part-time or apply for un-paid leave.

Editorial note: This article was published in 2020.